EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Nuclear Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$202,591/yr
Typical range: $179,703 – $215,660
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Nuclear Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
Nuclear Engineer Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $102,764 | $8,564 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $124,784 | $10,399 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $139,465 | $11,622 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $157,962 | $13,164 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $202,591 | $16,883 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $237,824 | $19,819 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $246,632 | $20,553 | +140% |
Current Salary
$202,591
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $97/hr
Next Level Target
$237,824
Principal · 14
+$35Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Nuclear Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Nuclear Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $203K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $203K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $97/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Nuclear Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Nuclear Engineer in Austin, TX earns $180K–$216K/yr.