Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Using numbers, measurements, formulas, quantitative reasoning, and mathematical concepts.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Nuclear engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. They typically do not need a license to enter the occupation. PayThe median annual wage for nuclear engineers was $133,970 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of nuclear engineers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 800 openings for nuclear engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for nuclear engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of nuclear engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about nuclear engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for nuclear engineers was $133,970 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of nuclear engineers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 800 openings for nuclear engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for nuclear engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of nuclear engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about nuclear engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of nuclear engineers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 800 openings for nuclear engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for nuclear engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of nuclear engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about nuclear engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Nuclear engineers research and develop projects or address problems concerning the release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
Work Environment
Nuclear engineers typically work in office settings, but it may vary by employer. Most nuclear engineers work full time.
How to Become a Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. They typically do not need a license to enter the occupation.
Pay
The median annual wage for nuclear engineers was $133,970 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of nuclear engineers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 800 openings for nuclear engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for nuclear engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of nuclear engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about nuclear engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Nuclear engineers typically work in office settings, but it may vary by employer. Most nuclear engineers work full time.
How to Become a Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. They typically do not need a license to enter the occupation.
Pay
The median annual wage for nuclear engineers was $133,970 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of nuclear engineers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 800 openings for nuclear engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for nuclear engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of nuclear engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about nuclear engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for nuclear engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of nuclear engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about nuclear engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about nuclear engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.