Nuclear Engineers Salary by State
The national median pay for nuclear engineers is $133,970 a year. By state, it ranges from $123,780 in Maine to $195,190 in District of Columbia.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $92,960
- 25th percentile
- $108,690
- Median
- $133,970
- 75th percentile
- $163,630
- Top 10%
- $196,290
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 15,280 jobs.
Median pay in 18 states and DC
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $195,190 | +46% | $128,960 | $207,480 | 230 |
| 2 | California | $172,400 | +29% | $109,990 | $207,740 | 1,070 |
| 3 | New Mexico | $164,300 | +23% | $126,780 | $242,730 | 500 |
| 4 | Maryland | $157,960 | +18% | $103,990 | $207,480 | 180 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $145,760 | +9% | $67,750 | $174,710 | 210 |
| 6 | New York | $141,200 | +5% | $114,610 | $204,940 | 150 |
| 7 | Florida | $135,400 | +1% | $90,000 | $188,720 | 120 |
| 8 | Illinois | $134,510 | 0% | $102,890 | $171,060 | 1,040 |
| 9 | Idaho | $133,970 | 0% | $104,070 | $176,840 | Not published |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | $133,250 | −1% | $83,250 | $167,110 | 340 |
| 11 | Alabama | $132,570 | −1% | $97,950 | $161,290 | 290 |
| 12 | Georgia | $132,440 | −1% | $81,800 | $173,100 | 200 |
| 13 | North Carolina | $131,850 | −2% | $96,300 | $166,200 | 460 |
| 14 | Michigan | $129,940 | −3% | $80,570 | $159,030 | 330 |
| 15 | Washington | $129,480 | −3% | $83,100 | $200,930 | 1,380 |
| 16 | Virginia | $128,890 | −4% | $81,480 | $192,350 | Not published |
| 17 | Texas | $128,340 | −4% | $83,250 | $170,600 | 190 |
| 18 | South Carolina | $126,570 | −6% | $83,970 | $159,740 | 1,440 |
| 19 | Maine | $123,780 | −8% | $78,440 | $147,200 | 420 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Nuclear Engineers salary questions
Which state pays nuclear engineers the most?
District of Columbia, with a median of $195,190 a year (+46% vs. the national median of $133,970). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays nuclear engineers the least?
Maine, with a median of $123,780 a year (−8% vs. national).
Where do most nuclear engineers work?
South Carolina has the most jobs, about 1,440, with a median of $126,570.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.