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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nuclear Test Engineer in Kentucky is $88,859 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, a Nuclear Test Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Nuclear Test Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $94,872 | $7,906 | $1,824 | $46 |
| Average | $88,859 | $7,405 | $1,709 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,292 | $6,774 | $1,563 | $39 |
U.S. Navy - Alexandria, KY
U.S. Navy - Ashland, KY
U.S. Navy - Louisville, KY
U.S. Navy - Barbourville, KY
A Nuclear Test Engineer'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 Test Engineer'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Nuclear Test Engineer | $87,598 |
| Intermediate Level Nuclear Test Engineer | $89,385 |
| Senior Level Nuclear Test Engineer | $92,223 |
| Specialist Level Nuclear Test Engineer | $92,507 |
| Expert Level Nuclear Test Engineer | $92,980 |
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 Test Engineers. 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 Test Engineer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Nuclear Test Engineer positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Nuclear Test Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $106,631 | $51.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Nuclear Test Engineer'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 | $94,872 | $7,906 | $1,824 | $46 |
| Average | $88,859 | $7,405 | $1,709 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,292 | $6,774 | $1,563 | $39 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Nuclear Test Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
U.S. Navy
Bardstown, KY
U.S. Navy | Bardstown, KY
Job Title :Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component :Officer Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propul... more
5 Days Ago
U.S. Navy
Beattyville, KY
U.S. Navy | Beattyville, KY
Job Title :Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component :Officer Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propul... more
5 Days Ago
U.S. Navy
Benton, KY
U.S. Navy | Benton, KY
Job Title :Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component :Officer Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propul... more
5 Days Ago
U.S. Navy
Berea, KY
U.S. Navy | Berea, KY
Job Title :Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component :Officer Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propul... more
5 Days Ago
U.S. Navy
Bowling Green, KY
U.S. Navy | Bowling Green, KY
Job Title :Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component :Officer Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propul... more
5 Days Ago
Adams Thermal Systems
SIOUX FALLS, SD
Adams Thermal Systems | SIOUX FALLS, SD
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF POSITION: Responsible for the operation of the Engineering Test Lab, including. completion of engineering tests, maintenance and cali... more
1 Day Ago
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