General
Nuclear Engineering
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Nuclear Engineering.
Entry Level Salary
$70,793
Median Salary
$145,775
Unemployment Rate
1.7%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
18.2%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $5,831,000
Entry (Early)
$70,793
Median (Prime)
$145,775
High (Prime)
$159,821
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+169k
+771k
+883k
$25k / yr
+79k
+681k
+793k
$50k / yr
-11k
+591k
+703k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
29
24
23
$25k / yr
40
26
25
$50k / yr
Never
28
27
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
72%
627%
730%
$50k / yr
-5%
272%
323%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate53.9%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Engineers, All Other
16.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$80,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$129,787|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Management occupations
8.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$89,669
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$171,083|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Software developers
4.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$94,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$141,813|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Postsecondary teachers
3.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$29,890
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$119,558|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Physical scientists, all other
3.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$56,228
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$117,988|$117,960
openings
2,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.6%
Top executives
2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$169,203
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$260,313|$104,990
openings
333,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
Astronomers and physicists
2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$73,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$83,300|$166,290
openings
1,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.9%
Architectural and engineering managers
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$177,013
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$205,000|$167,740
openings
14,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.8%
Civil engineers
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$59,779
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$144,666|$99,590
openings
23,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5%
Life scientists
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$19,350
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$85,000|$90,500
openings
28,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| nuclear engineering. | Undergrad Certificate | 1 | $95,861 - $95,861 |
| nuclear engineering. | Bachelor's Degree | 19 | $87,239 - $116,047 |
| nuclear engineering. | Master's Degree | 26 | $106,136 - $118,214 |
| nuclear engineering. | Doctoral Degree | 23 | $146,422 - $146,422 |