Nuclear Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 9K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$140,937
$67.76/hr
▲ 5.1% vs 2024Salary Range
$95K – $183K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
9K
workers nationwide
The median Nuclear Engineer salary in the United States is $140,937 per year, equivalent to $68 per hour. This compensation reflects the specialized knowledge and critical responsibilities involved in designing, developing, and operating nuclear systems. The typical salary range falls between $94,692 and $183,118 annually.
Several factors influence a Nuclear Engineer's pay, including years of experience, specific industry (e.g., power generation, defense, research), educational attainment, and geographic location. Those in high cost-of-living areas or specialized roles may command higher salaries, with the District of Columbia being a prime example, reporting a median of $195,190.
Salary Distribution — Nuclear Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $94,692 |
| 25th percentile | $116,855 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $140,937 |
| 75th percentile | $163,126 |
| 90th percentile | $183,118 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Nuclear Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $195,190 | +38.5% | 230 |
| 2 | California | $172,400 | +22.3% | 1K |
| 3 | New Mexico | $164,300 | +16.6% | 500 |
| 4 | Maryland | $157,960 | +12.1% | 180 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $145,760 | +3.4% | 210 |
| 6 | New York | $141,200 | +0.2% | 150 |
| 7 | Florida | $135,400 | -3.9% | 120 |
| 8 | Illinois | $134,510 | -4.6% | 1K |
| 9 | Idaho | $133,970 | -4.9% | — |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | $133,250 | -5.5% | 340 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary by Industry
How much Nuclear Engineers earn across industries nationwide — Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services pays the most ($143,600 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $143,600 | +1.9% | 6K |
| 2 | Administrative and Support Services | $137,920 | -2.1% | 950 |
| 3 | Utilities | $134,250 | -4.7% | 4K |
| 4 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $131,690 | -6.6% | 340 |
| 5 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $119,520 | -15.2% | 3K |
| 6 | Manufacturing | $106,030 | -24.8% | 780 |
| 7 | Educational Services | $87,940 | -37.6% | 170 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Nuclear Engineer
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Nuclear Engineer roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ut-Battelle (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) | $143,691 | 5 |
| 2 | Uchicago Argonne | $94,486 | 4 |
Historical Salary Trend — Nuclear Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $125,973 |
| 2023 | $126,302 |
| 2024 | $134,043 |
| 2025 | $140,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $148,186 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Nuclear Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $116,855 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $140,937 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $163,126 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $183,118 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Nuclear Engineer in the US?
- The median Nuclear Engineer salary in the United States is $140,937 per year. The salary range for this profession typically spans from $94,692 to $183,118 annually.
What is the highest paying state for Nuclear Engineers?
- The District of Columbia offers the highest compensation for Nuclear Engineers, with a reported median salary of $195,190. This figure significantly exceeds the national median.
How many Nuclear Engineers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 8,550 Nuclear Engineers employed across the United States. This indicates a specialized but established field within the engineering sector.
Is the salary for Nuclear Engineers competitive?
- Yes, the Nuclear Engineer salary in the United States is generally competitive, with a median of $140,937 and a range reaching up to $183,118. This compensation reflects the advanced skills and responsibilities required.