📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Nuclear Engineers Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$182,442
per year
Median
$179,460
per year
Hourly
$87.71
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$119,634
25th Percentile — Junior$151,493
50th Percentile — Median$179,460
75th Percentile — Senior$223,176
90th Percentile — Top Earners$249,287
💡 Top-earning Nuclear Engineerss in California make up to $249,287 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$155.9k
2021
$160.8k
2022
$166.0k
2023
$171.3k
2024
$176.8k
2025
$182.4k
2026
📈 Nuclear Engineers salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.2% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Nuclear Engineers Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $282,785 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $270,014 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $313,800 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $337,518 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $197,037 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $222,579 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $264,541 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $197,037 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $259,068 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $255,419 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $233,526 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $215,282 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $282,785 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $215,282 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $204,335 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $222,579 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $209,808 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $270,014 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $291,907 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Nuclear Engineers Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Nuclear Engineerss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $182,442 per year, California's Nuclear Engineers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $119,634–$151,493, while experienced Nuclear Engineerss can command $223,176–$249,287.

Looking ahead, the Nuclear Engineers profession in California is projected to grow at 3.2% 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Nuclear Engineers salary in California is $182,442 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $128,480.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Nuclear Engineerss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Nuclear Engineers employment.
  • At $182,442/year, California Nuclear Engineers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $128,480/year.