Engineering Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median nuclear engineer salary in Nashville, TN is $120,380 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$120,380
vs State Avg
+$13,242
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Nashville offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $120,380, which is $13,242 above the Tennessee state average of $107,138. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% 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 Nashville spans from $76,000 at the 10th percentile to $178,000 at the 90th percentile — a $102,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,000, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,000. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $78,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$122,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $76,000
25th Percentile $96,000
Median (50th) $120,380
75th Percentile $148,000
90th Percentile $178,000

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Nashville

Education

Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee 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 Nashville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Nashville

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Nashville, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Nashville

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $120,380 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $76,000 (10th percentile) to $178,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,380, a nuclear engineer in Nashville earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Nashville's median nuclear engineer salary of $120,380 is 12.4% above the Tennessee state average of $107,138. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $120,380 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Nashville? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Nashville 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.