Nuclear engineers Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Nuclear engineers in the United States is $133,970 per year — about $64 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $108,690 and $163,630 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Nuclear engineers
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Knoxville, TN | $179,660 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $180,360 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $146,850 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $156,460 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $133,970 |
| Syracuse, NY | $141,200 |
| Monroe, MI | $136,260 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $132,440 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $161,050 |
| Richmond, VA | $140,460 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Nuclear engineers make in the US?
The median salary is $133,970 per year (about $64 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $108,690 and $163,630 a year.
How much do Nuclear engineers make per hour?
About $64 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $133,970 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Nuclear engineers?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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