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$26K

$105.6K

$150K

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

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level nuclear engineering 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 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 solid background in nuclear engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-specific software such as MATLAB, AutoCAD, and nuclear simulation tools, as well as safety and regulatory certifications, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set successful candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of nuclear systems in a highly regulated and technically complex environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level nuclear engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry-level nuclear engineers often encounter a steep learning curve as they adapt to strict safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and specialized technical systems unique to the nuclear industry. Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams—including operators, safety specialists, and senior engineers—can also be challenging at first. Additionally, new engineers must quickly become comfortable interpreting complex technical documentation and participating in detailed risk assessments, which are essential to plant operations and safety. Supportive mentorship and comprehensive onboarding programs are typically provided to help new hires overcome these initial hurdles.

What do entry level nuclear engineers do?

Entry level nuclear engineers assist in the research, design, development, and operation of nuclear equipment and systems, often under the supervision of more experienced engineers. Their responsibilities may include conducting tests, collecting and analyzing data, preparing technical reports, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. They often work in nuclear power plants, research labs, or government agencies, gaining hands-on experience while learning industry protocols. Entry level positions typically require a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field.

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

AspectEntry Level Nuclear EngineeringNuclear Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in nuclear technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, research, and development in labs or officesOperational support in nuclear power plants or facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, government agencies, research institutionsNuclear power plants, maintenance, and safety operations

Entry Level Nuclear Engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on design, analysis, and research tasks, while Nuclear Technicians usually have an associate's degree and support plant operations and safety. Both roles are essential in the nuclear industry but differ in education requirements and daily responsibilities.

More about Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Nuclear Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs are:
Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Structural Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear

Structural Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Richland, WA • On-site

$63K - $90.59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description
This position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in structural engineering in a professional position offering a wide range of interesting and challenging responsibilities. You will team up with other engineers and designers from various disciplines involved in the design of new nuclear facilities, nuclear plant betterment, and associated modifications.
  • As an Entry-Level Structural Engineer, you will have the ability to directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
  • As a member of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of projects for various clients. You will prepare design calculations, develop specifications, and support designers with drawing development.
  • Using our state-of-the-art computer tools, you will perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment and piping supports, and foundations.
  • Additionally, you will conduct structural analyses, which include loading conditions such as wind and seismic.

Additional opportunities will include:
  • Receive training and mentorship from experienced structural design engineers in the execution of meaningful project engineering assignments.
  • There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
  • A Bachelor's or Master's of Science in Structural/Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering with a strong academic background and interest in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design
    • Completion of coursework in steel and concrete design
  • Knowledge of the practical application of structural engineering including loads analysis for structural supports and design integrity
  • An understanding of the practical application of structural engineering including applying principles, techniques, and procedures to a project design
  • Knowledge of structural design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications

Valued but not required skills and experience:
  • A Bachelor's or Master's of Science from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
  • Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training
  • Experience in writing and providing support documentation for Structural Engineering calculations
  • Familiarity with structural analysis software such as MathCad, STAAD PRO, SAP2000, SAFE, GT STRUDL, or ANSYS
  • Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, N690, ACI 318, and ACI 349

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:
  • You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
  • Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range
$62,998 - $90,586
Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.
About This Business Unit
Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!
Awards & Recognition
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.
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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media

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