Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Salary in the United States

How much does an Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear in the United States is $161,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.

However, an Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $175,655
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $153,300 to $169,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $145,470
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View as table View as graph 25% $153,300 10% $145,470 90% $175,655 75% $169,100 $161,900 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $169,100 $14,092 $3,252 $81
Average $161,900 $13,492 $3,113 $78
25th Percentile $153,300 $12,775 $2,948 $74
Check out Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Job Openings in the United States
Nuclear Engineer

U.S. Navy - Akron, OH

Nuclear Engineer

U.S. Navy - Alliance, OH

Nuclear Engineer

U.S. Navy - Amelia, OH

Nuclear Engineer

U.S. Navy - Andover, OH

Search More Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Salaries

An Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry Nuclear Engineer (0-2 years): $81,830
  • Engineer, Experienced - Nuclear (2-4 years): $95,656
  • Radiological Engineer III (4-7 years): $116,014
  • Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear (7+ years): $140,152
  • Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear (7-10 years): $161,832
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Nuclear Engineer0-2 years$81,830
Engineer, Experienced - Nuclear2-4 years$95,656
Radiological Engineer III4-7 years$116,014
Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear7+ years$140,152
Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear7-10 years$161,832
$81,830 Entry Nuc...
$95,656 Engineer,...
$116,014 Radiologi...
$140,152 Engineer,...
$161,832 Engineer,...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclears. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $179,200.
  • California: $178,600.
  • Massachusetts: $176,200.

Top Paying Cities for Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclears

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $204,200
  • San Francisco: $201,900
  • Oakland: $197,700

What Skills Can Increase an Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.69% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Hydraulics (Mentioned in 5.13% Job Postings): Hydraulics is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids.
  • SOW (Mentioned in 5.13% Job Postings): Sow is A statement of work is a document routinely employed in the field of project management. It is the narrative description of a project's work requirement
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.69%
Hydraulics 5.13%
SOW 5.13%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear's salary.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 29%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Consulting
$208,851
29%
Analysis
$166,757
3%
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Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $180,779. While startup companies pay approximate $153,177.

Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$153,177
Growth Stage51~500$161,916
Established501~5000$174,659
Enterprise5000+$180,779

Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 130% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear positions in Transportation or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$242,850$117.050%
Energy & Utilities$226,660$109.040%
Biotechnology$210,470$101.030%
Aerospace & Defense$194,280$93.020%

How Education impacts an Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclears enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear with a Bachelor's Degree is between $173,312 and $182,591).

Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.6%
High School 1.6%
Associates 25.4%
Bachelors 25.4%
Masters 34.9%
Doctorate 36.5%
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Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on July 01, 2026

Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Aviation Engineer VI $199,500 23%
Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI $199,200 23%
General Engineer VI $187,100 16%
GNC Engineer VI $212,100 31%

Salary Trends for Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear

Salaries for an Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $159,567 in 2023 to around $154,172 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$159,567
2024
$156,522
2025
$154,172
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $159,567
2024 $156,522
2025 $154,172
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear

Here are companies hiring for Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. Are nuclear engineers in high demand?

Yes, nuclear engineers are in high demand due to a critical shortage in the industry, requiring 3,200 to 4,800 new professionals annually. This demand is reflected in competitive salaries, with entry-level positions starting around $165,800, mid-level roles averaging $182,100, and experienced engineers earning up to $201,000.

3. Which engineering has the highest salary?

Among engineering roles, Nuclear Engineers stand out with competitive salaries. The minimum salary for a Lead/Master Nuclear Engineer is $165,800, while the mid-range salary is $182,100, and the maximum can reach $201,000. This positions them as one of the highest-paying engineering jobs, reflecting the specialized skills and expertise required in this field.

4. What is the highest salary for a nuclear engineer?

The highest salary for a Lead/Master Nuclear Engineer is $201,000 per year, based on the provided salary data. While some cities report higher figures, such as Surry, VA at $206,760, the standard maximum salary for this role is $201,000, reflecting the competitive nature of the field.

5. Who hires the most nuclear engineers?

Employment in nuclear engineering is divided among the Federal Government, utility companies, and research/testing units of defense and engineering firms. Major employers include the Navy, which operates nuclear-powered ships, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Salaries for nuclear engineers range from $165,800 to $201,000, with a median of $182,100.

6. Who hires the most nuclear engineers?

Employment in nuclear engineering is divided among the Federal Government, utility companies, and research/testing units of defense and engineering firms. Major employers include the Navy, which operates nuclear-powered ships, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Salaries for Lead/Master Nuclear Engineers range from $165,800 to $201,000, with a midpoint of $182,100.

7. What is the highest paying job at a nuclear power plant?

The highest paying job at a nuclear power plant is the Lead/Master Engineer position, with a salary range from $165,800 to $201,000 annually. The average salary for this role is approximately $182,100. Other high-paying related jobs include Nuclear Design Engineer at $177,000 and Nuclear Safety Engineer at $154,474.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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