Nuclear Engineer Salary in South Carolina
Based on 1K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$126,570
$60.85/hr
vs National Average
$140,937
-10.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$84K – $160K
1K employed in South Carolina
The median Nuclear Engineer salary in South Carolina stands at $126,570 annually, positioning it at 10% below the national average for this specialized field. Currently, South Carolina employs approximately 1,440 Nuclear Engineers, with the typical salary range falling between $83,970 and $159,740 per year, reflecting diverse experience levels and roles within the state.
Factors influencing the Nuclear Engineer salary in South Carolina include the specific employer, whether it's a government facility or a private company, and the engineer's years of experience and educational qualifications. The demand for nuclear expertise within the state's energy sector and research institutions also plays a significant role in determining compensation packages for these critical professionals.
Salary Distribution — Nuclear Engineer in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $83,970 |
| 25th percentile | $104,730 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $126,570 |
| 75th percentile | $138,250 |
| 90th percentile | $159,740 |
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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,200 |
| 2023 | $104,270 |
| 2024 | $107,880 |
| 2025 | $126,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,164 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,200 | $125,973 |
| 2023 | $104,270 | $126,302 |
| 2024 | $107,880 | $134,043 |
| 2025 | $126,570 | $140,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,164 | $149,393 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $104,730 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $126,570 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $138,250 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $159,740 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Nuclear Engineer Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Nuclear Engineer ($126,570 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nuclear Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in SC | $169,040 | +33.6% | $81.27/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in SC | $137,030 | +8.3% | $65.88/hr |
| Marine Engineer in SC | $136,990 | +8.2% | $65.86/hr |
| Materials Engineer in SC | $121,610 | -3.9% | $58.47/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in SC | $104,580 | -17.4% | $50.28/hr |
| Civil Engineer in SC | $101,600 | -19.7% | $48.85/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in SC | $101,570 | -19.8% | $48.83/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in SC | $101,060 | -20.2% | $48.59/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in SC | $99,130 | -21.7% | $47.66/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in SC | $98,440 | -22.2% | $47.33/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in SC | $96,140 | -24.0% | $46.22/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in SC | $126,880 | +0.2% | $61.00/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in South Carolina?
- The median salary for a Nuclear Engineer in South Carolina is $126,570 per year, which is equivalent to $61 per hour. The typical salary range falls between $83,970 and $159,740 annually.
What is the average Nuclear Engineer salary in South Carolina compared to the national average?
- Nuclear Engineers in South Carolina earn 10.2% less than the national average. While the national average is not specified, the median in South Carolina is $126,570 annually.
What is the salary range for Nuclear Engineers in South Carolina?
- In South Carolina, Nuclear Engineers can expect to earn a salary ranging from $83,970 on the lower end to $159,740 on the higher end. The median salary for this profession in the state is $126,570 per year.
How many Nuclear Engineers are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 1,440 Nuclear Engineers currently employed in South Carolina. The median annual salary for these professionals in the state is $126,570.