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Nuclear Engineer IV Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nuclear Engineer IV in the United States is $140,155 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $155,593
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $130,669 to $148,236
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $122,032
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Nuclear Engineer IV Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Nuclear Engineer IV Salaries?

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:

  • Nuclear Engineer I (0-2 years): $81,829
  • Nuclear Engineer II (2-4 years): $95,656
  • Nuclear Engineer III (4-7 years): $116,014
  • Nuclear Engineer IV (7+ years): $140,155
  • Nuclear Engineer V (7-10 years): $161,827
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Nuclear Engineer I0-2 years$81,829
Nuclear Engineer II2-4 years$95,656
Nuclear Engineer III4-7 years$116,014
Nuclear Engineer IV7+ years$140,155
Nuclear Engineer V7-10 years$161,827
View as Graph

How Do Nuclear Engineer IVs Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $155,180.
  • California: $154,591.
  • Massachusetts: $152,531.

Top Paying Cities for Nuclear Engineer IV

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: $176,778
  • San Francisco: $174,842
  • Oakland: $171,157

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.2% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • AutoCAD (Mentioned in 1.76% Job Postings): 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 (Mentioned in 1.31% Job Postings): Executing logic to facilitate computing operations and functionality in one or more languages.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.2%
AutoCAD 1.76%
Programming 1.31%
See More Skills

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 Nuclear Engineer IV's salary.

  • Preventative Maintenance: Can increase your salary by up to 71%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 25%.
  • Agile: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Preventative Maintenance $239,665
71%
Presentation $175,194
25%
Agile $169,588
21%
Get Latest Data

Nuclear Engineer IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Nuclear Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $156,649. While startup companies pay approximate $132,774.

Nuclear Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $132,774
Growth Stage 51~500 $140,345
Established 501~5000 $151,344
Enterprise 5000+ $156,649

Nuclear Engineer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Nuclear Engineer IV 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 IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Nuclear Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$196,217$94.040%
Energy & Utilities$182,202$88.030%
Aerospace & Defense$168,186$81.020%
Business Services$154,170$74.010%

How Education impacts an Nuclear Engineer IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Nuclear Engineer IV enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Nuclear Engineer IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $147,357 and $155,836.

Nuclear Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Nuclear Engineer IV
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%
View as Graph

Nuclear Engineer IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 August 01, 2026
$130,669
Average $140,155/year
$148,236
$10,889
Average $11,680/month
$12,353
$2,513
Average $2,695/week
$2,851
$63
Average $67/hour
$71
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $148,236 $12,353 $2,851 $71
Average $140,155 $11,680 $2,695 $67
25th Percentile $130,669 $10,889 $2,513 $63

Nuclear Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Nuclear Engineer IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Nuclear Engineer IV, 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 V $162,780 16%
Aerospace Engineer V $161,824 15%
Engineer V $161,827 15%
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer V $168,584 20%

Most common benefits for Nuclear Engineer IV

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Nuclear Engineer IV

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

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FAQ about Nuclear Engineer IV

1. Where can a Nuclear Engineer IV earn the most?

A Nuclear Engineer IV's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Nuclear Engineer IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Nuclear Engineer IV is $176,778.

2. What is the highest pay for Nuclear Engineer IV?

The highest pay for Nuclear Engineer IV is $155,593.

3. What is the lowest pay for Nuclear Engineer IV?

The lowest pay for Nuclear Engineer IV is $122,032.

4. What are the responsibilities of Nuclear Engineer IV?

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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Nuclear Engineer IV?

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

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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