EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Nuclear Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$135,703/yr
Typical range: $131,966 – $158,372
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Nuclear Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Nuclear Engineer Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $135,703 | $11,309 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $164,783 | $13,732 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $184,169 | $15,347 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $208,596 | $17,383 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $267,530 | $22,294 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $314,056 | $26,171 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $325,688 | $27,141 | +140% |
Current Salary
$135,703
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $65/hr
Next Level Target
$164,783
Junior · 2
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Nuclear Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Nuclear Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $136K 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 San Francisco, CA?
Based on $136K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $65/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Nuclear Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Nuclear Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $237K–$285K/yr.