Engineering Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median nuclear engineer salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $122,788 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$122,788
vs State Avg
$-2,407
vs National
+$2,408
Cost of Living
102%

Nuclear Engineer Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $122,788, which is $2,407 below the Virginia state average of $125,195. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% 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 Virginia Beach spans from $77,520 at the 10th percentile to $181,560 at the 90th percentile — a $104,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,560, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $175,440. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $79,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $175,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,560
+$1,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,440
+$2,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$175,440
+$3,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $77,520
25th Percentile $97,920
Median (50th) $122,788
75th Percentile $150,960
90th Percentile $181,560

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Virginia Beach

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $122,788 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $77,520 (10th percentile) to $181,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $122,788, a nuclear engineer in Virginia Beach earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median nuclear engineer salary of $122,788 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $125,195. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $122,788 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Virginia Beach 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.