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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Nuclear Engineers salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Pittsburgh 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$134,580
Mean annual$129,350
Range (10th to 90th)$81,020 to $173,150
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania employment210
State vs national+10.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Pittsburgh nuclear engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$81,02025TH$110,850MEDIAN$134,58075TH$143,06090TH$173,150

The middle 50% of workers earn between $110,850 and $143,060, with a median of $134,580.

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 Pennsylvania

How the Pittsburgh metro compares to other major Pennsylvania metro areas for nuclear engineers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Nuclear Engineers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Nuclear Engineers in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area is $134,580.
Does Pittsburgh pay more than the Pennsylvania state average for Nuclear Engineers?
The Pittsburgh metro median is 0.0% versus the Pennsylvania state median of $134,580.
How does Pittsburgh compare to the national median for Nuclear Engineers?
The Pittsburgh metro median is +10.1% versus the BLS national figure of $122,242.
What is the salary range for Nuclear Engineers in Pittsburgh?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $81,020 and the 90th-percentile at $173,150 for the Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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.