EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Nuclear Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$108,563/yr
Typical range: $105,573 – $126,698
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Nuclear Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Nuclear Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $108,563 | $9,047 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $131,827 | $10,986 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $147,336 | $12,278 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $166,877 | $13,906 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $214,024 | $17,835 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $251,246 | $20,937 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $260,551 | $21,713 | +140% |
Current Salary
$108,563
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $52/hr
Next Level Target
$131,827
Junior · 2
+$23Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Nuclear Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Nuclear Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $109K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $109K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $52/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Nuclear Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Nuclear Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $190K–$228K/yr.