Nuclear Engineer Salary in Illinois
Based on 1K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$134,510
$64.67/hr
vs National Average
$140,937
-4.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$103K – $171K
1K employed in Illinois
Nuclear engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $134,510 per year, with approximately 1,040 workers employed in this specialized field. While this represents a solid income, the nuclear engineer salary in Illinois runs about 5% below the national average, with compensation typically ranging from $102,890 to $171,060 annually depending on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence earning potential for nuclear engineers in this state, including years of experience, educational credentials, specific employer type, and job location within Illinois. Those working at major nuclear facilities or in management positions tend to command higher salaries, while entry-level professionals and those in support roles may fall toward the lower end of the range. Industry demand and specialized certifications also play important roles in determining individual compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Nuclear Engineer in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $102,890 |
| 25th percentile | $112,260 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $134,510 |
| 75th percentile | $162,440 |
| 90th percentile | $171,060 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $124,640 |
| 2023 | $121,550 |
| 2024 | $130,160 |
| 2025 | $134,510 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,005 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $124,640 | $125,973 |
| 2023 | $121,550 | $126,302 |
| 2024 | $130,160 | $134,043 |
| 2025 | $134,510 | $140,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,005 | $145,647 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $112,260 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $134,510 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $162,440 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $171,060 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Nuclear Engineer Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Nuclear Engineer ($134,510 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nuclear Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in IL | $163,610 | +21.6% | $78.66/hr |
| Materials Engineer in IL | $126,620 | -5.9% | $60.88/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in IL | $121,560 | -9.6% | $58.44/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in IL | $108,940 | -19.0% | $52.38/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in IL | $107,990 | -19.7% | $51.92/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in IL | $107,860 | -19.8% | $51.86/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in IL | $102,680 | -23.7% | $49.37/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in IL | $100,540 | -25.3% | $48.34/hr |
| Civil Engineer in IL | $99,760 | -25.8% | $47.96/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IL | $89,520 | -33.4% | $43.04/hr |
| Veterinarian in IL | $133,580 | -0.7% | $64.22/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in IL | $133,220 | -1.0% | $64.05/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear engineers make in Illinois?
- Nuclear engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $134,510 per year, or approximately $65 per hour. This is 4.6% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for nuclear engineers in Illinois?
- Nuclear engineer salaries in Illinois range from $102,890 at the lower end to $171,060 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Is nuclear engineering a well-paid job in Illinois?
- Yes, nuclear engineering is a well-compensated career in Illinois with a median salary of $134,510 annually, though it pays slightly less than the national average at 4.6% below.
How many nuclear engineers work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 1,040 nuclear engineers currently employed in Illinois.