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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Nuclear Engineers salary in Raleigh, North Carolina

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Raleigh metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$135,040
Mean annual$136,730
Range (10th to 90th)$94,520 to $160,930
Raleigh, North Carolina employment100
State vs national+10.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Raleigh nuclear engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$94,52025TH$125,910MEDIAN$135,04075TH$160,93090TH$160,930

The middle 50% of workers earn between $125,910 and $160,930, with a median of $135,040.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Engineering and Technology

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5
  • Mathematics

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.5 / 5
  • Physics

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • Science

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations.

  2. 02

    Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or could jeopardize safe operations.

  3. 03

    Design or develop nuclear equipment, such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, or associated instrumentation or control mechanisms.

  4. 04

    Examine accidents to obtain data for use in design of preventive measures.

  5. 05

    Direct operating or maintenance activities of nuclear power plants to ensure efficiency and conformity to safety standards.

  6. 06

    Recommend preventive measures to be taken in the handling of nuclear technology, based on data obtained from operations monitoring or from evaluation of test results.

  7. 07

    Write operational instructions to be used in nuclear plant operation or nuclear fuel or waste handling and disposal.

  8. 08

    Conduct environmental studies on topics such as nuclear power generation, nuclear waste disposal, or nuclear weapon deployment.

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Other metros in North Carolina

How the Raleigh metro compares to other major North Carolina metro areas for nuclear engineers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Nuclear Engineers in Raleigh, North Carolina?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Nuclear Engineers in the Raleigh metropolitan area is $135,040.
Does Raleigh pay more than the North Carolina state average for Nuclear Engineers?
The Raleigh metro median is +5.4% versus the North Carolina state median of $128,150.
How does Raleigh compare to the national median for Nuclear Engineers?
The Raleigh metro median is +10.5% versus the BLS national figure of $122,242.
What is the salary range for Nuclear Engineers in Raleigh?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $94,520 and the 90th-percentile at $160,930 for the Raleigh metro area.
What education is required for Nuclear Engineers?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Raleigh CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.