Nuclear Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 9K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$140,937
$67.758/hr
▲ 5.1% vs 2024Salary Range
$129K – $207K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
9K
workers nationwide
Nuclear engineers in the United States earn a median salary of $134,043 per year, reflecting the specialized nature of this highly technical field. With approximately 12,300 workers employed in this profession, nuclear engineers represent a small but critical workforce supporting the nation's energy infrastructure and regulatory compliance needs.
Several factors influence nuclear engineer salary in the United States, including experience level, educational credentials, and employer type. Engineers working for government agencies or large utility companies typically earn at the higher end of the $141,810 to $203,990 range, while those early in their careers or in smaller organizations may earn less. Geographic location, security clearance status, and specialized certifications also play significant roles in compensation variation.
Salary Distribution — Nuclear Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $128,960 |
| 25th percentile | $164,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $140,937 |
| 75th percentile | $204,940 |
| 90th percentile | $207,480 |
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 |
Historical Salary Trend — Nuclear Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $125,973 |
| 2023 | $126,302 |
| 2024 | $134,043 |
| 2025 | $140,937 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear engineers make per hour in the United States?
- Nuclear engineers in the United States earn a median hourly wage of $64/hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $134,043, making it a lucrative career in the engineering field.
What is the salary range for nuclear engineers?
- Nuclear engineer salaries in the United States range from $141,810 to $203,990 annually. The wide range reflects differences in experience, location, employer, and specialization within the nuclear engineering field.
Which city pays nuclear engineers the most?
- The District of Columbia offers the highest salaries for nuclear engineers, with a top paying average of $189,800 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median, reflecting the concentration of government and defense sector positions in the area.
How many nuclear engineers are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 12,300 nuclear engineers currently employed in the United States. This relatively small workforce reflects the specialized nature of nuclear engineering and the limited number of facilities operating in the country.