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Nuclear Engineers Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Nuclear Engineers make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$134,510
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.3% vs 2024
$139,280
Mean Salary
$134,510
Median Salary
$64.67
Hourly Rate
1,040 people work as Nuclear Engineers in Illinois

Nuclear Engineers salary by percentile in Illinois

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Nuclear Engineers salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Nuclear Engineers in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $102,890$102,89025th25% earn less than $112,260$112,260MedianHalf earn more than $134,510$134,51075th75% earn less than $162,440$162,44090thTop 10% earn more than $171,060$171,060

Nuclear Engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $134,510 per year ($11,209/month). This is 4.6% below the national average of $140,937. Illinois ranks #8 out of 19 states for Nuclear Engineers pay. Approximately 1,040 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries increased by 3.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Nuclear Engineers

Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.

Top Skills

Science
4.12
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Monitoring
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Engineering and Technology
4.85
Mathematics
4.52
Physics
4.48
Design
3.85
Chemistry
3.7
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (85.2% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Nuclear Engineers in Illinois

Salaries for Nuclear Engineers in Illinois range from $102,890 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $171,060 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $112,260 and $162,440.

Median $134,510
P10: $102,890 P25: $112,260 P75: $162,440 P90: $171,060
10th
$102,890
25th
$112,260
Median
$134,510
75th
$162,440
90th
$171,060
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $102,890 $49.47 $8,574
25th Percentile $112,260 $53.97 $9,355
Median (50th) $134,510 $64.67 $11,209
75th Percentile $162,440 $78.10 $13,536
90th Percentile (Experienced) $171,060 $82.24 $14,255

Note: The mean (average) salary of $139,280 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#8
Illinois ranks #8 of 19 states
$140,937
National avg. for Nuclear Engineers
-4.6%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Nuclear Engineers salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Nuclear Engineers take-home pay in Illinois after taxes →

Explore Nuclear Engineers Data in Illinois

Nuclear Engineers Salary by State

Compare Nuclear Engineers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Nuclear Engineers make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Nuclear Engineers in Illinois is $134,510 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $139,280.
What is the salary range for a Nuclear Engineers in Illinois?
Salaries for Nuclear Engineers in Illinois range from $102,890 at the 10th percentile to $171,060 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $112,260 and $162,440.
What is the starting salary for a Nuclear Engineers in Illinois?
Entry-level Nuclear Engineers positions in Illinois typically start around $102,890 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $112,260 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Nuclear Engineers in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,040 people are employed as Nuclear Engineers in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Nuclear Engineers in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Nuclear Engineers in Illinois is approximately $64.67 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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