SalaryNode

Average Nuclear Technicians Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Nuclear Technicians in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $89,810. This figure is notably below the national average of $101,120, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as specific industry demand or regional economic factors, play a significant role in compensation for this specialized role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $89,810 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $115,460.
  • Outlook: The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area demonstrates a robust demand for Nuclear Technicians, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 480 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.77 indicates a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, signaling a strong and established presence of nuclear technology industries within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$89,810

The average Nuclear Technicians in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns-11.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$43.2

Weekly

$1,727

Monthly

$7,484

Nuclear Technicians Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Career progression for Nuclear Technicians typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement and increased compensation.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$62,930$30.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$67,358$32.4
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$78,780$37.9
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$112,263$54
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$115,460$55.5

Detailed Nuclear Technicians Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$89,810

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$89,810

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $89,810 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard, making it a stable financial proposition for residents.

Job Market Context

480

Total Jobs

0.107

Per 1K Jobs

2.77

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 2.8x the national concentration of Nuclear Technicians 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 2.77, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area is a significantly concentrated hub for Nuclear Technicians compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a competitive job market with numerous opportunities, but also potentially a larger pool of qualified candidates vying for these specialized positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Nuclear Technicianss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Nuclear Technicians make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?

The median annual salary for a Nuclear Technicians in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $89,810. This typically ranges from $62,930 for entry-level positions to $115,460 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 11.2% lower than the national median of $101,120.

Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Nuclear Technicians?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $89,810 is below the national average, the high concentration of jobs (LQ 2.77) and a cost of living at the national average indicate a stable and opportunity-rich market for Nuclear Technicians.

Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Nuclear Technicians?

The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

Nuclear Technicians in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earn an average of $89,810 annually, which is approximately 11% lower than the national average of $101,120.

What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.77 mean for Nuclear Technicians?

An LQ of 2.77 signifies that Nuclear Technicians are 2.77 times more concentrated in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area than in the U.S. overall, indicating a strong regional demand and industry presence.

How does the cost of living impact the Nuclear Technician salary in Chicago?

The cost of living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is at the national average (100). Therefore, the $89,810 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being below the national salary benchmark.

What is the total number of Nuclear Technicians in the Chicago area?

There are approximately 480 Nuclear Technicians employed within the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 0.107 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Semantic Salary Analysis for Nuclear Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN