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Average Nuclear Engineers Salary in Knoxville, TN

Nuclear Engineers in Knoxville, TN, command an impressive average annual salary of $180,510, significantly outpacing the national average of $138,390. This substantial difference is largely attributed to the specialized nature of nuclear engineering and the specific demands within the Knoxville region, likely driven by key industry players and research facilities.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $180,510 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 43.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $270,765.
  • Outlook: The nuclear engineering job market in Knoxville presents a robust picture, characterized by a concentrated local workforce of 200 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 5.08, indicating a concentration over five times the national average, demand for these specialized skills appears exceptionally high relative to the general workforce.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$180,510

The average Nuclear Engineers in Knoxville, TN earns+30.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$86.8

Weekly

$3,471

Monthly

$15,043

Nuclear Engineers Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN

Career progression for Nuclear Engineers in Knoxville is typically marked by significant salary increases. Entry-level positions might start considerably lower, but with experience, professionals can ascend to senior roles, commanding salaries that reflect their expertise and responsibilities. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often seen across different pay percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$93,980$45.2
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$135,383$65.1
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$174,380$83.8
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$225,638$108.5
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$270,765$130.2

Detailed Nuclear Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$180,510

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$180,510

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $180,510 in Knoxville, TN, offers exceptional purchasing power, as the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the high nominal salary translates directly into a strong real income, allowing Nuclear Engineers to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

0.485

Per 1K Jobs

5.08

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Knoxville, TN has 5.1x 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.

Knoxville's Location Quotient of 5.08 for Nuclear Engineers signifies a highly concentrated and specialized job market. This indicates that the region has a significantly larger proportion of Nuclear Engineers compared to the national average, suggesting a strong presence of related industries, research institutions, or government facilities that drive demand for this niche expertise.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Nuclear Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Nuclear Engineers make in Knoxville, TN?

The median annual salary for a Nuclear Engineers in Knoxville, TN is $180,510. This typically ranges from $93,980 for entry-level positions to $270,765 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 30.4% higher than the national median of $138,390.

Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Nuclear Engineers?

Yes, Knoxville, TN is a highly lucrative location for Nuclear Engineers.Nuclear Engineers earn substantially more than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, maximizing their effective income.

Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Nuclear Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does Knoxville's Nuclear Engineer salary compare to the national average?

Nuclear Engineers in Knoxville earn an average of $180,510 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $138,390.

What is the concentration of Nuclear Engineers in Knoxville?

Knoxville has a high concentration of Nuclear Engineers, with a Location Quotient of 5.08, meaning the profession is over five times more common there than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Knoxville affect Nuclear Engineer salaries?

The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville is 100, which is the national average. This means the high average salary of $180,510 provides excellent purchasing power for Nuclear Engineers in the area.

What does the job market look like for Nuclear Engineers in Knoxville?

The job market appears robust, with a specialized workforce and a high concentration of Nuclear Engineers, suggesting strong demand for their skills within the local economy.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 0.485 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Nuclear Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Knoxville, TN