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Nuclear Engineering Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Nuclear Engineering Director make in the United States?

As of November 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nuclear Engineering Director in the United States is $246,797 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $119.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $279,596
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $214,917 to $263,965
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $185,892
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Nuclear Engineering Director Salaries

A Nuclear Engineering Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Nuclear Engineering Director 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 Engineering Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $273,253.
  • California: $272,217.
  • Massachusetts: $268,589.

Top Paying Cities for Nuclear Engineering Directors

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: $311,285
  • San Francisco: $307,877
  • Oakland: $301,388

Nuclear Engineering Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Nuclear Engineering Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $268,874. While startup companies pay approximate $228,271.

Nuclear Engineering Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $228,271
Growth Stage 51~500 $241,195
Established 501~5000 $259,779
Enterprise 5000+ $268,874

Nuclear Engineering Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Nuclear Engineering Director'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 November 01, 2026
$214,917
Average $246,797/year
$263,965
$17,910
Average $20,566/month
$21,997
$4,133
Average $4,746/week
$5,076
$103
Average $119/hour
$127
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $263,965 $21,997 $5,076 $127
Average $246,797 $20,566 $4,746 $119
25th Percentile $214,917 $17,910 $4,133 $103

Nuclear Engineering Director Salary Growth & Career Path

Nuclear Engineering Director

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Advancement

For a Nuclear Engineering Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of Engineering role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $235,545 - a projected growth of -5% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Nuclear Engineering Director

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

Common company salaries for Nuclear Engineering Director

Here are companies hiring for Nuclear Engineering Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Nuclear Engineering Director

1. Where can a Nuclear Engineering Director earn the most?

A Nuclear Engineering Director'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 Engineering Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Nuclear Engineering Director is $311,285.

2. What is the highest pay for Nuclear Engineering Director?

The highest pay for Nuclear Engineering Director is $279,596.

3. What is the lowest pay for Nuclear Engineering Director?

The lowest pay for Nuclear Engineering Director is $185,892.

4. What are the responsibilities of Nuclear Engineering Director?

Directs and oversees the nuclear engineering function. Designs and initiates processes to gain benefit from nuclear energy and radiation. Conducts research into problems of nuclear energy systems. Oversees the design and development of nuclear equipment. Monitors testing, operation, and maintenance of nuclear reactors. Typically requires a master's degree in nuclear engineering or related field.. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.

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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