As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant in the United States is $161,830 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.
However, a Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $169,040 | $14,087 | $3,251 | $81 |
| Average | $161,830 | $13,486 | $3,112 | $78 |
| 25th Percentile | $153,240 | $12,770 | $2,947 | $74 |
A Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant'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 a Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant'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 |
| Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant | 7-10 years | $161,822 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.69% |
| Hydraulics | 5.13% |
| SOW | 5.13% |
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 a Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Consulting | $208,761 | |
| Analysis | $166,685 |
Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $180,574. While startup companies pay approximate $153,040.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $153,040 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $161,763 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $174,451 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $180,574 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultants 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 a Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant with a Bachelor's Degree is between $173,280 and $182,551).
| Typical Education for Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant | |
|---|---|
| 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% |
Understanding how a Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant'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 | $169,040 | $14,087 | $3,251 | $81 |
| Average | $161,830 | $13,486 | $3,112 | $78 |
| 25th Percentile | $153,240 | $12,770 | $2,947 | $74 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant, 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 VI | $199,500 | 23% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI | $199,200 | 23% |
| General Engineer VI | $187,100 | 16% |
| GNC Engineer VI | $212,100 | 31% |
Salaries for a Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant 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 Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $159,567 |
| 2024 | $156,522 |
| 2025 | $154,172 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
Scientists in the USA can earn competitive salaries. For example, Nuclear Engineers at the expert or consultant level have a salary range from $165,790 to $201,000, with a median salary of $182,070. This indicates that many scientific roles, especially in specialized fields, offer substantial financial rewards.
Scientific consultants in the US can expect to earn a salary ranging from approximately $165,790 to $201,000, with a median salary around $182,070. This reflects the specialized expertise required in fields like nuclear engineering, which typically offers higher compensation compared to general scientific consulting roles.
Consultants in the nuclear engineering field can expect to earn significantly more than the general consultant average. The salary range for an expert or consultant in this area is between $165,790 and $201,000, with a mid-salary of approximately $182,070 per year. This reflects the specialized skills and expertise required in the nuclear engineering sector.
The best universities for nuclear engineering, based on the NIRF Ranking 2024, include IIT Madras (Rank 1), IIT Delhi (Rank 2), IIT Bombay (Rank 3), and IIT Kanpur (Rank 4). Graduates in this field can expect salaries ranging from $165,790 to $201,000, with a median salary of $182,070, reflecting the high demand for expertise in nuclear engineering.
Canada has long been a leader in nuclear research and technology, and the industry is only predicted to grow. As a nuclear engineer, you can expect a competitive salary ranging from $165,790 to $201,000, with a mid-salary of $182,070. Here are just five reasons you should consider engineering jobs within Canada's nuclear market.
The highest salary for a Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant ranges from $165,790 to $201,000, with a mid-salary of $182,070. This positions them significantly above many other consulting roles, reflecting their specialized expertise and the critical nature of their work in the nuclear industry.
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