Nuclear Engineers Salary (2025)
Based on 15,280 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $92,960 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $108,690 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $133,970 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $163,630 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $196,290 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$93K
25th
$109K
Median
$134K
75th
$164K
90th
$196K
Highest Paying States for Nuclear Engineers
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $180,480 |
| New Mexico | $180,290 |
| California | $160,980 |
| Maryland | $155,410 |
| New York | $150,090 |
| Illinois | $139,280 |
| Florida | $137,910 |
| Washington | $136,540 |
| North Carolina | $136,120 |
| Pennsylvania | $134,740 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Nuclear Engineers salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is District of Columbia at an average of $180,480 per year, while Pennsylvania has an average of $134,740 — a difference of $45,740. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Nuclear Engineers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 15,280 workers were employed as Nuclear Engineerss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Architecture and Engineering Occupations. The annual mean wage of $140,420 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 17-2161