Nuclear Engineers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, nuclear engineers earn $189,770 at the median — $91.24 an hour. The range runs from $122K at the entry level to $204K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $174,293 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $2,246/month, or 20.8% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $190K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About nuclear engineers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level nuclear engineers (10th percentile) start around $122K. Mid-career wages sit at $190K.Top earners bring in $204K or more - a $82K spread from bottom to top.
Nuclear Engineers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $190K | +49% | 240 |
| California | $168K | +31% | 870 |
| New York | $159K | +25% | 160 |
| Maryland | $150K | +18% | 140 |
| Minnesota | $150K | +18% | 190 |
| Nebraska | $149K | +17% | N/A |
| Alabama | $144K | +13% | 270 |
| Massachusetts | $142K | +11% | 120 |
| New Mexico | $140K | +10% | 1,160 |
| Michigan | $138K | +8% | 180 |
| Pennsylvania | $135K | +6% | 480 |
| Idaho | $130K | +2% | 720 |
| Illinois | $130K | +2% | 950 |
| Georgia | $130K | +2% | 140 |
| Florida | $129K | +1% | 140 |
Track nuclear engineers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do nuclear engineers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $189,770 a year - that works out to about $91.24 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $121,890, and experienced nuclear engineers can clear $203,990. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $190K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $10,668/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 21.1% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a nuclear engineers salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median nuclear engineers salary is worth about $174,293 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do nuclear engineers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.