EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Nuclear Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$183,653/yr
Typical range: $157,928 – $236,640
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Nuclear Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Nuclear Engineer Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $135,323 | $11,277 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $164,321 | $13,693 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $183,653 | $15,304 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $208,011 | $17,334 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $266,780 | $22,232 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $313,177 | $26,098 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $324,776 | $27,065 | +140% |
Current Salary
$183,653
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $88/hr
Next Level Target
$208,011
Senior · 6
+$24Kpotential 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 Washington DC, DC?
3–5 Years Experience Nuclear Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $184K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $184K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $88/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Nuclear Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Nuclear Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $237K–$284K/yr.