Engineering Vancouver, WA Pop. 190,915

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Vancouver, Washington

The median nuclear engineer salary in Vancouver, WA is $122,788 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 11.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$122,788
vs State Avg
$-15,649
vs National
+$2,408
Cost of Living
102%

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

Vancouver offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $122,788, which is $15,649 below the Washington state average of $138,437. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Vancouver pays above average for this role.

Vancouver'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 Vancouver 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 190,915, Vancouver is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Vancouver by Experience

In Vancouver, 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 Vancouver, WA

Percentile Vancouver
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 Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$182,978
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$178,162
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$132,418
Pop. 219,346
Spokane, WA
$110,750
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Vancouver

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Vancouver

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Vancouver, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Vancouver

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Vancouver, WA? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Vancouver, Washington 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 Vancouver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $122,788, a nuclear engineer in Vancouver earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Vancouver compare to the Washington state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Vancouver's median nuclear engineer salary of $122,788 is 11.3% below the Washington state average of $138,437. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Vancouver, WA? ▼
Vancouver has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $122,788 in Vancouver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Vancouver? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Vancouver 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.