EngineeringUpdated Q1 2026

Nuclear Engineer Salary
in Lakewood, CO

Research and develop processes and systems related to nuclear energy and radiation. Median salary in Lakewood: $144K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$144K
per year
Take-home: $95K

Salary range in Lakewood

Entry level (25th)$109,000
Median (50th)$144,000
Senior (75th)$182,000
Top earner (90th)$228,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Lakewood, Colorado. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Lakewood

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

15% premium vs national median

Nuclear Engineers in Lakewood earn approximately 15% higher than the US national median for this role — a $19,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Lakewood's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Primarily on-site role

Only 15% of Nuclear Engineer positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Lakewood salary above represents what local employers actually pay — not a remote-anywhere rate. Geographic constraints reinforce the local market, so the salary range above is more directly applicable than for remote-friendly roles.

Key facts for Lakewood

Median salary
$144K
annual
Take-home pay
$95K
after fed/state tax
COL index
115
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.55%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,700
per month
YoY growth
+2.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Lakewood Nuclear Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $144K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Lakewood

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Nuclear Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$121K$132K$142K$153K$163K201920212023202520272029
2026
$148K
projected
2027
$151K
projected
2028
$155K
projected
2029
$159K
projected
2030
$163K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$144,000+$0
2028 projected$144,000+$0
2029 projected$144,000+$0
2030 projected$144,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Nuclear Engineer Salary in Lakewood, Colorado: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Nuclear Engineer salary in Lakewood, CO is $144,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Lakewood–CO metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Nuclear Engineer in Lakewood

Entry-level Nuclear Engineers in Lakewood with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $109,000 and $144,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $144,000 to $182,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $182,000 to $228,000 or more.

Cost of living in Lakewood for Nuclear Engineers

Lakewood has a cost of living index of 115 compared to the US national average of 100. Lakewood's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Colorado has a 4.55% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Nuclear Engineer

Bachelor's in Nuclear Engineering. 15% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Nuclear Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Lakewood (current)$144K115
Denver$140K118
Colorado Springs$125K102
Aurora$131K112
Fort Collins$140K112
Thornton$135K108