Nuclear Engineer Salary in Mitchell, SD: $98,712 (2026)

Nuclear Engineer Pay in Mitchell: What to Expect (2026)

Mitchell offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $98,712, which is $7,222 below the South Dakota state average of $105,934. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Mitchell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Mitchell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $98,712 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $120,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Mitchell spans from $62,320 at the 10th percentile to $145,960 at the 90th percentile — a $83,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,960, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $141,040. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $63,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $141,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$63,960

$-14,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$100,040

$-21,960 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$141,040

$-30,960 vs national

Percentile	Mitchell	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$62,320	$66,880	$76,000
25th Percentile	$78,720	$84,480	$96,000
Median (50th)	$98,712	$105,934	$120,380
75th Percentile	$121,360	$130,240	$148,000
90th Percentile	$145,960	$156,640	$178,000

Percentile

Mitchell

10th Percentile

$62,320

25th Percentile

$78,720

Median (50th)

$98,712

75th Percentile

$121,360

90th Percentile

$145,960

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Mitchell

Education

Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Mitchell and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook

Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Mitchell may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Mitchell

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Mitchell, SD? ▼

The median nuclear engineer salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $98,712 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $62,320 (10th percentile) to $145,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Mitchell? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $98,712, a nuclear engineer in Mitchell earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Mitchell compare to the South Dakota state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼

Mitchell's median nuclear engineer salary of $98,712 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $105,934. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Mitchell, SD? ▼

Mitchell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $98,712 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Mitchell? ▼

Most nuclear engineer positions in Mitchell require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Nuclear Physics, Reactor Design, Safety Analysis, Radiation Protection. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Mitchell, South Dakota