📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$101,658
per year
Median
$99,915
per year
Hourly
$48.87
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$66,565
25th Percentile — Junior$85,021
50th Percentile — Median$99,915
75th Percentile — Senior$126,547
90th Percentile — Top Earners$141,893
💡 Top-earning Nuclear Engineers in Kentucky make up to $141,893 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$94.4k
2021
$95.8k
2022
$97.2k
2023
$98.7k
2024
$100.2k
2025
$101.7k
2026
📈 Nuclear Engineer salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 1.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $85,393 -16.0% Medium
Lexington $85,393 -16.0% Medium
🔍
Nuclear Engineer Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Nuclear Engineers. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $101,658 per year, Kentucky's Nuclear Engineer salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $66,565–$85,021, while experienced Nuclear Engineers can command $126,547–$141,893.

Looking ahead, the Nuclear Engineer profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 1.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Nuclear Engineer salary in Kentucky is $101,658 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $122,480.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Nuclear Engineers the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Nuclear Engineer employment.
  • At $101,658/year, Kentucky Nuclear Engineer salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $122,480/year.