EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Nuclear Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$259,187/yr
Typical range: $229,905 – $275,908
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $178,426 | $14,869 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $202,091 | $16,841 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$259,187
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $125/hr
Next Level Target
$304,264
Principal · 14
+$45Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Nuclear Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Nuclear Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $259K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $259K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $125/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.