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
$133,970
$11,164/mo
Entry Level
$87,100
starting pay
Senior Level
$166,300
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Nuclear Engineers (SOC 17-2161) at a national median of $133,970 per year (mean $140,420), or $64.41 per hour, with 15,280 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
15K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$64.41/hr
Monthly Pay
$11,164
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
$139,000
$11,583/month · $5,346/biweekly · $66.83/hr
Nuclear Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Nuclear Engineer field.
Entry-level Nuclear Engineers earn around $87,100, while the top 10% earn $184,200 or more.
Top Paying States for Nuclear Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $142,000 | +$8,030 |
| Pennsylvania | $134,000 | +$30 |
| Tennessee | $125,000 | $-8,970 |
| South Carolina | $123,000 | $-10,970 |
| Idaho | $123,000 | $-10,970 |
Top Paying Cities for Nuclear Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $154,000 | +$20,030 |
| Pittsburgh | $127,000 | $-6,970 |
| Oak Ridge | $123,000 | $-10,970 |
| Aiken | $121,000 | $-12,970 |
| Idaho Falls | $121,000 | $-12,970 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Nuclear Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Nuclear Engineer from entry level to expert.
$87,100
0-2 years
$127,000
3-7 years
$166,300
8-14 years
$202,100
15+ years
Related Engineering Jobs
Nuclear Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Nuclear Engineer in the United States is $133,970 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Nuclear Engineers (SOC 17-2161); the mean is $140,420. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $87,100, senior professionals around $166,300, and top earners at $202,100 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Nuclear Engineer?
A Nuclear Engineer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include Nuclear Physics, Reactor Design, Radiation Safety. Relevant certifications such as PE License or NRC License can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Nuclear Engineers?
The job market for Nuclear Engineers is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 15K Nuclear Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 13%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Nuclear Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for Nuclear Engineers include Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina. In Virginia, the median salary is approximately $142,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Nuclear Engineer salary?
To increase your Nuclear Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Nuclear Physics and Reactor Design. Pursue certifications such as PE License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Washington DC. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $87,100 to $166,300 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Nuclear Engineer Salary
How we calculate Nuclear Engineer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Nuclear Engineers (SOC 17-2161), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $133,970, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Nuclear Engineers; BLS mean $140,420; BLS hourly median $64.41.
- Entry-level ($87,100) and senior-level ($166,300) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 15,280 Nuclear Engineers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 13% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Engineering sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $133,970; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Nuclear Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nuclear Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Engineering
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Nuclear Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Nuclear Physics, Reactor Design, Radiation Safety), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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