Career profile · SOC 17-2161

Nuclear engineers

Nuclear engineers is an occupation catalogued under SOC 17-2161. The role reports a median annual salary of $127,520 in the US and is showing modest growth of -1% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a Bachelor's degree, and shows low AI exposure (0.39 on a 0-1 scale) — the role's core work resists automation. The most in-demand skills for the role include contamination exposure regulations, radioactive contamination, nuclear reprocessing, engineering principles, safety engineering.

Median salary
$127,520
per year
Growth outlook
Little Or No Change
BLS 10-yr
Education
Bachelor's degree
AI exposure
3.9/10
automation risk

Top skills

contamination exposure regulations radioactive contamination nuclear reprocessing engineering principles safety engineering technical drawings engineering processes nuclear legislation nuclear energy civil engineering

Frequently asked questions

How much does Nuclear engineers earn?

The median annual salary for Nuclear engineers in the US is $127,520.

What is the job outlook for Nuclear engineers?

The role is showing modest growth of -1% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 15,400 workers.

How do I become nuclear engineers?

The typical entry education is a Bachelor's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.

What skills does Nuclear engineers need?

The most in-demand skills for this role include contamination exposure regulations, radioactive contamination, nuclear reprocessing, engineering principles, safety engineering, technical drawings. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.

Will AI replace Nuclear engineers?

Our AI-durability model gives Nuclear engineers a score of 0.39 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at low AI exposure — the role's core work resists current-generation automation. It's a comparatively AI-durable choice within its field.

How hard is it to enter this field?

Nuclear engineers has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.

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