Electrical Engineers vs Nuclear Engineers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Electrical Engineers

Median Salary
$106,188
Average (Mean)
$111,026
Employed Nationwide
184,480
VS

Nuclear Engineers

Median Salary
$126,301
Average (Mean)
$126,567
Employed Nationwide
9,440
Nuclear Engineers earns $20,113 more (18.9%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $106,188 $126,301
Average (Mean) Salary $111,026 $126,567
Total Employment 184,480 9,440
States with Higher Pay 3 17

Salary by State: Electrical Engineers vs Nuclear Engineers

Showing 20 states where both occupations have BLS data. Electrical Engineers pays more in 3 states; Nuclear Engineers pays more in 17.

State Electrical Engineers Nuclear Engineers Difference
Alabama $105,580
$129,460
$-23,880
District of Columbia $129,670
$174,390
$-44,720
Florida $100,200
$120,190
$-19,990
Illinois $104,120
$121,550
$-17,430
Maryland $120,240
$127,070
$-6,830
Michigan $99,800
$125,130
$-25,330
Missouri $99,530
$124,160
$-24,630
New Mexico $135,880
$132,320
+$3,560
New York $107,000
$128,200
$-21,200
North Carolina $101,170
$116,020
$-14,850
Ohio $100,230
$120,290
$-20,060
Oregon $120,430
$137,530
$-17,100
Pennsylvania $105,000
$126,530
$-21,530
South Carolina $96,120
$104,270
$-8,150
Tennessee $103,170
$132,320
$-29,150
Texas $102,710
$124,610
$-21,900
Utah $104,800
$134,740
$-29,940
Virginia $110,840
$108,990
+$1,850
Washington $126,800
$116,100
+$10,700
Wisconsin $97,880
$122,160
$-24,280

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Electrical Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
On average across all states, a Nuclear Engineers earns more than a Electrical Engineers. The national median salary difference is $20,113 (18.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Electrical Engineers earn more than a Nuclear Engineers?
A Electrical Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Nuclear Engineers in 3 out of 20 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Nuclear Engineers pays more in 17 states.
What is the median salary for a Electrical Engineers vs Nuclear Engineers?
The national median salary for a Electrical Engineers is $106,188 per year, compared to $126,301 for a Nuclear Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Electrical Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
There are more people employed as Electrical Engineers. BLS reports approximately 184,480 Electrical Engineers positions and 9,440 Nuclear Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Electrical Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
Both Electrical Engineers and Nuclear Engineers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

Compare After-Tax Take-Home Pay

See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.