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State comparison · 2025

Nuclear Engineers salary: California vs South Carolina

Occupation

Nuclear Engineers in California earn a median of $172,400. In South Carolina, $126,570. After cost-of-living, the gap is 15.3% — not 36.2%.

Nominal pay gap
+36.2%
California vs South Carolina
COL-adjusted gap
+15.3%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

California

Nuclear Engineers

Median
$172,400
p25
$135,400
p75
$176,390
p10
$109,990
p90
$207,740
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
See full breakdown for California

South Carolina

Nuclear Engineers

Median
$126,570
p25
$104,730
p75
$138,250
p10
$83,970
p90
$159,740
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
93.7
See full breakdown for South Carolina

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.