As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Nuclear Engineer in the United States is $95,660 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, an Intermediate Nuclear Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Intermediate 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 Intermediate 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 |
| Intermediate Nuclear Engineer | 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 Intermediate Nuclear Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.2% |
| AutoCAD | 1.76% |
| Programming | 1.31% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Customer Service
|
$110,966 |
16%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$107,139 |
12%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$107,139 |
12%
|
|
Design Engineering
|
$106,183 |
11%
|
|
Consulting
|
$105,226 |
10%
|
|
SQL
|
$105,226 |
10%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate Nuclear Engineers 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 Intermediate Nuclear Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $102,309 and $108,208).
Intermediate Nuclear Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.6% |
| High School | 1.6% |
| Associates | 57.4% |
| Bachelors | 32.8% |
| Masters | 57.4% |
| Doctorate | 8.2% |
Understanding how an Intermediate 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 Intermediate 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 III | $110,800 | 16% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer III | $110,780 | 16% |
| Senior Engineer | $110,800 | 16% |
| GNC Engineer III | $115,900 | 21% |
Salaries for an Intermediate Nuclear Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $99,246 in 2023 to around $98,381 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Intermediate Nuclear Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $99,246 |
| 2024 | $99,149 |
| 2025 | $98,381 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The payscale for an Intermediate Nuclear Engineer typically ranges from a minimum salary of $97,300 to a maximum of $119,350, with a mid-salary of $107,890. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, offering substantial compensation for skilled professionals.
The highest paying nuclear job is typically a Nuclear Design Engineer, with salaries ranging from $172,000 to $195,000 per year. Other high-paying roles include Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer ($146,000-$161,000) and Radiation Engineer ($90,500-$156,000). For an Intermediate Nuclear Engineer, the salary ranges from $97,300 to $119,350, with a mid-salary of $107,890.
Navy nuclear engineers typically earn between $97,300 and $119,350 annually, with a median salary of around $107,890. Junior Officers may start at lower ranges, while Senior Officers can earn significantly more, reflecting their experience and responsibilities within the Navy.
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. As an intermediate nuclear engineer, you can expect a salary ranging from $97,300 to $119,350, with a mid-salary of $107,890.
Yes, nuclear engineers are in high demand due to a critical shortage in the industry, requiring 3,200 to 4,800 new professionals annually. With salaries ranging from $97,300 to $119,350, this field offers competitive compensation, making it an attractive career choice for those with the necessary skills and qualifications.
Nuclear Engineers in the US typically earn between $97,300 and $119,350 annually, with a median salary around $107,890. These figures reflect the range of salaries based on experience and expertise in the field, providing a clear picture of potential earnings for this profession.
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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