As of May 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Nuclear Engineer IV in the United States is $67, which translates to an annual salary of about $140,147.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Nuclear Engineer IV'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 IV'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 | $81,832 |
| Nuclear Engineer II | 2-4 years | $95,656 |
| Nuclear Engineer III | 4-7 years | $116,013 |
| Nuclear Engineer IV | 7+ years | $140,147 |
| Nuclear Engineer V | 7-10 years | $161,841 |
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 IVs. 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Preventative Maintenance
|
$239,651 |
71%
|
|
Presentation
|
$175,184 |
25%
|
|
Agile
|
$169,578 |
21%
|
|
SQL
|
$169,578 |
21%
|
|
Oracle
|
$169,578 |
21%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$161,169 |
15%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Nuclear Engineer IVs 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $147,357 and $155,836).
Nuclear Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 29.0% |
| High School | 41.9% |
| Associates | 29.0% |
| Bachelors | 29.0% |
| Masters | 41.9% |
| Doctorate | 29.0% |
Understanding how a Nuclear Engineer IV'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 May 01, 2026Salaries for a Nuclear Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $136,598 in 2023 to around $133,796 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Nuclear Engineer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $136,598 |
| 2024 | $135,030 |
| 2025 | $133,796 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Designs and initiates processes to gain benefit from nuclear energy and radiation. Conducts research into problems of nuclear energy systems. Designs and develops nuclear equipment. Monitors testing, operation, and maintenance of nuclear reactors. May require a master's degree in nuclear engineering or related field. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
AutoCAD: AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers.
Programming: Executing logic to facilitate computing operations and functionality in one or more languages.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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