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
$133,970
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.4%
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.
What does a Nuclear Engineers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$92,960
10th percentile
Early Career
$108,690
25th percentile
Median
$133,970
50th percentile
Experienced
$163,630
75th percentile
Top Earners
$196,290
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$92,960
25th
$108,690
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$133,970
Mean: $140,420
75th
$163,630
90th
$196,290
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $103,330 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $108,690 and $163,630
- •Salary spread is 41.0% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 15,280 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:16,600
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services42%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services42%
Utilities24.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+0.4%
Annual Openings:800
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)16,600
Current
2035 (Projected)16,600
+0.4%
+100
Employment Change
+0.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Nuclear Engineers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 21 locations
South Carolina
1,440 jobs$126,5706.35x
Washington
1,380 jobs$129,4803.97x
California
1,070 jobs$172,4000.60x
Illinois
1,040 jobs$134,5101.74x
Tennessee
720 jobs$02.24x
New Mexico
500 jobs$164,3005.88x
North Carolina
460 jobs$131,8500.94x
Maine
420 jobs$123,7806.63x
Pennsylvania
340 jobs$133,2500.58x
Michigan
330 jobs$129,9400.76x
Alabama
290 jobs$132,5701.41x
District of Columbia
230 jobs$195,1903.32x
Massachusetts
210 jobs$145,7600.60x
Georgia
200 jobs$132,4400.41x
Ohio
190 jobs$00.36x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Engineering and Technology
100%
#2
Science
100%
#3
Problem Sensitivity
100%
#4
Physics
94%
#5
Critical Thinking
94%
#6
Written Expression
92%
#7
Mathematics
86%
#8
Judgment and Decision Making
86%
#9
Oral Expression
82%
#10
English Language
80%
Skills Overview
Engineering and Technology
advanced5.0
100%
Science
advanced5.0
100%
Problem Sensitivity
advanced5.0
100%
Physics
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Written Expression
advanced4.6
92%
Mathematics
intermediate4.3
86%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Engineering and Technology
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Science
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Physics
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Written Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Oral Expression
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Precision Agriculture Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Animal Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric and Space Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Mechanical Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Biological Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Statisticians82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Physics
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓English Language
Learn on the Job:
- →Mathematics
- →Writing
- →Chemistry
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Physics
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓English Language
- ✓Science
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Engineering and Technology
- ★Physics
- ★Mathematics
- ★English Language
- ★Science
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Nuclear Engineers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
SAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechSalesforce software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechC++
🔥 Hot TechOracle Java
🔥 Hot TechPython
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechLinux
🔥 Hot TechUNIX
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Salesforce software
Microsoft Access
SAP software
C++
Oracle Java
Python
Microsoft Office software
Linux
UNIX
Microsoft PowerPoint
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
20
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (13)Operations & Execution (1)Analysis & Evaluation (1)General Responsibilities (3)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)
1
Examine accidents to obtain data for use in design of preventive measures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or could jeopardize safe operations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Keep abreast of developments and changes in the nuclear field by reading technical journals or by independent study and research.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Perform experiments that will provide information about acceptable methods of nuclear material usage, nuclear fuel reclamation, or waste disposal.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution91% perform94%
5
Design or oversee construction or operation of nuclear reactors, power plants, or nuclear fuels reprocessing and reclamation systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Design or develop nuclear equipment, such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, or associated instrumentation or control mechanisms.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Recommend preventive measures to be taken in the handling of nuclear technology, based on data obtained from operations monitoring or from evaluation of test results.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation79% perform86%
9
Write operational instructions to be used in nuclear plant operation or nuclear fuel or waste handling and disposal.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Conduct tests of nuclear fuel behavior and cycles or performance of nuclear machinery and equipment to optimize performance of existing plants.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •35% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Nuclear Engineers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Nuclear Engineers professionals typically have a IRC Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
RRealistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Nuclear Engineers
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.76
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.70
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.67
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.30
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.14
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.05
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.7
Analytical Thinking
4.7
Dependability
4.3
Self-Control
4.1
Initiative
4.0
Cooperation
4.0
Stress Tolerance
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
Achievement/Effort
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Nuclear Engineers.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Nuclear Engineers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
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Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
713 program completions/year
John C Calhoun State Community College
Tanner, AL
649 program completions/year
SOWELA Technical Community College
Lake Charles, LA
637 program completions/year
Columbus State Community College
Columbus, OH
618 program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
574 program completions/year
Stark State College
North Canton, OH
531 program completions/year
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA
504 program completions/year
Refrigeration School Inc
Phoenix, AZ
504 program completions/year
Northwestern Technological Institute
Southfield, MI
469 program completions/year