Nuclear Engineer Salary in Michigan
Based on 330+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$129,940
$62.47/hr
vs National Average
$140,937
-7.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$81K – $159K
330 employed in Michigan
Nuclear Engineer salary in Michigan averages $129,940 per year, according to the latest employment data. With approximately 330 nuclear engineers currently working in the state, this position represents a specialized and stable career path. However, Michigan's median falls about 8% below the national average, reflecting regional economic factors and industry concentration.
Several variables influence nuclear engineer compensation in Michigan, including education level, years of experience, employer type, and specific facility assignments. Engineers working at major nuclear plants or research institutions typically earn toward the higher end of the range, which spans from $80,570 to $159,030 annually. Geographic proximity to nuclear facilities and professional certifications also play significant roles in determining individual salary outcomes.
Salary Distribution — Nuclear Engineer in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,570 |
| 25th percentile | $103,680 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $129,940 |
| 75th percentile | $156,590 |
| 90th percentile | $159,030 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $119,970 |
| 2023 | $125,130 |
| 2024 | $137,890 |
| 2025 | $129,940 |
| 2026 (projected) | $129,940 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $119,970 | $125,973 |
| 2023 | $125,130 | $126,302 |
| 2024 | $137,890 | $134,043 |
| 2025 | $129,940 | $140,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $129,940 | $140,937 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $103,680 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $129,940 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $156,590 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $159,030 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Nuclear Engineer Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Nuclear Engineer ($129,940 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nuclear Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in MI | $166,930 | +28.5% | $80.25/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in MI | $128,960 | -0.8% | $62.00/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in MI | $106,070 | -18.4% | $51.00/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in MI | $105,080 | -19.1% | $50.52/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in MI | $104,890 | -19.3% | $50.43/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in MI | $103,230 | -20.6% | $49.63/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in MI | $101,680 | -21.7% | $48.88/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in MI | $100,940 | -22.3% | $48.53/hr |
| Materials Engineer in MI | $94,050 | -27.6% | $45.22/hr |
| Civil Engineer in MI | $92,100 | -29.1% | $44.28/hr |
| Marine Engineer in MI | $76,210 | -41.3% | $36.64/hr |
| Lawyer in MI | $130,520 | +0.4% | $62.75/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear engineers make in Michigan?
- The median salary for nuclear engineers in Michigan is $129,940 per year, or $62 per hour. This is about 7.8% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for nuclear engineers in Michigan?
- Nuclear engineer salaries in Michigan range from $80,570 at the lower end to $159,030 at the higher end, representing a span of nearly $79,000 depending on experience and qualifications.
How many nuclear engineers are employed in Michigan?
- There are approximately 330 nuclear engineers currently employed in Michigan, making it a relatively specialized field with limited job opportunities in the state.
Is the Michigan nuclear engineer salary competitive compared to the national average?
- No, Michigan's median nuclear engineer salary of $129,940 is 7.8% below the national average, meaning nuclear engineers in Michigan earn less than their counterparts in other states.