SOC 17-2161 · May 2025 · United States
Nuclear Engineers
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Nuclear Engineers across the United States is $133,970 per year, measured over 15,280 jobs. The highest state median is in District of Columbia, at $195,190.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Nuclear Engineers
Pay for this occupation varies by 57.7% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. District of Columbia pays $195,190 and Maine pays $123,780.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $195,190 | 230 | |
| 2 | California | $172,400 | 1,070 | |
| 3 | New Mexico | $164,300 | 500 | |
| 4 | Maryland | $157,960 | 180 | |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $145,760 | 210 | |
| 6 | New York | $141,200 | 150 | |
| 7 | Florida | $135,400 | 120 | |
| 8 | Illinois | $134,510 | 1,040 | |
| 9 | Idaho | $133,970 | — | |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | $133,250 | 340 |
States with the most Nuclear Engineers jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Carolina | 1,440 | $126,570 | |
| 2 | Washington | 1,380 | $129,480 | |
| 3 | California | 1,070 | $172,400 | |
| 4 | Illinois | 1,040 | $134,510 | |
| 5 | New Mexico | 500 | $164,300 | |
| 6 | North Carolina | 460 | $131,850 | |
| 7 | Maine | 420 | $123,780 | |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 340 | $133,250 | |
| 9 | Michigan | 330 | $129,940 | |
| 10 | Alabama | 290 | $132,570 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $180,360 | 840 |
| 2 | Knoxville | $179,660 | 240 |
| 3 | Seattle | $161,050 | 330 |
| 4 | Kennewick | $156,460 | 230 |
| 5 | Chattanooga | $146,850 | 100 |
| 6 | Boston | $144,830 | 220 |
| 7 | Syracuse | $141,200 | 110 |
| 8 | Philadelphia | $140,590 | 230 |
| 9 | Richmond | $140,460 | 350 |
| 10 | Miami | $138,220 | 30 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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