As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Nuclear Engineer II in the United States is $95,657 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Nuclear Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Nuclear Engineer II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Nuclear Engineer II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineer I | 0-2 years | $81,838 |
| Nuclear Engineer II | 2-4 years | $95,657 |
| Nuclear Engineer III | 4-7 years | $116,011 |
| Nuclear Engineer IV | 7+ years | $140,132 |
| Nuclear Engineer V | 7-10 years | $161,867 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Nuclear Engineer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.2% |
| AutoCAD | 1.76% |
| Programming | 1.31% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Innovation
|
$103,310 |
8%
|
|
Initiative
|
$103,310 |
8%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$102,353 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$101,396 |
6%
|
|
Electrical Engineering
|
$100,440 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$99,483 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Nuclear Engineer IIs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Nuclear Engineer II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $102,828 and $108,758).
Nuclear Engineer II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.6% |
| High School | 1.6% |
| Associates | 57.4% |
| Bachelors | 32.8% |
| Masters | 57.4% |
| Doctorate | 8.2% |
Understanding how a Nuclear Engineer II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Nuclear Engineer II, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Aeronautical Engineer III | $110,779 | 16% |
| Aerospace Engineer III | $110,779 | 16% |
| Engineer III | $110,776 | 16% |
| Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer III | $115,838 | 21% |
Salaries for a Nuclear Engineer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $99,246 in 2023 to around $98,381 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Nuclear Engineer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $99,246 |
| 2024 | $99,149 |
| 2025 | $98,381 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Nuclear Engineer II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Nuclear Engineer II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Nuclear Engineer II is $120,652.
The highest pay for Nuclear Engineer II is $107,188.
The lowest pay for Nuclear Engineer II is $83,449.
Designs and initiates processes to gain benefit from nuclear energy and radiation. Conducts research into problems of nuclear energy systems. Designs and develops nuclear equipment. Monitors testing, operation, and maintenance of nuclear reactors. Requires a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or related field. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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