Nuclear Engineer Salary in 2026
Nuclear engineers research and develop nuclear energy processes and systems for power generation, medical applications, and national defense. They ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
Median Salary
$120,000
$10,000/mo
Entry Level
$78,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$149,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Nuclear Engineer Overview
Nuclear engineers research and develop nuclear energy processes and systems for power generation, medical applications, and national defense. They ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Engineering
Total Jobs (US)
18K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$57.69/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,000
Nuclear Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Nuclear Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Nuclear Engineer Salary
$125,000
$10,417/month · $4,808/biweekly · $60.10/hr
Nuclear Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Nuclear Engineer field.
Entry-level Nuclear Engineers earn around $78,000, while the top 10% earn $165,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Nuclear Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $127,000 | +$7,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $120,000 | $0 |
| Tennessee | $112,000 | $-8,000 |
| South Carolina | $110,000 | $-10,000 |
| Idaho | $110,000 | $-10,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Nuclear Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $138,000 | +$18,000 |
| Pittsburgh | $114,000 | $-6,000 |
| Oak Ridge | $110,000 | $-10,000 |
| Aiken | $108,000 | $-12,000 |
| Idaho Falls | $108,000 | $-12,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Nuclear Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Nuclear Engineer from entry level to expert.
$78,000
0-2 years
$114,000
3-7 years
$149,000
8-14 years
$181,000
15+ years
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Nuclear Engineer Salary FAQ
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