Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
Nuclear Engineers
SOC: 17-2161 O*NET: 17-2161.00
Median Salary
$127,520
per year
Job Growth
📉 -1.1%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$76,512
25th
$102,016
50th (Median)
$127,520
75th
$153,024
90th
$191,280
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:15,400
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-1.1%
Annual Openings:800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)15,400
Current
2034 (Projected)15,300
-1.1%
-200
Employment Change
-1.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
Top Skills
✓
Science
Science
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Writing
Writing
✓
Mathematics
Mathematics
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Active Learning
Active Learning
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Engineering and Technology
✓
Physics
✓
Mathematics
✓
English Language
✓
Public Safety and Security
✓
Chemistry
✓
Computers and Electronics
✓
Design
✓
Mechanical
✓
Education and Training
Education & Training
Education Required
Bachelor's degree or higher
Experience Required
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Job Training
Significant preparation with related work experience