Engineering Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Austin, Texas

The median nuclear engineer salary in Austin, TX is $126,399 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$126,399
vs State Avg
+$15,649
vs National
+$6,019
Cost of Living
105%

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

Austin offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $126,399, which is $15,649 above the Texas state average of $110,750. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% 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 Austin spans from $79,800 at the 10th percentile to $186,900 at the 90th percentile — a $107,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,900, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,600. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $81,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,900
+$3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,100
+$6,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,600
+$8,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $79,800
25th Percentile $100,800
Median (50th) $126,399
75th Percentile $155,400
90th Percentile $186,900

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Texas Cities

Dallas, TX
$120,380
Pop. 1,304,379
Houston, TX
$115,565
Pop. 2,304,580
Fort Worth, TX
$110,750
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$105,934
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Austin

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Austin

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Austin, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Austin

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Austin, Texas is $126,399 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $79,800 (10th percentile) to $186,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,399, a nuclear engineer in Austin earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Austin's median nuclear engineer salary of $126,399 is 14.1% above the Texas state average of $110,750. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $126,399 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Austin? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Austin 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.