Engineering Wisconsin (WI) Rank #32 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Wisconsin

The median nuclear engineer salary in Wisconsin is $110,750 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$110,750
vs National
$-9,630
State Rank
#32 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Nuclear Engineer Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #32 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer compensation. Nuclear Engineer salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $110,750 per year, nuclear engineers in Wisconsin earn $9,630 less than the national median of $120,380.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $110,750 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $120,380 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: nuclear engineers at the 10th percentile earn $69,920, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $163,760 — a $93,840 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $120,380.

Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for nuclear engineers across the country.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $71,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $158,240 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,240
$-9,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$158,240
$-13,760 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $69,920
25th Percentile $88,320
Median (50th) $110,750
75th Percentile $136,160
90th Percentile $163,760

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Wisconsin

Education

Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Wisconsin is $110,750 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $69,920 (10th percentile) to $163,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,750, a nuclear engineer in Wisconsin earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for nuclear engineers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #32 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level nuclear engineers earn $71,760, while senior professionals earn $158,240.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for nuclear engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nuclear engineers is Hawaii at $204,646. Wisconsin's median of $110,750 ranks #32 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($110,750) and Texas ($110,750).
What is the entry-level nuclear engineer salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level nuclear engineer in Wisconsin earns approximately $71,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $112,240. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $158,240.
What city in Wisconsin pays nuclear engineers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for nuclear engineers, with a median salary of $120,380. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.