Nuclear Engineer Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 230+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$195,190
$93.84/hr
vs National Average
$140,937
+38.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$129K – $207K
230 employed in District of Columbia
Nuclear engineer salary in District of Columbia averages $195,190 annually, positioning the nation's capital as a premier market for this specialized profession. This figure significantly outpaces the national average by 38 percent, reflecting the region's concentration of government agencies, research institutions, and defense contractors that heavily employ nuclear engineers.
Several factors influence nuclear engineer salary in District of Columbia, including experience level, educational credentials, and employer type. Federal government positions typically offer competitive compensation packages, while private sector roles and specialized technical expertise can command premium wages. The relatively concentrated employment base of 230 workers also creates competitive conditions that support higher average salaries compared to other regions.
Salary Distribution — Nuclear Engineer in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $128,960 |
| 25th percentile | $164,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $195,190 |
| 75th percentile | $204,940 |
| 90th percentile | $207,480 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $159,620 |
| 2023 | $174,390 |
| 2024 | $189,800 |
| 2025 | $195,190 |
| 2026 (projected) | $200,733 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $159,620 | $125,973 |
| 2023 | $174,390 | $126,302 |
| 2024 | $189,800 | $134,043 |
| 2025 | $195,190 | $140,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $200,733 | $144,939 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $164,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $195,190 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $204,940 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $207,480 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Nuclear Engineer Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Nuclear Engineer ($195,190 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nuclear Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in DC | $185,220 | -5.1% | $89.05/hr |
| Marine Engineer in DC | $172,330 | -11.7% | $82.85/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in DC | $157,600 | -19.3% | $75.77/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in DC | $143,000 | -26.7% | $68.75/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in DC | $133,300 | -31.7% | $64.09/hr |
| Civil Engineer in DC | $103,880 | -46.8% | $49.94/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in DC | $103,300 | -47.1% | $49.66/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in DC | $100,920 | -48.3% | $48.52/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in DC | $195,190 | +0.0% | $93.84/hr |
| Lawyer in DC | $195,190 | +0.0% | $93.84/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in DC | $197,600 | +1.2% | $95.00/hr |
| Financial Examiner in DC | $198,720 | +1.8% | $95.54/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear engineers make in Washington DC?
- Nuclear engineers in Washington DC earn a median salary of $195,190 per year, or approximately $94 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 38.5% premium for working in the District of Columbia.
What is the salary range for nuclear engineers in DC?
- The salary range for nuclear engineers in Washington DC spans from $128,960 to $207,480 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, specific role responsibilities, and individual qualifications within the field.
Is the nuclear engineer salary in DC higher than the national average?
- Yes, nuclear engineers in Washington DC earn 38.5% more than the national average. With a median salary of $195,190 in DC compared to the national average, the district offers significantly higher compensation for this profession.
How many nuclear engineers work in Washington DC?
- Approximately 230 nuclear engineers are currently employed in Washington DC. This relatively small employment base reflects the specialized nature of the nuclear engineering profession in the district.