Nuclear Engineers Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $189,770 +48.8% vs national
Median hourly $91.24
10th percentile $121,890
90th percentile $203,990
Employed locally 300
National median $127,520

Compare Nuclear Engineers salary & buying power

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Nuclear Engineers
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $121,890
    25th
    $157,980
    50th (median)
    $189,770
    75th
    $201,140
    90th
    $203,990

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Nuclear Engineers salary vs area income 153% Median Nuclear Engineers salary is 53% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Nuclear Engineers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $189,800
    Knoxville, TN $174,380
    California $167,660
    New York $159,290
    Kennewick-Richland, WA $150,950
    Maryland $150,340

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Civil Engineers$100,370
    Engineers, All Other$162,610
    Mechanical Engineers$121,060
    Electrical Engineers$136,820
    Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$106,120
    Aerospace Engineers$157,980

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Nuclear Engineers make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Nuclear Engineers in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $91.24, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $98.53 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Nuclear Engineers salaries?

    The median Nuclear Engineers salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 48.8% above the national median of $127,520. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Nuclear Engineers in Washington?

    Entry-level Nuclear Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $121,890 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $157,980.