Nuclear Engineer Salary in Norfolk, Virginia
The median nuclear engineer salary in Norfolk, VA is $115,565 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 7.7% below the Virginia state average.
Nuclear Engineer Pay in Norfolk: What to Expect (2026)
Norfolk offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $115,565, which is $9,630 below the Virginia state average of $125,195. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Norfolk pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Norfolk's cost of living is 96% 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 Norfolk spans from $72,960 at the 10th percentile to $170,880 at the 90th percentile — a $97,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,880, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $165,120. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Norfolk by Experience
In Norfolk, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $74,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA
| Percentile | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $72,960 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,160 |
| Median (50th) | $115,565 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $170,880 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities
How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Norfolk
Education
Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Norfolk and the surrounding Virginia 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 Norfolk may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Norfolk
Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Norfolk, VA: