Engineering Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median nuclear engineer salary in Chesapeake, VA is $117,972 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$117,972
vs State Avg
$-7,223
vs National
$-2,408
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $117,972, which is $7,223 below the Virginia state average of $125,195. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $74,480 at the 10th percentile to $174,440 at the 90th percentile — a $99,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,440, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $168,560. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $76,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $168,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,440
$-1,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,560
$-2,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$168,560
$-3,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $74,480
25th Percentile $94,080
Median (50th) $117,972
75th Percentile $145,040
90th Percentile $174,440

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$158,902
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$122,788
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$120,380
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$115,565
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Chesapeake, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $117,972 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $74,480 (10th percentile) to $174,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,972, a nuclear engineer in Chesapeake earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median nuclear engineer salary of $117,972 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $125,195. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $117,972 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Chesapeake? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Chesapeake 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.