Engineering Parkersburg, WV Pop. 29,675

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia

The median nuclear engineer salary in Parkersburg, WV is $96,304 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$96,304
vs State Avg
$-4,815
vs National
$-24,076
Cost of Living
80%

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

Parkersburg offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $96,304, which is $4,815 below the West Virginia state average of $101,119. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $96,304 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $120,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Parkersburg spans from $60,800 at the 10th percentile to $142,400 at the 90th percentile — a $81,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,400, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,600. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $62,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,400
$-15,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,600
$-24,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,600
$-34,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Parkersburg, WV

Percentile Parkersburg
10th Percentile $60,800
25th Percentile $76,800
Median (50th) $96,304
75th Percentile $118,400
90th Percentile $142,400

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Parkersburg

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Parkersburg

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Parkersburg, WV:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia is $96,304 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $60,800 (10th percentile) to $142,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Parkersburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,304, a nuclear engineer in Parkersburg earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Parkersburg's median nuclear engineer salary of $96,304 is 4.8% below the West Virginia state average of $101,119. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $96,304 in Parkersburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Parkersburg? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Parkersburg 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.