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Average Nuclear Engineers Salary in Washington

Nuclear Engineers in Washington State earn an average annual salary of $130,790, which is slightly below the national average of $138,390. This localized pay is influenced by the state's specific economic drivers and the specialized demand for nuclear engineering expertise within its borders.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $130,790 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $183,120.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,370 Nuclear Engineers and a Location Quotient of 4.05, Washington demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average. This robust presence suggests a strong and established job market for nuclear engineers, indicating a healthy demand and a stable employment landscape within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$130,790

The average Nuclear Engineers in Washington earns-5.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$62.9

Weekly

$2,515

Monthly

$10,899

Nuclear Engineers Salary Distribution in Washington

The salary progression for Nuclear Engineers in Washington typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify substantial career progression and earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$81,220$39
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$98,093$47.2
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$125,130$60.2
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$163,488$78.6
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$183,120$88

Detailed Nuclear Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$130,790

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$113,632

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

While the average nominal salary for Nuclear Engineers in Washington is $130,790, the state's Cost of Living Index stands at 115.1. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is somewhat diminished compared to the national average, as everyday expenses are approximately 15.1% higher. Prospective professionals should factor this into their financial planning.

Job Market Context

1,370

Total Jobs

0.387

Per 1K Jobs

4.05

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington has 4.0x 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.

Washington's Location Quotient of 4.05 for Nuclear Engineers is exceptionally high, indicating a market that is over four times more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive environment where employers actively seek out and value nuclear engineering talent, making it a significant hub for the profession.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Nuclear Engineers

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Nuclear Engineers Salary$153,420↑ 17%42 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Nuclear Engineers make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Nuclear Engineers in Washington is $130,790. This typically ranges from $81,220 for entry-level positions to $183,120 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 5.5% lower than the national median of $138,390.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Nuclear Engineers?

Yes, with caveats.Washington offers a strong concentration of Nuclear Engineers and a high average salary. However, the elevated cost of living means that take-home pay may not stretch as far as in lower-cost states.

Is Washington a good place to live for Nuclear Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($153,420) and others.

What is the average salary for a Nuclear Engineer in Washington?

The average annual salary for a Nuclear Engineer in Washington is $130,790.

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

Washington's average salary of $130,790 is slightly lower than the national average of $138,390.

Is there high demand for Nuclear Engineers in Washington?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 4.05 indicates a significantly higher concentration of Nuclear Engineers in Washington compared to the national average, suggesting strong demand.

How does the cost of living affect a Nuclear Engineer's salary in Washington?

With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average, meaning the $130,790 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,370 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.387 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 Washington