EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Nuclear Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$272,794/yr
Typical range: $241,975 – $290,393
P90 · 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 | $138,374 | $11,531 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $168,025 | $14,002 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $187,793 | $15,649 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $212,700 | $17,725 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $272,794 | $22,733 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $320,237 | $26,686 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $332,097 | $27,675 | +140% |
Current Salary
$272,794
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $131/hr
Next Level Target
$320,237
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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Nuclear Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $273K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $273K 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 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 $242K–$290K/yr.