How to Become a Nuclear Engineer
Apply nuclear science to power generation, medicine, and safety, managing the release and control of nuclear energy. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $133,970 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$133,970/yr
Job growth
-1%
Openings / yr
800
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Reactor Physics
- Radiation Safety
- Science
- Mathematics
- Monitoring
Helpful certifications
- FE/PE (Professional Engineer)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Computer Hardware Engineer$161,740 median
- Petroleum Engineer$144,910 median
- Aerospace Engineer$134,960 median
- Chemical Engineer$125,040 median
- Electrical Engineer$120,630 median
- Materials Engineer$112,860 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make?
The median pay for a Nuclear Engineer is $133,970 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Nuclear Engineer?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics.
Is Nuclear Engineer a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about -1% over the decade, with roughly 800 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Nuclear Engineer use most?
Common skills for this role are Reactor Physics, Radiation Safety, Science, Mathematics, and Monitoring.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.