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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nuclear Engineering in California is $89,459 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, a Nuclear Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Nuclear Engineering Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $95,659 | $7,972 | $1,840 | $46 |
| Average | $89,459 | $7,455 | $1,720 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,907 | $6,826 | $1,575 | $39 |
Radiant Industries - El Segundo, CA
University of California Berkeley - Berkeley, CA
HCA Healthcare - MARICAMP, FL
HCA Healthcare - WHITE SPRINGS, FL
A Nuclear Engineering'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 Engineering'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Nuclear E... Level Nuclear Engineering | $91,032 |
| Nuclear E... Level Nuclear Engineering | $106,416 |
| Nuclear E... Level Nuclear Engineering | $129,065 |
| Nuclear E... Level Nuclear Engineering | $155,924 |
| Nuclear E... Level Nuclear Engineering | $180,025 |
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 Engineerings. 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:
For Nuclear Engineering roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (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 Engineering positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Nuclear Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $125,243 | $60.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $116,297 | $56.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $111,824 | $54.0 | 25% |
| MFG Durable | $93,932 | $45.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Nuclear Engineering'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 | $95,659 | $7,972 | $1,840 | $46 |
| Average | $89,459 | $7,455 | $1,720 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,907 | $6,826 | $1,575 | $39 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Nuclear Engineering job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Methodist Healthcare
OLMOS PARK, TX
Methodist Healthcare | OLMOS PARK, TX
Methodist Hospital Metropolitan, a vital part of SA Health, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Nuclear Medicine Technologist (PRN) to join our innovative t... more
4 Days Ago
Methodist Healthcare
LEON VALLEY, TX
Methodist Healthcare | LEON VALLEY, TX
Methodist Hospital Texsan invites applications for the position of Nuclear Med Tech PRN. This role is pivotal in providing superior nuclear medical technol... more
4 Days Ago
Methodist Healthcare
SAN ANTONIO, TX
Methodist Healthcare | SAN ANTONIO, TX
Join our dedicated team at Methodist Hospital Texsan, a cornerstone in cardiovascular services and emergency care within the San Antonio community, recogni... more
4 Days Ago
Matrix PDM Engineering
BROOMALL, PA
Matrix PDM Engineering | BROOMALL, PA
Job Summary. The Project Manager is primarily responsible for providing overall direction and managing multiple engineering projects of moderate level risk... more
3 Days Ago
OurPetPolicy
BOISE, ID
OurPetPolicy | BOISE, ID
Engineering Manager. Location. In Office, Downtown Boise, ID. Employment. Type: Full-Time. Compensation. Competitive, based on experience. Who we are. OurP... more
3 Days Ago
Coreslab Structures (ARIZ) Inc.
PHOENIX, AZ
Coreslab Structures (ARIZ) Inc. | PHOENIX, AZ
Company Description. Coreslab Structures (ARIZ) Inc. specializes in the design, construction, and erection of precast concrete buildings and has been servi... more
3 Days Ago
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