Nuclear Technicians Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, nuclear technicians earn $78,780 at the median — $37.87 an hour. The range runs from $63K at the entry level to $115K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $76,050 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,781/month — about 34.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $79K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About nuclear technicians
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level nuclear technicians (10th percentile) start around $63K. Mid-career wages sit at $79K.Top earners bring in $115K or more - a $53K spread from bottom to top.
Nuclear Technicians pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $121K | +17% | 200 |
| Florida | $118K | +14% | 60 |
| Alabama | $108K | +3% | 170 |
| Virginia | $106K | +2% | 320 |
| New Mexico | $105K | +1% | N/A |
| South Carolina | $105K | +1% | 760 |
| Pennsylvania | $105K | +0% | 330 |
| Michigan | $104K | +0% | 160 |
| North Carolina | $104K | +0% | 430 |
| Illinois | $103K | -1% | 870 |
| Washington | $100K | -4% | 90 |
| Texas | $97K | -7% | 170 |
| Missouri | $97K | -7% | 180 |
| Tennessee | $95K | -9% | 70 |
Track nuclear technicians salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Chicago-Naperville-Elgin numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do nuclear technicians make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $78,780 a year - that works out to about $37.87 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $62,930, and experienced nuclear technicians can clear $115,460. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $79K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,992/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 35.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a nuclear technicians salary go in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has a Regional Price Parity of 103.59 (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 technicians salary is worth about $76,050 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do nuclear technicians 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.