EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Nuclear Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$178,426/yr
Typical range: $153,434 – $229,905
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Nuclear Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Nuclear Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $131,472 | $10,956 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $159,644 | $13,304 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $178,426 | $14,869 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $202,091 | $16,841 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $259,187 | $21,599 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $304,264 | $25,355 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $315,533 | $26,294 | +140% |
Current Salary
$178,426
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $86/hr
Next Level Target
$202,091
Senior · 6
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Nuclear Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Nuclear Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $178K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $178K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $86/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Nuclear Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Nuclear Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $230K–$276K/yr.