EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Nuclear Engineer Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$271,590/yr
Typical range: $240,906 – $289,110
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Nuclear Engineer salary by experience level in New York
Nuclear Engineer Salary Progression in New York
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 | $137,763 | $11,480 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $167,283 | $13,940 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $186,964 | $15,580 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $211,761 | $17,647 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $271,590 | $22,633 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $318,822 | $26,569 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $330,631 | $27,553 | +140% |
Current Salary
$271,590
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $131/hr
Next Level Target
$318,822
Principal · 14
+$47Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Nuclear Engineer salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Nuclear Engineers in New York, NY earn approximately $272K 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 New York, NY?
Based on $272K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $131/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Nuclear Engineer in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Nuclear Engineer in New York, NY earns $241K–$289K/yr.