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Nuclear Engineer Salary in Lakewood, WA

How much does a nuclear engineer make in Lakewood? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Lakewood's cost of living.

Median Salary
$163,980
per year in Lakewood
Entry Level
$100,210
Starting salary
Senior Level
$227,750
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how nuclear engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Lakewood.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$100,210$163,980$227,750
Monthly$8,351$13,665$18,979
Biweekly$3,854$6,307$8,760
Weekly$1,927$3,153$4,380
Hourly$48$79$109

Lakewood vs National Average

How Lakewood's nuclear engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Lakewood Salary
$163,980
COL Index: 102
National Average
$143,540
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$20,440
Higher in Lakewood

Cost of Living in Lakewood

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$48,920
per year
Population
65,540
residents
Rent % of Income
29.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Lakewood have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Nuclear Engineer

Overview

Design and develop nuclear power and weapons systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering

Key Skills

Nuclear SystemsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRegulatory Knowledge

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Nuclear Engineer Salary

See Nuclear Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$335,525
+105%
Los Angeles, CA
$304,994
+86%
Chicago, IL
$130,160
-21%
Houston, TX
$134,999
-18%
Phoenix, AZ
$143,181
-13%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Nuclear Engineer Salary in Lakewood, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a nuclear engineer in Lakewood, WA is $163,980 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Lakewood's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level nuclear engineer professionals in Lakewood can expect to earn around $100,210 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level nuclear engineers earning approximately $227,750 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Lakewood's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Lakewood are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $143,540, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a nuclear engineer's salary in Lakewood typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 8.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Nuclear Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Lakewood, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.