How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in the United States?
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The average Nuclear Engineer salary in the United States is $265,061 as of April 01, 2025. The range for our most popular Nuclear Engineer positions (listed below) typically falls between $81,850 and $448,273. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Nuclear Engineer's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Nuclear Engineer I | $91,212 | $43.85 | United States | April 01, 2025 |
| Nuclear Engineer III | $129,676 | $62.34 | United States | April 01, 2025 |
| Nuclear Engineer II | $108,371 | $52.10 | United States | April 01, 2025 |
| Nuclear Engineer V | $182,987 | $87.97 | United States | April 01, 2025 |
| Nuclear Engineer IV | $155,768 | $74.89 | United States | April 01, 2025 |
| Nuclear Pharmacist | $158,371 | $76.14 | United States | April 01, 2025 |
| Physician - Nuclear Medicine | $381,260 | $183.30 | United States | April 01, 2025 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technician | $90,448 | $43.48 | United States | April 01, 2025 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist | $96,858 | $46.57 | United States | April 01, 2025 |
| Nuclear Medicine Director | $130,205 | $62.60 | United States | April 01, 2025 |
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Designs and initiates processes to gain benefit from nuclear energy and radiation. Conducts research into problems of nuclear energy systems. Designs and develops nuclear equipment. Monitors testing, operation, and maintenance of nuclear reactors. Requires a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or related field. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Nuclear Engineer I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Entry Nuclear Engineer, Radiological Engineer I, Nuclear Engineer I
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Designs and initiates processes to gain benefit from nuclear energy and radiation. Conducts research into problems of nuclear energy systems. Designs and develops nuclear equipment. Monitors testing, operation, and maintenance of nuclear reactors. Requires a master's degree in nuclear engineering or related field. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience. View Nuclear Engineer III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Radiological Engineer III, Senior Nuclear Engineer, Nuclear Engineer III
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Designs and initiates processes to gain benefit from nuclear energy and radiation. Conducts research into problems of nuclear energy systems. Designs and develops nuclear equipment. Monitors testing, operation, and maintenance of nuclear reactors. Requires a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or related field. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience. View Nuclear Engineer II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Engineer, Experienced - Nuclear, Intermediate Nuclear Engineer, Radiological Engineer II, Nuclear Engineer II
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Designs and initiates processes to gain benefit from nuclear energy and radiation. Conducts research into problems of nuclear energy systems. Designs and develops nuclear equipment. Monitors testing, operation, and maintenance of nuclear reactors. May require a master's degree in nuclear engineering or related field. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View Nuclear Engineer V SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Engineer, Lead/Master - Nuclear, Nuclear Engineer - Expert/Consultant, Radiological Engineer V, Nuclear Engineer V
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Designs and initiates processes to gain benefit from nuclear energy and radiation. Conducts research into problems of nuclear energy systems. Designs and develops nuclear equipment. Monitors testing, operation, and maintenance of nuclear reactors. May require a master's degree in nuclear engineering or related field. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View Nuclear Engineer IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Engineer, Specialist - Nuclear, Radiological Engineer IV, Nuclear Engineer IV
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Under the direction of a physician, compounds and dispenses radiopharmaceutical drugs to medical care providers. Responsible for procuring, compounding, dispensing, and distributing radiopharmaceuticals. Analyzes drugs for verification of identity and strength. Must have completed a program in nuclear pharmacy. May require an advanced degree of pharmacy. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Requires license to practice. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement. View Nuclear Pharmacist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Radio Pharmacist, Nuclear Pharmacist
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Uses radioactive materials to diagnose and treat disease. Monitors quality control of radionuclide preparation, administration and disposition, and ensures that all activities comply with the standards of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Instructs and directs nuclear medicine technologists regarding desired dosages, techniques, positions, and projections. Requires a MD degree from an accredited school. Requires a valid state license to practice. May report to a medical director. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement. View Physician - Nuclear Medicine SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Nuclear Medicine Physician, Physician - Nuclear MedicineCategory : Healthcare - Practitioners
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Provides diagnostic aid to physicians by conducting organ or body scans on patients. Administers and records isotope dosages in accordance with established departmental protocol. Observes patients during procedures and reports any abnormal activity. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a chief technologist or manager. Requires registration with the Nuclear Medicine Technology certification Board, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (A.R.R.T.), or the American Society of Clinical Pathology. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement. View Nuclear Medicine Technician SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Nuclear Medicine Scanning Technician, Nuclear Medicine TechnicianCategory : Healthcare - Technicians
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Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals for use in both diagnostic studies and therapeutic treatments. Creates and enhances diagnostic images using a variety of imaging equipment and tools. Collects biologic specimens and prepares data for interpretation by physicians. Follows radiation safety guidelines and documents radiopharmaceutical usage for regulatory compliance. May require a bachelor's degree in a related area. Typically requires certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) and a state license to practice. Typically reports to a chief technologist or manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Nuclear Medicine Technologist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Nuclear Medicine Lab Technologist, Nuclear Medicine TechnologistCategory : Healthcare - Technicians
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Directs and coordinates all aspects of nuclear medicine. Sets policies and procedures for administering radioactive isotopes and therapy to treat and diagnose patients. Ensures medical services meet the patient quality standards set by the organization. May require an advanced degree. Typically reports to top management. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. View Nuclear Medicine Director SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Nuclear Medical Services Director, Nuclear Medicine Director