Nuclear Engineer Salary in 2026
How Much Do Nuclear Engineers Make?
Nuclear Engineers earn a median annual salary of $127,520 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $88,290 at the 10th percentile to $187,430 at the 90th percentile — a range of $99,140. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $189,800.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $88,290 |
| 25th percentile | $103,010 |
| Median (50th) | $127,520 |
| 75th percentile | $157,600 |
| 90th percentile | $187,430 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $189,800 |
| California | $167,660 |
| New York | $159,290 |
| Maryland | $150,340 |
| Minnesota | $150,260 |
| Nebraska | $149,280 |
| Alabama | $144,410 |
| Massachusetts | $141,520 |
| New Mexico | $140,070 |
| Michigan | $137,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $134,580 |
| Idaho | $130,210 |
| Illinois | $130,160 |
| Georgia | $129,820 |
| Florida | $129,230 |
| North Carolina | $128,150 |
| Missouri | $126,010 |
| Washington | $125,130 |
| Ohio | $122,820 |
| Maine | $120,700 |
| Virginia | $108,740 |
| South Carolina | $107,880 |
| Texas | $100,000 |
| Wisconsin | $93,080 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Nuclear Engineers
Nuclear Engineer Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$88,290 – $103,010 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$127,520 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$157,600 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $187,430+ |
How to Earn More as a Nuclear Engineer
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Nuclear Engineers in District of Columbia earn $189,800 — $62,280 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($157,600) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Nuclear Engineer Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineerthis career | $127,520 |
| Geothermal Production Manager | $121,440 |
| Biomass Power Plant Manager | $121,440 |
| Hydroelectric Production Manager | $121,440 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Manager | $167,740 |
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SOC: 17-2161.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.