As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear in the United States is $140,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
However, an Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $148,300 | $12,358 | $2,852 | $71 |
| Average | $140,200 | $11,683 | $2,696 | $67 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,700 | $10,892 | $2,513 | $63 |
An Engineer, Specialist - 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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Engineer, Specialist - 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Nuclear Engineer | 0-2 years | $81,828 |
| Engineer, Experienced - Nuclear | 2-4 years | $95,656 |
| Radiological Engineer III | 4-7 years | $116,015 |
| Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear | 7+ years | $140,158 |
| Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear | 7-10 years | $161,822 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.2% |
| AutoCAD | 1.76% |
| Programming | 1.31% |
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, Specialist - Nuclear's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Preventative Maintenance | $239,742 | |
| Presentation | $175,250 | |
| Agile | $169,642 |
Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $156,439. While startup companies pay approximate $132,585.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $132,585 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $140,142 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $151,134 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $156,439 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Engineer, Specialist - 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, Specialist - Nuclear with a Bachelor's Degree is between $146,634 and $155,039).
| Typical Education for Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 29.0% |
| High School | 41.9% |
| Associates | 29.0% |
| Bachelors | 29.0% |
| Masters | 41.9% |
| Doctorate | 29.0% |
Understanding how an Engineer, Specialist - 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $148,300 | $12,358 | $2,852 | $71 |
| Average | $140,200 | $11,683 | $2,696 | $67 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,700 | $10,892 | $2,513 | $63 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Engineer, Specialist - 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Engineer V | $162,800 | 16% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer V | $161,820 | 15% |
| Engineer - Expert/Consultant | $161,900 | 15% |
| GNC Engineer V | $168,600 | 20% |
Salaries for an Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $136,598 in 2023 to around $133,796 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $136,598 |
| 2024 | $135,030 |
| 2025 | $133,796 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
The salary range for a Nuclear Engineer Specialist is as follows: Minimum Salary: $139,300, Mid Salary: $154,800, and Maximum Salary: $170,000. This reflects the compensation for professionals in this field, with the highest salary reaching up to $170,000 per year.
The estimated total pay range for a Nuclear Engineer at MIT is approximately $139,300 to $170,000 annually. The average base salary is around $154,800. Additional pay may vary but is not specified. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in this specialized field.
The lowest salary for a Specialist - Nuclear Engineer is $139,300. The mid-range salary is $154,800, while the maximum salary can reach up to $170,000. These figures reflect the current compensation landscape for this role, indicating a strong earning potential in the field.
The highest pay for Nuclear Engineers can reach up to $170,000 per year based on salary data. However, some cities report even higher salaries, such as Surry, VA at $206,760, and Livermore, CA at $189,777. The typical salary range for Nuclear Engineers is between $139,300 and $170,000, with a mid-salary of $154,800.
Becoming a Nuclear Engineer can be challenging, as it typically requires at least a bachelor's degree, with advanced roles needing a master's or doctorate. The coursework and professional responsibilities demand significant focus and dedication. Salaries for this role range from $139,300 to $170,000, reflecting the expertise and commitment required in this field.
A Nuclear Specialist typically earns between $139,300 and $170,000 annually, with a mid-salary of around $154,800. Salaries can vary by state; for example, in California, the average salary is approximately $154,810, while in Arizona, it's about $152,270.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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