📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Washington (2026)

Washington · 25.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$153,100
per year
Median
$150,475
per year
Hourly
$73.61
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$100,249
25th Percentile — Junior$128,044
50th Percentile — Median$150,475
75th Percentile — Senior$190,582
90th Percentile — Top Earners$213,693
💡 Top-earning Nuclear Engineers in Washington make up to $213,693 per year. The job market in Washington is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$142.1k
2021
$144.2k
2022
$146.4k
2023
$148.6k
2024
$150.8k
2025
$153.1k
2026
📈 Nuclear Engineer salaries in Washington have followed the national trend with 1.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Washington's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Washington
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Seattle $211,278 +38.0% Medium
Spokane $153,100 +0.0% Medium
Tacoma $183,720 +20.0% Medium
🔍
Nuclear Engineer Job Market in Washington
Key factors affecting compensation

Washington is home to a very strong job market for Nuclear Engineers. The state's key industries — Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $153,100 per year, Washington's Nuclear Engineer salaries are 25.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Washington (index: 1.25) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Washington can expect to earn $100,249–$128,044, while experienced Nuclear Engineers can command $190,582–$213,693.

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

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Nuclear Engineer salary in Washington is $153,100 per year in 2026, which is 25.0% above the national average of $122,480.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Nuclear Engineers the highest wages in Washington due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Washington has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Nuclear Engineer employment.
  • At $153,100/year, Washington Nuclear Engineer salaries are 25.0% higher than the national average of $122,480/year.