Nuclear Engineers Salary in California
Nuclear Engineers in California earn a median of $172,400 a year, +29% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $172,400
- vs. U.S. median
- +29% ($133,970)
- Rank among states
- 2 of 19
- Jobs in the state
- 1,070
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $109,990; the top 10% earn over $207,740. Nationally the range is $92,960 to $196,290.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Materials Scientists$177,030 median in California
- Materials Engineers$128,470 median in California
- Aerospace Engineers$157,620 median in California
- Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers$131,540 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Nanosystems Engineers$130,850 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Water/Wastewater Engineers$122,500 median in California (broader BLS group)
Nuclear Engineers pay in California
How much do nuclear engineers make in California?
The median is $172,400 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $109,990 and the top 10% earn over $207,740. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for nuclear engineers?
On pay alone it ranks 2 of 19 (+29% vs. the national median of $133,970). Living costs are not included.