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Nuclear Engineer Salary in Los Angeles, CA

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

Median Salary
$304,994
per year in Los Angeles
Entry Level
$186,385
Starting salary
Senior Level
$423,602
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
166
66% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$186,385$304,994$423,602
Monthly$15,532$25,416$35,300
Biweekly$7,169$11,731$16,292
Weekly$3,584$5,865$8,146
Hourly$90$147$204

Los Angeles vs National Average

How Los Angeles's nuclear engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Los Angeles Salary
$304,994
COL Index: 166
National Average
$143,540
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$161,454
Higher in Los Angeles

Cost of Living in Los Angeles

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,500
per month
Median Income
$65,290
per year
Population
3,979,576
residents
Rent % of Income
45.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 166 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Los Angeles 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
+10%
Chicago, IL
$130,160
-57%
Houston, TX
$134,999
-56%
Phoenix, AZ
$143,181
-53%
Philadelphia, PA
$136,590
-55%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Nuclear Engineer Salary in Los Angeles, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a nuclear engineer in Los Angeles, CA is $304,994 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Los Angeles's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level nuclear engineer professionals in Los Angeles can expect to earn around $186,385 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level nuclear engineers earning approximately $423,602 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Los Angeles's cost of living index of 166 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,500 per month, housing represents about 9.8% 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 Los Angeles, 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.