Nuclear Engineer Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee
The median nuclear engineer salary in Chattanooga, TN is $105,934 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.
Nuclear Engineer Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)
Chattanooga offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $105,934, which is $1,204 below the Tennessee state average of $107,138. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Chattanooga's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $105,934 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $120,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for nuclear engineers in Chattanooga spans from $66,880 at the 10th percentile to $156,640 at the 90th percentile — a $89,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,640, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $151,360. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Chattanooga by Experience
In Chattanooga, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $68,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN
| Percentile | Chattanooga |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $66,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,480 |
| Median (50th) | $105,934 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $156,640 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Tennessee Cities
How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Chattanooga
Education
Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Chattanooga
Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Chattanooga, TN: