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How much do nuclear science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear science in the United States is $51.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.18 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is nuclear scientist a good career?

A nuclear scientist researches and develops nuclear energy and technology, often working in laboratories, research facilities, or government agencies. The career typically requires advanced degrees in nuclear engineering or physics, strong analytical skills, and adherence to safety protocols. It offers opportunities in energy production, medical applications, and national security, with job prospects influenced by government funding and technological advancements.

What careers are available in nuclear science?

Careers in nuclear science include nuclear engineers, health physicists, radiochemists, nuclear technicians, and reactor operators. These roles often require knowledge of radiation safety, nuclear physics, and specialized certifications or degrees in science or engineering. Employment can be found in research facilities, power plants, medical institutions, and government agencies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in nuclear science roles?

Professionals in nuclear science often face challenges related to strict regulatory compliance, ensuring safety protocols are meticulously followed, and managing the complexities of radioactive materials. The work environment typically involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, health physicists, and regulatory bodies, to ensure both scientific advancement and public safety. Additionally, staying updated with evolving technology and industry standards is vital, making continuous professional development an important aspect of the role.

What is the highest paying nuclear job?

The highest paying nuclear jobs are typically senior roles such as nuclear engineers, nuclear project managers, or nuclear reactor operators with extensive experience and advanced certifications. These positions often require specialized skills, security clearances, and work in high-stakes environments, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually depending on location and level of responsibility.

What are nuclear scientists and what do they do?

Nuclear scientists are professionals who study the properties, behavior, and uses of atomic nuclei and nuclear energy. They conduct research in areas such as nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, and radiation safety, often working to develop new technologies, improve energy production, or advance medical treatments. Their work can involve operating particle accelerators, designing nuclear reactors, or analyzing the effects of radiation. Nuclear scientists may work in academic, government, or industry settings, contributing to fields like energy, healthcare, and national security.

What can you do with nuclear science?

Nuclear science professionals work in areas such as nuclear power generation, radiation safety, medical imaging, and nuclear research. They design, operate, and maintain nuclear systems, often requiring knowledge of physics, engineering, and safety protocols, as well as relevant certifications. Careers can involve working in laboratories, power plants, hospitals, or regulatory agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nuclear Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Scientist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and nuclear engineering, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. in nuclear science or a related field. Familiarity with analytical software, radiation detection instruments, and regulatory compliance systems is crucial. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring safety, advancing nuclear technology, and adhering to strict industry regulations.

What is the difference between Nuclear Science vs Nuclear Engineering?

AspectNuclear ScienceNuclear Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Nuclear Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Nuclear Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesPower plants, research facilities, industrial settings
Industry UsageResearch, academia, policy developmentDesign, operation, and maintenance of nuclear systems

Both Nuclear Science and Nuclear Engineering share foundational knowledge and credentials, often working in overlapping environments. Nuclear Science focuses on research, theory, and fundamental principles, while Nuclear Engineering emphasizes practical application, system design, and operational aspects of nuclear technology.

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Nuclear Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Science job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,964 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
Postdoctoral Appointee - Nuclear Theory

Postdoctoral Appointee - Nuclear Theory

Argonne National Laboratory

Lumberton, NC • On-site

$70K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

The Theory Group in the Physics Division at Argonne National Laboratory is now seeking candidates for postdoctoral positions in nuclear theory, to begin as early as Spring 2026.

The positions are for two years, with the possibility of one additional year contingent upon funding and performance. Applications received by 28 November 2025 will receive our fullest consideration.

The Theory Group has four staff members [Ian Cloet, Alessandro Lovato, Anna McCoy, and Yong Zhao] and several postdocs and students. The group has a broad research program in QCD/hadron physics and nuclear structure/reactions, with increasing emphasis on using artificial intelligence and quantum information science. The group has access to extensive laboratory and national computational resources and has significant involvement in three SciDAC-5 projects: 1) Femtoscale Imaging of Nuclei using Exascale Platforms, 2) Fundamental nuclear physics at exascale and beyond, and 3) Nuclear Computational Low Energy Initiative (NUCLEI); and two Topical Collaborations: 1) 3D quark-gluon structure of hadrons: mass, spin, and tomography, and 2) Nuclear Theory for New Physics.

Further information on our group and its research activities can be found at www.anl.gov/phy/theory. Interested applicants should complete the following three steps:

1. Complete the application herein.

2. Email a curriculum vitae and a one-page statement of research interests to Ian Cloet (icloet@anl.gov).

3. Arrange for three letters of recommendation to be emailed to the same address.

Any questions about the position may be sent to Ian Cloet (icloet@anl.gov).

About Argonne and the Physics Division: Argonne is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center, where talented scientists and engineers work together to answer the biggest questions facing humanity. The laboratory works in concert with universities, industry, and other national laboratories on questions and experiments too large for any one institution to do by itself. Surrounded by the highest concentration of top-tier research organizations in the world, Argonne leverages its Chicago-area location to lead discovery and to drive innovation in a wide range of core scientific capabilities, from nuclear physics and materials science to biology and advanced computer science. The Physics Division (PHY) at Argonne has a long and distinguished history in nuclear physics and currently has a staff of around 110, including more than 30 Ph.D.'s and 20 postdoctoral scholars. PHY research focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of the constituents of matter, and has major programs in nuclear theory, low-energy nuclear physics, medium-energy nuclear physics, fundamental interactions, and accelerator technology, with additional smaller-scale programs in optical trapping of atoms, quantum simulation, and applications of nuclear science. A primary mission of PHY is to operate the Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS) as a national user facility for low-energy nuclear physics.

Position Requirements

  • Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in theoretical physics or a related field (Completed prior to the start date of the postdoctoral position and no more than 5 years of postdoctoral experience)

  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

We are seeking a wide candidate pool so welcome applications from all those interested that broadly meet these criteria.

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $70,758.00-$117,925.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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