Nuclear Engineer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$112,000
national median salary
$88,000 to $148,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$151,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$117,000
Las Vegas, NV
Lowest Paying
$85,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Nuclear Engineer salary in the United States is $112,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $88,000 at the 25th percentile to $148,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $151,000, while Las Vegas offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. The limited talent pool and security clearance requirements create strong salary floors.
Nuclear Engineer salary by city
Skills that increase Nuclear Engineer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Nuclear Engineers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $15,680 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$15,680 per year
≈ +$14,560 per year
≈ +$13,440 per year
≈ +$12,320 per year
≈ +$12,320 per year
≈ +$11,200 per year
≈ +$11,200 per year
≈ +$10,080 per year
What you should know
The limited talent pool and security clearance requirements create strong salary floors. Reactor design versus decommissioning roles show 10 to 20% variance. Engineers at operating plants earn shift differentials, while those in the growing small modular reactor (SMR) sector command premiums from venture-backed firms competing for scarce talent.
Junior nuclear engineers start at $88,000 to $100,000. Senior engineers and reactor specialists earn $112,000 to $148,000 after five to eight years. Plant managers and engineering directors reach $155,000 to $210,000, with chief nuclear officers exceeding $250,000.
Utility employers offer 10 to 15% annual bonuses, pension plans, and shift differentials of 8 to 15% for plant-based roles. NRC-licensed senior reactor operators receive $15,000 to $25,000 license premiums. Relocation packages are standard given limited plant locations.