EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Nuclear Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$199,693/yr
Typical range: $177,132 – $212,575
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $101,294 | $8,441 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $122,999 | $10,250 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $137,470 | $11,456 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $155,703 | $12,975 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $199,693 | $16,641 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $234,422 | $19,535 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $243,104 | $20,259 | +140% |
Current Salary
$199,693
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $96/hr
Next Level Target
$234,422
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 Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Nuclear Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $200K 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 Chicago, IL?
Based on $200K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $96/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Nuclear Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Nuclear Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $177K–$213K/yr.