Nuclear Engineer Salary in California
Based on 1K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$172,400
$82.88/hr
vs National Average
$140,937
+22.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$110K – $208K
1K employed in California
Nuclear engineer salary in California reflects strong demand for skilled professionals in the state's energy sector. The median annual compensation for nuclear engineers working in California is $172,400, positioning the state well above national trends. With approximately 1,070 nuclear engineers currently employed throughout California, this specialized field offers competitive wages for qualified candidates seeking technical careers in the energy industry.
Several factors influence nuclear engineer salary in California, including experience level, educational credentials, and specific employer type. Engineers working at major utility companies or research facilities typically earn toward the higher end of the $109,990 to $207,740 salary range. Geographic location within California, certifications, and years of professional experience also play significant roles in determining individual compensation packages in this specialized technical field.
Salary Distribution — Nuclear Engineer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $109,990 |
| 25th percentile | $135,400 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $172,400 |
| 75th percentile | $176,390 |
| 90th percentile | $207,740 |
Top-Paying Industries for Nuclear Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Nuclear Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Nuclear Engineers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $143,600 | 6K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $137,920 | 950 |
| Utilities | $134,250 | 4K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $131,690 | 340 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $119,520 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Nuclear Engineer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $169,090 |
| 2024 | $167,660 |
| 2025 | $172,400 |
| 2026 (projected) | $177,274 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $169,090 | $125,973 |
| 2024 | $167,660 | $134,043 |
| 2025 | $172,400 | $140,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $177,274 | $144,922 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $135,400 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $172,400 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $176,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $207,740 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Nuclear Engineer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Nuclear Engineer ($172,400 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nuclear Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CA | $210,280 | +22.0% | $101.10/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CA | $157,620 | -8.6% | $75.78/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CA | $144,040 | -16.5% | $69.25/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CA | $143,590 | -16.7% | $69.03/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CA | $130,900 | -24.1% | $62.93/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CA | $130,410 | -24.4% | $62.70/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CA | $128,470 | -25.5% | $61.76/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CA | $128,310 | -25.6% | $61.69/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CA | $124,600 | -27.7% | $59.90/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CA | $122,500 | -28.9% | $58.89/hr |
| Marine Engineer in CA | $110,700 | -35.8% | $53.22/hr |
| Software Developer in CA | $174,410 | +1.2% | $83.85/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear engineers make in California?
- Nuclear engineers in California earn a median salary of $172,400 per year, or approximately $83 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 22.3% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for nuclear engineers in California?
- Nuclear engineer salaries in California range from $109,990 at the lower end to $207,740 at the higher end, depending on experience, employer, and specialization.
Is nuclear engineering a well-paid career in California?
- Yes, nuclear engineering is well-compensated in California with a median salary of $172,400 annually, which exceeds the national average by 22.3%. There are approximately 1,070 nuclear engineers employed in the state.
How much more do nuclear engineers earn in California versus the national average?
- Nuclear engineers in California earn 22.3% more than the national average, with a median salary of $172,400 per year compared to lower national figures for the same profession.