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National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Bachelor's degree
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Nuclear engineers work in a specialized field that combines science, mathematics, and technology. The occupation is relatively small, with national employment of 15,000, so it can be competitive but focused for those who are committed to this path. The typical entry point is a bachelor’s degree, making this a profession that is accessible after completing undergraduate studies. Nationally, the median annual salary of $127,520 reflects strong earning potential for those who develop the necessary expertise. While projected employment growth is -1.1%, there are still about 1,000 annual openings, indicating ongoing turnover and replacement needs. Opportunities are concentrated in certain states and metro areas, with places like California, Maryland, and the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region standing out for pay or opportunity scores. Overall, this career is suited to people who are strong in critical and analytical thinking, science, and mathematics, and who are comfortable working with complex technical information and decisions.
Nuclear engineers have a strong national median annual salary of $127,520, and several states and metro areas offer higher pay. Among states, California stands out with a median salary of $172,400, followed by Maryland at $157,960 and Massachusetts at $145,760. New York and Washington also provide median salaries above $129,000. At the metro level, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area offers a median salary of $180,360, the highest among the listed regions. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue also reports a high median salary of $161,050, while Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin provide median pay above $134,000. These figures show that earnings can vary meaningfully by location, with several regions offering pay that is well above the national median for this occupation. For individuals willing to consider specific high-paying states or metro areas, the earning potential can be especially strong.
Nuclear engineering is a relatively small occupation, with national employment of 15,000. Projected employment growth is -1.1%, indicating a slight expected decline rather than expansion in total jobs. However, the occupation still has an estimated 1,000 annual openings. This combination suggests that much of the opportunity in the field may come from replacement needs, such as retirements or job changes, rather than new positions being created. For students and job seekers, this means that entering the field may require careful planning around location and timing, as the total number of roles is limited and projected to decrease modestly. At the same time, the ongoing annual openings show that opportunities continue to arise. People who build strong skills and are flexible about where they work may be better positioned to compete for available nuclear engineering positions across different regions.
Location plays a major role in nuclear engineering opportunities. Among states, California has the highest listed median salary at $172,400 and a sizable employment level of 1,070, with an opportunity score of 67.38, the highest among states provided. Massachusetts and New York show median salaries of $145,760 and $141,200, respectively, with more modest employment counts but similarly strong opportunity scores around 65. Washington combines relatively high employment (1,380) with a median salary of $129,480 and an opportunity score of 56.29. Maryland offers a high median salary of $157,960 with smaller employment and an opportunity score of 52.88. At the metro level, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria leads with a median salary of $180,360 and an opportunity score of 64.47, followed by Boston-Cambridge-Newton and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue with strong salaries and opportunity scores above 61. These patterns suggest that both state and metro choice can significantly influence pay levels and overall opportunity.
The typical education requirement for nuclear engineers is a bachelor’s degree, which makes an undergraduate program the primary pathway into this field. Success in these roles is closely tied to a strong set of analytical and technical skills. Key skills include critical and analytical thinking, science, and mathematics, which support understanding complex systems and data. Being detail oriented is also important, along with strong writing and reading abilities for working with technical documents. Competence with computers and information technology is another central skill area. Problem solving and decision making, adaptability, and leadership contribute to handling challenging situations and working effectively in professional environments. Project management skills round out the profile, supporting the ability to coordinate tasks and timelines. Together, this mix of education and skills indicates that nuclear engineers benefit from both technical depth and broader professional capabilities that help them contribute effectively to complex projects and teams.
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