BLS Official Data · OEWS May 2025

Nuclear Engineers in Virginia

$132,710 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$63.8 per hour

▼ 5.5% below U.S. average15th of 19 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: OEWS May 2025 Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$132,710per year
Median$128,890per year
Hourly$63.8per hour
10th – 90th percentile$81,480 – $192,350per year

Nuclear Engineers Pay Range in Virginia

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$81,480
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$98,920
  • 50th Percentile — Median$128,890
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$164,010
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$192,350

Half of Nuclear Engineers in Virginia earn more than $128,890. The top 10% make $192,350 or more, while entry-level workers start around $81,480.

Nuclear Engineers in Virginia: Key Facts

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025

  • Virginia ranks 15th of 19 states for Nuclear Engineers pay, at $132,710 per year (5.5% below the U.S. average of $140,420).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $81,480; the top 10% earn over $192,350.
  • Hourly equivalent: $63.8 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $180,480.
  • Among engineering jobs in Virginia, Aerospace Engineers pays the most ($155,770).

Nuclear Engineers Job Market in Virginia

Key factors affecting compensation

Virginia's key industries are Government, Technology, Defense, and its job market is rated very strong. Nuclear Engineers here earn $132,710 on average, placing the state 15th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 1.1 (U.S. = 1.00), a Virginia salary of $132,710 is roughly equivalent to $120,645 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Alabama ($134,480), Massachusetts ($134,020), Idaho ($133,750) are the closest alternatives for Nuclear Engineers weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Nuclear Engineers salary in Virginia?

The average Nuclear Engineers salary in Virginia is $132,710 per year (median $128,890), which is 5.5% below the national average of $140,420.

How does Virginia rank for Nuclear Engineers pay?

Virginia ranks 15th out of 19 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($180,480/yr).

How much do entry-level Nuclear Engineers make in Virginia?

The lowest-paid 10% of Nuclear Engineers in Virginia earn about $81,480 per year and the 25th percentile is $98,920.

How much do Nuclear Engineers make per hour in Virginia?

About $63.8 per hour, based on the $132,710 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

Explore more salary data