EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Nuclear Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$187,266/yr
Typical range: $161,035 – $241,296
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Nuclear Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Nuclear Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $137,985 | $11,499 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $167,554 | $13,963 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $187,266 | $15,606 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $212,103 | $17,675 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $272,028 | $22,669 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $319,338 | $26,612 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $331,165 | $27,597 | +140% |
Current Salary
$187,266
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $90/hr
Next Level Target
$212,103
Senior · 6
+$25Kpotential 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 Seattle, WA?
3–5 Years Experience Nuclear Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $187K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $187K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $90/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Nuclear Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Nuclear Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $241K–$290K/yr.