Nuclear Engineer Salary in Washington
Based on 1K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$129,480
$62.25/hr
vs National Average
$140,937
-8.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$83K – $201K
1K employed in Washington
The Nuclear Engineer salary in Washington presents a median of $129,480 annually, falling 8% below the national average. This figure reflects the compensation for approximately 1,380 professionals working in this specialized field within the state, with salaries generally ranging from $83,100 to $200,930.
Several factors can influence a Nuclear Engineer salary in Washington. Experience level and specific skill sets, such as expertise in reactor design or nuclear safety, play a significant role. Additionally, the size and type of employer, whether in government, private industry, or research institutions, along with the specific geographic location within Washington, can contribute to variations in earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Nuclear Engineer in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $83,100 |
| 25th percentile | $109,550 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $129,480 |
| 75th percentile | $153,960 |
| 90th percentile | $200,930 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $108,480 |
| 2023 | $116,100 |
| 2024 | $125,130 |
| 2025 | $129,480 |
| 2026 (projected) | $133,981 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $108,480 | $125,973 |
| 2023 | $116,100 | $126,302 |
| 2024 | $125,130 | $134,043 |
| 2025 | $129,480 | $140,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $133,981 | $145,837 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $109,550 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $129,480 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $153,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $200,930 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Nuclear Engineer Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Nuclear Engineer ($129,480 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nuclear Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in WA | $189,680 | +46.5% | $91.19/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in WA | $158,370 | +22.3% | $76.14/hr |
| Materials Engineer in WA | $139,840 | +8.0% | $67.23/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in WA | $134,800 | +4.1% | $64.81/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in WA | $132,710 | +2.5% | $63.80/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in WA | $129,050 | -0.3% | $62.04/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in WA | $128,290 | -0.9% | $61.68/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in WA | $125,460 | -3.1% | $60.32/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in WA | $110,430 | -14.7% | $53.09/hr |
| Civil Engineer in WA | $110,000 | -15.0% | $52.88/hr |
| Marine Engineer in WA | $109,550 | -15.4% | $52.67/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in WA | $129,410 | -0.1% | $62.22/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Washington?
- The median salary for a Nuclear Engineer in Washington is $129,480 per year, which averages out to $62 per hour. The salary range can extend from $83,100 to $200,930 annually.
What is the salary range for Nuclear Engineers in Washington?
- Nuclear Engineers in Washington can expect to earn between $83,100 and $200,930 per year. This wide range reflects varying experience levels and specific employer demands.
Is the average salary for Nuclear Engineers in Washington higher or lower than the national average?
- Nuclear Engineers in Washington earn 8.1% less than the national average. The median salary in Washington is $129,480 per year, while the national median is higher.
How many Nuclear Engineers are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 1,380 Nuclear Engineers employed in Washington state. This indicates a significant presence of this specialized field within the state's workforce.