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Average Nuclear Engineers Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA

Nuclear Engineers in Kennewick-Richland, WA, command an impressive average annual salary of $156,300, significantly surpassing the national average of $138,390. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the specialized nature of the work and the concentrated demand within this specific region, likely tied to prominent research or operational facilities.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $156,300 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $225,440.
  • Outlook: The job market for Nuclear Engineers in Kennewick-Richland, WA, appears robust, characterized by a total local workforce of 220 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 18.39 indicates a substantial concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized employment ecosystem.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$156,300

The average Nuclear Engineers in Kennewick-Richland, WA earns+12.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$75.1

Weekly

$3,006

Monthly

$13,025

Nuclear Engineers Salary Distribution in Kennewick-Richland, WA

Salary progression for Nuclear Engineers in Kennewick-Richland, WA, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and specialized certifications can command salaries well above the average. The widening gap between lower and higher salary percentiles clearly signifies substantial career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$107,860$51.9
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$117,225$56.4
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$150,950$72.6
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$195,375$93.9
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$225,440$108.4

Detailed Nuclear Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$156,300

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$156,300

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $156,300 in Kennewick-Richland, WA, offers excellent purchasing power, as the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the high earnings translate directly into a strong standard of living, without the added financial pressure of a significantly more expensive environment.

Job Market Context

220

Total Jobs

1.758

Per 1K Jobs

18.39

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Kennewick-Richland, WA has 18.4x the national concentration of Nuclear Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 18.39, Kennewick-Richland, WA, is a highly concentrated hub for Nuclear Engineers, far exceeding the national average. This indicates a very specialized and potentially competitive market where employers actively seek out this specific talent pool, and professionals in this field are likely to find numerous opportunities within a focused industrial landscape.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Nuclear Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Nuclear Engineers make in Kennewick-Richland, WA?

The median annual salary for a Nuclear Engineers in Kennewick-Richland, WA is $156,300. This typically ranges from $107,860 for entry-level positions to $225,440 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 12.9% higher than the national median of $138,390.

Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a lucrative place for Nuclear Engineerss?

Yes, Kennewick-Richland, WA is a highly lucrative location for Nuclear Engineers.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, offering excellent real income.

Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a good place to live for Nuclear Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

What is the concentration of Nuclear Engineers in Kennewick-Richland, WA?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 18.39, meaning there are over 18 times more Nuclear Engineers per worker in this area compared to the national average.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

Nuclear Engineers in Kennewick-Richland, WA, earn an average of $156,300 annually, which is approximately $17,910 more than the national average salary.

What is the cost of living in Kennewick-Richland, WA for Nuclear Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Kennewick-Richland, WA, is 100, which is the same as the national average, indicating that your salary will have average purchasing power.

How many Nuclear Engineers are employed in Kennewick-Richland, WA?

There are approximately 220 Nuclear Engineers employed in the Kennewick-Richland, WA area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Kennewick-Richland, WA area with a job density of 1.758 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Kennewick-Richland, WA

Semantic Salary Analysis for Nuclear Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kennewick-Richland, WA