Nuclear Engineer Salary in Tacoma, Washington
The median nuclear engineer salary in Tacoma, WA is $132,418 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.
Nuclear Engineer Pay in Tacoma: What to Expect (2026)
Tacoma offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $132,418, which is $6,019 below the Washington state average of $138,437. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Tacoma pays above average for this role.
Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $83,600 at the 10th percentile to $195,800 at the 90th percentile — a $112,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $85,800, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Tacoma by Experience
In Tacoma, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $85,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA
| Percentile | Tacoma |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $83,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,600 |
| Median (50th) | $132,418 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $195,800 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Washington Cities
How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Tacoma
Education
Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Tacoma and the surrounding Washington 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 Tacoma may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Tacoma
Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Tacoma, WA: