As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Nuclear Engineer in the United States is $81,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, an Entry Nuclear Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Nuclear Engineer'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 Entry Nuclear Engineer'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 | $81,836 |
| Engineer, Experienced - Nuclear | 2-4 years | $95,657 |
| Radiological Engineer III | 4-7 years | $116,012 |
| Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear | 7+ years | $140,136 |
| Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear | 7-10 years | $161,860 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Entry Nuclear Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 18.57% |
| Construction Management | 0.34% |
| Python | 0.34% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Cybersecurity
|
$113,841 |
39%
|
|
Test Plans
|
$112,203 |
37%
|
|
Consulting
|
$111,384 |
36%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$110,565 |
35%
|
|
Hydraulics
|
$104,832 |
28%
|
|
Analysis
|
$102,375 |
25%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Nuclear Engineers enter the field with a Associate'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 Entry Nuclear Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $85,439 and $89,397).
Entry Nuclear Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.8% |
| High School | 3.8% |
| Associates | 1.3% |
| Bachelors | 58.2% |
| Masters | 27.8% |
| Doctorate | 8.9% |
Understanding how an Entry Nuclear Engineer'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 January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Nuclear Engineer, 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 II | $95,700 | 17% |
| Airport Design Engineer | $72,301 | -12% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer II | $95,690 | 17% |
| Intermediate Engineer | $92,200 | 13% |
Salaries for an Entry Nuclear Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $81,458 in 2023 to around $79,797 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Nuclear Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $81,458 |
| 2024 | $81,168 |
| 2025 | $79,797 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Entry Nuclear Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Nuclear engineers in the US typically earn between $83,900 and $108,100 annually, with a median salary around $90,800. These figures reflect the entry-level salary range for this profession, highlighting the potential for growth as experience and expertise increase.
The highest salary for an entry-level nuclear engineer is $108,100. In comparison, the minimum salary starts at $83,900, while the mid-range salary is approximately $90,800. This reflects the competitive nature of the engineering field, particularly in nuclear engineering.
While many engineering roles can reach high salaries, entry-level nuclear engineers typically earn between $83,900 and $108,100 annually, with a mid-salary of $90,800. Positions that may offer salaries around $200k usually require significant experience or specialization, such as senior roles in mixed signal design or nuclear safety engineering.
The salary range for an Entry Nuclear Engineer at MIT is approximately $83,900 to $108,100 annually. This translates to an hourly rate of about $40.31 to $51.92, encompassing both base salary and additional compensation.
To become a nuclear engineer, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is often required for graduation from many bachelor's programs and for entry into master's programs. Some programs may accept GPAs between 2.0-2.6. A higher GPA can enhance your opportunities. Entry-level nuclear engineers can expect salaries ranging from $83,900 to $108,100, with a median around $90,800.
Becoming a nuclear engineer can be challenging, requiring at least a bachelor's degree, often a graduate degree, and passing the FE and PE exams. Relevant work experience and state licensure may also be necessary. However, the effort can be rewarding, with entry-level salaries ranging from $83,900 to $108,100, depending on experience and location.
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.)
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