Engineering Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median nuclear engineer salary in Bellevue, WA is $182,978 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$182,978
vs State Avg
+$44,541
vs National
+$62,598
Cost of Living
152%

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

Bellevue offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $182,978, which is $44,541 above the Washington state average of $138,437. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $182,978 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $120,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Bellevue spans from $115,520 at the 10th percentile to $270,560 at the 90th percentile — a $155,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $118,560, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $261,440. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $118,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $261,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$118,560
+$40,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$185,440
+$63,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$261,440
+$89,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $115,520
25th Percentile $145,920
Median (50th) $182,978
75th Percentile $224,960
90th Percentile $270,560

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Bellevue

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Bellevue, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Bellevue, Washington is $182,978 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $115,520 (10th percentile) to $270,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $182,978, a nuclear engineer in Bellevue earns approximately $88 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Bellevue's median nuclear engineer salary of $182,978 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $138,437. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $182,978 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Bellevue? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Bellevue 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.