EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Nuclear Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$253,866/yr
Typical range: $225,185 – $270,244
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Nuclear Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
Nuclear Engineer Salary Progression in Boston
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 | $128,773 | $10,731 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $156,367 | $13,031 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $174,763 | $14,564 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $197,942 | $16,495 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $253,866 | $21,156 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $298,017 | $24,835 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $309,054 | $25,755 | +140% |
Current Salary
$253,866
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $122/hr
Next Level Target
$298,017
Principal · 14
+$44Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Nuclear Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Nuclear Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $254K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $254K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $122/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Nuclear Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Nuclear Engineer in Boston, MA earns $225K–$270K/yr.