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How much do entry level nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level nuclear engineer in the United States is $105,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry Level Nuclear Engineer Do?

An entry-level nuclear engineer works with nuclear energy and radiation. As a nuclear engineer, you devise systems and create tools for using nuclear power. You oversee responsibilities like developing equipment, writing operating guides for equipment and processes, ensuring safety during facility operations, and taking action to prevent and mitigate nuclear emergencies. You may work in a nuclear power plant or in a laboratory focusing on using radioactive materials for societal benefit, like in the medical or aerospace industries. Your responsibilities are to test nuclear processes for solvency, maintain safety standards, and eventually handle supervisory and managerial duties depending on the size and scope of your team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Nuclear Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Nuclear Engineer, you need a strong background in nuclear engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, typically demonstrated by a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as MATLAB, AutoCAD, and simulation tools, as well as understanding of regulatory standards like NRC guidelines, is often expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure accurate technical work, compliance with safety regulations, and successful collaboration on complex engineering projects.

What are common challenges faced by entry level nuclear engineers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level nuclear engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex regulatory requirements, adapting to rigorous safety protocols, and quickly learning specialized software and technical systems unique to nuclear facilities. They may also need to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical, on-site applications. New engineers can overcome these challenges by actively seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, participating in ongoing training programs, and regularly engaging with interdisciplinary teams to broaden their understanding of operational procedures and safety standards.

What is the difference between Entry Level Nuclear Engineer vs Nuclear Technician?

AspectEntry Level Nuclear EngineerNuclear Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in nuclear technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and safety assessments in labs or officesOperate and monitor nuclear equipment in power plants or facilities
Employer & Industry UsagePower plants, research facilities, government agenciesNuclear power plants, medical facilities, research labs

Entry Level Nuclear Engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on designing and analyzing nuclear systems, while Nuclear Technicians usually have technical certifications and handle operational tasks. Both roles are essential in the nuclear industry but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

More about Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Nuclear Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs are:
Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer I/II (Reactor Design)

Fissionaire

Madison, WI

$99K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

As an emerging leader in nuclear engineering, our startup is developing revolutionary reactor technology to secure safe and abundant energy for future generations.  We are seeking a highly skilled entry-level Nuclear Engineer I/II to join our dynamic team and contribute to the design and development of next-generation nuclear reactors.


The Nuclear Engineer I/II will contribute to the design, analysis, and optimization of advanced nuclear reactor systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nuclear engineering, proficiency with industry-standard design software, and a proactive, self-starting attitude. This role requires innovative thinking, technical expertise, and a commitment to advancing safe and sustainable nuclear energy solutions.

Key responsibilities
  • Design and develop nuclear reactor systems, including core design, thermal-hydraulics, and safety systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Perform simulations and analyses to optimize reactor performance, safety, and efficiency using industry-standard software tools.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical engineers, materials scientists, and safety analysts, to integrate reactor designs into broader systems.
  • Conduct risk assessments and safety analyses to ensure designs meet stringent nuclear safety requirements.
  • Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
  • Stay updated on advancements in nuclear technology, materials, and regulations to incorporate cutting-edge solutions into designs.
  • Participate in project planning and scheduling to ensure timely delivery of design milestones.
  • Contribute to research and development initiatives for innovative reactor concepts.  
qualifications
  • Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related field. Ph.D. preferred but not required.
  • Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in nuclear reactor design, analysis, or related fields within industry or in academic work.
  • Proficiency with nuclear design and analysis software, such as MCNP, SCALE, RELAP5, COMSOL, MOOSE, GOTHIC etc.
  • Familiarity with CAD software for reactor component design.
  • Proficiency in programming languages for data analysis, scripting, or automation of design processes.
  • Knowledge of nuclear physics, neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, and reactor safety principles.
  • Experience with Molten Salt Reactor design preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive projects to completion with minimal supervision.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Familiarity with nuclear regulatory frameworks and safety standards.
  • Knowledge of materials science, particularly related to radiation-resistant materials and high-temperature applications.
  • Familiarity with risk assessments and analysis (PRA, FMEA, PIRT etc.) preferred
  • Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for thermal-hydraulic analysis preferred.
  • U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required.
What we offer
  • Competitive salary with equity options
  • Comprehensive benefits, holiday and PTO schedule
  • Opportunity to shape foundational operations in a groundbreaking nuclear startup.

Fissionaire’s technology is subject to U.S. export control regulations, which require the company to review applicants’ eligibility based on their citizenship or residency status. As part of the application process, candidates will be asked to indicate whether they are a U.S. citizen, green card, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee resident to support this review. Because government authorization timelines can vary, Fissionaire is unable to consider alternate resident statuses where required approvals may not be obtainable within a timeframe that meets business needs.

Fissionaire is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, colour, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, family or relationship structure, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Fissionaire’s management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.