As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Nuclear Engineer in Cupertino, CA is $118,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
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, skills, 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 | $101,197 |
| Intermediate Nuclear Engineer | 2-4 years | $118,298 |
| Radiological Engineer III | 4-7 years | $143,476 |
| Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear | 7+ years | $173,333 |
| Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear | 7-10 years | $200,125 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.2% |
| AutoCAD | 1.76% |
| Programming | 1.31% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Customer Service
|
$137,228 |
16%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$132,496 |
12%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$132,496 |
12%
|
|
Design Engineering
|
$131,313 |
11%
|
|
Consulting
|
$130,130 |
10%
|
|
SQL
|
$130,130 |
10%
|
Intermediate Nuclear Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $132,002. While startup companies pay approximate $111,875.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $111,875 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $118,251 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $127,526 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $132,002 |
For Intermediate Nuclear Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Intermediate Nuclear Engineer positions in Transportation or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate Nuclear Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $165,620 | $80.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $153,790 | $74.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $141,960 | $68.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $130,130 | $63.0 | 10% |
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 September 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 | $137,000 | 16% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer III | $136,950 | 16% |
| Senior Engineer | $137,000 | 16% |
| GNC Engineer III | $143,300 | 21% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Intermediate Nuclear Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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