Engineering Richmond, VA Pop. 226,610

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Richmond, Virginia

The median nuclear engineer salary in Richmond, VA is $120,380 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$120,380
vs State Avg
$-4,815
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Richmond offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $120,380, which is $4,815 below the Virginia state average of $125,195. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Richmond pays above average for this role.

Richmond'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 Richmond 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. With a population of 226,610, Richmond is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Richmond by Experience

In Richmond, 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 Richmond, VA

Percentile Richmond
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 Virginia Cities

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Richmond

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Richmond

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Richmond, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Richmond

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Richmond, VA? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Richmond, Virginia 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 Richmond? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,380, a nuclear engineer in Richmond earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Richmond compare to the Virginia state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Richmond's median nuclear engineer salary of $120,380 is 3.8% below the Virginia state average of $125,195. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Richmond, VA? ▼
Richmond has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $120,380 in Richmond has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Richmond? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Richmond 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.