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Nuclear Engineer Salary in Sacramento, CA

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

Median Salary
$259,061
per year in Sacramento
Entry Level
$158,315
Starting salary
Senior Level
$359,807
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
141
41% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$158,315$259,061$359,807
Monthly$13,193$21,588$29,984
Biweekly$6,089$9,964$13,839
Weekly$3,045$4,982$6,919
Hourly$76$125$173

Sacramento vs National Average

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

Sacramento Salary
$259,061
COL Index: 141
National Average
$143,540
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$115,521
Higher in Sacramento

Cost of Living in Sacramento

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,950
per month
Median Income
$63,456
per year
Population
525,453
residents
Rent % of Income
36.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 141 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Sacramento 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
+30%
Los Angeles, CA
$304,994
+18%
Chicago, IL
$130,160
-50%
Houston, TX
$134,999
-48%
Phoenix, AZ
$143,181
-45%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Nuclear Engineer Salary in Sacramento, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a nuclear engineer in Sacramento, CA is $259,061 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 141. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Sacramento's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level nuclear engineer professionals in Sacramento can expect to earn around $158,315 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level nuclear engineers earning approximately $359,807 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Sacramento's cost of living index of 141 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Sacramento 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 Sacramento typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,950 per month, housing represents about 9.0% 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 Sacramento, 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.