Engineering Sioux Falls, SD Pop. 192,517

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The median nuclear engineer salary in Sioux Falls, SD is $110,750 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$110,750
vs State Avg
+$4,816
vs National
$-9,630
Cost of Living
92%

Nuclear Engineer Pay in Sioux Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux Falls offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $110,750, which is $4,816 above the South Dakota state average of $105,934. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Sioux Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Sioux Falls's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Sioux Falls spans from $69,920 at the 10th percentile to $163,760 at the 90th percentile — a $93,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,760, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $158,240. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $71,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $158,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,240
$-9,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$158,240
$-13,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux Falls, SD

Percentile Sioux Falls
10th Percentile $69,920
25th Percentile $88,320
Median (50th) $110,750
75th Percentile $136,160
90th Percentile $163,760

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Rapid City, SD
$108,342
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$103,527
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$101,119
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$98,712
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Sioux Falls

Education

Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Sioux Falls

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Sioux Falls, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Sioux Falls

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $110,750 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $69,920 (10th percentile) to $163,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Sioux Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,750, a nuclear engineer in Sioux Falls earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux Falls compare to the South Dakota state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Sioux Falls's median nuclear engineer salary of $110,750 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $105,934. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
Sioux Falls has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $110,750 in Sioux Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Sioux Falls? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Sioux Falls 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.