As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nuclear Engineer II in Illinois is $97,502 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Nuclear Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Nuclear Engineer II Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $103,636 | $8,636 | $1,993 | $50 |
| Average | $97,502 | $8,125 | $1,875 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,912 | $7,576 | $1,748 | $44 |
Endeavor Health - Warrenville, IL
Endeavor Health - Skokie, IL
Prime Healthcare - Chicago, IL
CityGate Hospitality - Naperville, IL
A Nuclear Engineer II'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Nuclear Engineer II'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineer I | 0-2 years | $83,409 |
| Nuclear Engineer II | 2-4 years | $97,502 |
| Nuclear Engineer III | 4-7 years | $118,253 |
| Nuclear Engineer IV | 7+ years | $142,857 |
| Nuclear Engineer V | 7-10 years | $164,955 |
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 Nuclear Engineer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Nuclear Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $108,872. While startup companies pay approximate $92,249.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $92,249 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $97,512 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $105,186 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $108,872 |
For Nuclear Engineer II 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, Nuclear Engineer positions in Transportation or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Nuclear Engineer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $136,503 | $66.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $126,753 | $61.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $117,003 | $56.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $107,252 | $52.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Nuclear Engineer II'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 | $103,636 | $8,636 | $1,993 | $50 |
| Average | $97,502 | $8,125 | $1,875 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,912 | $7,576 | $1,748 | $44 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Nuclear Engineer II, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aeronautical Engineer III | $112,880 | 16% |
| Aerospace Engineer III | $112,880 | 16% |
| Engineer III | $112,877 | 16% |
| Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer III | $118,072 | 21% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Nuclear Engineer II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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