Nuclear Engineer Salary Guide

Nuclear Engineers design, develop, operate, and maintain nuclear systems and components — including reactors, fuel cycles, radiation protection, and safety systems. They perform modeling, testing, regulatory compliance, and support nuclear power plants, government labs, national defense projects, and nuclear-related research.

What is the average Nuclear Engineer salary?

Entry Level

$70,000 - $95,000

Mid Level

$95,000 - $140,000

Senior Level

$140,000 - $220,000+

How does Nuclear Engineer salary grow with experience?

$70,000 - $90,000

0-2

$85,000 - $115,000

3-5

$105,000 - $150,000

6-10

$140,000 - $220,000++

10+

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

Max: $220k

Nuclear Engineer salary by location

San Francisco Bay Area / Silicon Valley, CA$120,000 - $220,000+

Washington, D.C. Metro (NRC, DOE contractors)$110,000 - $200,000

Houston / Gulf Coast, TX (energy sector)$95,000 - $170,000

Richland / Hanford Area, WA (national labs)$100,000 - $180,000

New York / Northeast (utilities & contractors)$95,000 - $175,000

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Nuclear Engineer's salary?

Level of education and advanced degrees (MS, PhD) or certifications (PE)
Specialized technical skills (reactor physics, fuels, thermal hydraulics, safeguards)
Security clearance and ability to work on government/defense projects
Geographic location and local demand (national labs, plants, contractors)
Role type: operations/plant work, design, R&D, project management, or leadership

Frequently Asked Questions About Nuclear Engineer Salaries

What is the average salary for a Nuclear Engineer in the U.S.?

Average U.S. salaries typically range from about $70,000 for entry-level roles to $140,000+ for experienced mid-level engineers and $140,000–$220,000+ for senior technical or management roles, depending on location and specialization.

How much does location affect a Nuclear Engineer's pay?

Location can shift pay by 10–40%: high-cost or government/contracting hubs (e.g., Bay Area, DC) and sites with active nuclear programs or national labs generally pay more than rural or low-cost regions.

What qualifications most increase a Nuclear Engineer's salary?

Advanced degrees (MS/PhD), professional engineer (PE) licensure, specialized reactor or fuels experience, and security clearance often produce the largest salary increases.

Do Nuclear Engineers get bonuses or other compensation?

Yes. Many receive annual bonuses, performance incentives, retention pay, shift differentials (for plant operations), and comprehensive benefits — all of which can add 5–25%+ to total compensation.

Earn what you're worth as a Nuclear Engineer

A strong resume gets you to the negotiation table. Build one tailored to your role and level.

Build Your Resume Now

Explore Related Salary Guides

See how salaries compare across similar roles in the same field.