📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Nuclear Engineer Salary in District of Columbia (2026)

District of Columbia · 52.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$186,170
per year
Median
$182,978
per year
Hourly
$89.5
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$121,903
25th Percentile — Junior$155,701
50th Percentile — Median$182,978
75th Percentile — Senior$231,748
90th Percentile — Top Earners$259,850
💡 Top-earning Nuclear Engineers in District of Columbia make up to $259,850 per year. The job market in District of Columbia is rated very strong, with key industries including Government, Finance, Technology.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$172.8k
2021
$175.4k
2022
$178.0k
2023
$180.7k
2024
$183.4k
2025
$186.2k
2026
📈 Nuclear Engineer salaries in District of Columbia have followed the national trend with 1.5% annual growth. The strong presence in District of Columbia's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in District of Columbia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Washington $282,978 +52.0% Medium
🔍
Nuclear Engineer Job Market in District of Columbia
Key factors affecting compensation

District of Columbia is home to a very strong job market for Nuclear Engineers. The state's key industries — Government, Finance, Technology — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $186,170 per year, District of Columbia's Nuclear Engineer salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in District of Columbia (index: 1.52) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in District of Columbia can expect to earn $121,903–$155,701, while experienced Nuclear Engineers can command $231,748–$259,850.

Looking ahead, the Nuclear Engineer profession in District of Columbia is projected to grow at 1.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Nuclear Engineer salary in District of Columbia is $186,170 per year in 2026, which is 52.0% above the national average of $122,480.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Nuclear Engineers the highest wages in District of Columbia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • District of Columbia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Finance, Technology. This makes it one of the better states for Nuclear Engineer employment.
  • At $186,170/year, District of Columbia Nuclear Engineer salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average of $122,480/year.