EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Nuclear Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$137,848/yr
Typical range: $134,051 – $160,874
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $137,848 | $11,487 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $167,386 | $13,949 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $187,079 | $15,590 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $211,891 | $17,658 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $271,757 | $22,646 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $319,019 | $26,585 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $330,834 | $27,570 | +140% |
Current Salary
$137,848
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $66/hr
Next Level Target
$167,386
Junior · 2
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Nuclear Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Nuclear Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $138K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $138K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $66/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Nuclear Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Nuclear Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $241K–$289K/yr.