Nuclear Engineers Salary in Washington

Nuclear engineers in Washington earn the most in Seattle (average $164,090 a year) and the least in Kennewick ($157,770), across the 2 Washington metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the nuclear engineers average at $136,540 and the median at $129,480 for 1,380 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $140,420.

Nuclear Engineers average salary by city in Washington

Seattle$164,090
Kennewick$157,770

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Seattle	$164,090	$161,050	$128,790	$123,422	111
Kennewick	$157,770	$156,460	$127,270	$119,102	100

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Washington has no state income tax; Washington's WA Cares (0.58%) and Paid Family and Medical Leave payroll premiums are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Nuclear Engineers salary in other states

Nuclear Engineers salary by city and state

More about pay in Washington

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 17-2161.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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