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Senior Nuclear Engineer Salary in the United States

How much does a Senior Nuclear Engineer make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Nuclear Engineer in the United States is $116,020 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.

However, a Senior Nuclear Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $130,024
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $108,230 to $123,350
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $101,138
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View as table View as graph 25% $108,230 10% $101,138 90% $130,024 75% $123,350 $116,020 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Senior Nuclear Engineer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $123,350 $10,279 $2,372 $59
Average $116,020 $9,668 $2,231 $56
25th Percentile $108,230 $9,019 $2,081 $52
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Key Factors That Influence Senior Nuclear Engineer Salaries

A Senior 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.

How Experience Level Affects Senior Nuclear Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Senior 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:

  • Entry Nuclear Engineer (0-2 years): $81,829
  • Engineer, Experienced - Nuclear (2-4 years): $95,656
  • Senior Nuclear Engineer (4-7 years): $116,014
  • Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear (7+ years): $140,155
  • Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear (7-10 years): $161,827
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Nuclear Engineer0-2 years$81,829
Engineer, Experienced - Nuclear2-4 years$95,656
Senior Nuclear Engineer4-7 years$116,014
Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear7+ years$140,155
Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear7-10 years$161,827
$81,829 Entry Nuc...
$95,656 Engineer,...
$116,014 Senior Nu...
$140,155 Engineer,...
$161,827 Engineer,...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Senior Nuclear Engineers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $146,330
  • San Francisco: $144,730
  • Oakland: $141,680

What Skills Can Increase a Senior Nuclear Engineer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 18.57% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Construction Management (Mentioned in 0.34% Job Postings): Construction management (CM) is a professional service that uses specialized, project management techniques to oversee the planning, design, and construction of a project, from its beginning to its end. The purpose of CM is to control a project's time / delivery, cost and quality—sometimes referred to as a project management triangle or "triple constraints." CM is compatible with all project delivery systems, including design-bid-build, design-build, CM At-Risk and Public Private Partnerships. Professional construction managers may be reserved for lengthy, large-scale, high budget undertakings (commercial real estate, transportation infrastructure, industrial facilities, and military infrastructure), called capital projects.
  • Python (Mentioned in 0.34% Job Postings): Applying the concepts and algorithms of Python to design, develop and maintain software applications to comply with business requirements.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 18.57%
Construction Management 0.34%
Python 0.34%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
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 Senior Nuclear Engineer's salary.
  • SOW: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Cybersecurity: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Written Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
SOW
$136,904
18%
Cybersecurity
$132,263
14%
Written Communication
$131,103
13%
Storage Systems
$129,942
12%
Consulting
$128,782
11%
Customer Service
$127,622
10%
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Senior Nuclear Engineer Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Senior Nuclear Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $129,674. While startup companies pay approximate $109,910.

Senior Nuclear Engineer Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$109,910
Growth Stage51~500$116,177
Established501~5000$125,282
Enterprise5000+$129,674

Senior Nuclear Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Senior 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, Senior Nuclear Engineer positions in Transportation or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Nuclear Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Senior Nuclear Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$162,428$78.040%
Energy & Utilities$150,826$73.030%
Aerospace & Defense$139,224$67.020%
Business Services$127,622$61.010%

How Education impacts a Senior Nuclear Engineer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Senior 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 a Senior Nuclear Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $122,665 and $129,347).

Senior Nuclear Engineer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Senior Nuclear Engineer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.6%
High School 2.6%
Associates 2.6%
Bachelors 17.9%
Masters 56.4%
Doctorate 20.5%
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Senior Nuclear Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Senior 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 August 01, 2026

Senior Nuclear Engineer Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Senior 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.

Senior Nuclear Engineer Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Aviation Engineer IV $140,200 21%
Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV $140,160 21%
Engineer - Specialist/Project Lead $140,200 21%
GNC Engineer IV $135,500 17%

Salary Trends for Senior Nuclear Engineer

Salaries for a Senior Nuclear Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $117,909 in 2023 to around $116,792 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Senior Nuclear Engineer salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Senior Nuclear Engineer Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$117,909
2024
$118,066
2025
$116,792
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $117,909
2024 $118,066
2025 $116,792
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Senior Nuclear Engineer

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Senior Nuclear Engineer

Here are companies hiring for Senior Nuclear Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Senior Nuclear Engineer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Senior Nuclear Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • ComResource

    Columbus, OH

    ComResource | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. ComResource is looking for a Senior Software Engineer (Kafka). Responsibilities. Design, develop, and maintain scalable b... more

    4 Days Ago

  • H R PUNDITS INC

    Columbus, OH

    H R PUNDITS INC | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Senior Middleware Architect / Engineer. Location. Columbus , Ohio. . Office : Onsite (. 3 days is must. ). Key Responsibi... more

    1 Day Ago

  • abercrombie-fitch-co.

    Columbus, OH

    abercrombie-fitch-co. | Columbus, OH

    Company DescriptionThe primary responsibility of Senior Data Management Engineer is to build data pipelines, model and prepare data, perform complex data a... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Staffing the Universe

    Columbus, OH

    Staffing the Universe | Columbus, OH

    Senior Software Engineer (TACL HPE Nonstop)Location:Jersey City, NJ OR Tampa, FL OR Plano, TX OR Columbus, OHDuration:12Months (Possibility of Extension)Jo... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Lower

    Columbus, OH

    Lower | Columbus, OH

    LowerOS Senior Software EngineerHere at Lower, we believe homeownership is the key to building wealth, and we're making it easier and more accessible than ... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Express

    Columbus, OH

    Express | Columbus, OH

    Sr. DevOps EngineerPHOENIX Retail, LLC is a retail platform operating the Express and Bonobos brands worldwide. Express is a multichannel apparel brand ded... more

    2 Days Ago

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FAQ about Senior Nuclear Engineer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Senior Nuclear Engineer?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Senior Nuclear Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. What GPA do you need to be a Nuclear Engineer?

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 options. As a Senior Nuclear Engineer, you can expect a salary ranging from $117,200 to $142,480, with a mid-salary of $129,000.

3. How much does a PHD at Tesla make?

A Senior Nuclear Engineer typically earns between $117,200 and $142,480, with a median salary of around $129,000. This range reflects the competitive compensation in the field, which may vary based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.

4. How much does a PhD Nuclear Engineer make?

A PhD Nuclear Engineer typically earns a salary ranging from $117,200 to $142,480, with a median salary of around $129,000. While salaries can vary significantly by state, these figures provide a general benchmark for experienced professionals in the field.

5. What engineers make 200k a year?

Senior Nuclear Engineers typically earn between $117,200 and $142,480 annually, with a median salary of $129,000. While some engineering roles may offer salaries around $200,000, such positions often require specialized skills or experience beyond that of a Senior Nuclear Engineer.

6. How much does a Navy nuclear engineer earn?

A Navy nuclear engineer typically earns between $117,200 and $142,480 annually, with a median salary of around $129,000. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and specific job responsibilities. In high-paying cities like San Francisco, the annual salary can reach approximately $127,200.

7. How much do nuclear engineers make in Pearl Harbor?

Nuclear engineers in Pearl Harbor earn an average salary ranging from $117,200 to $142,480, with a mid-salary of $129,000. This reflects a competitive compensation structure for professionals in this field, highlighting the value of their expertise and contributions to the industry.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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