EngineeringUpdated Q1 2026

Nuclear Engineer Salary
in New Orleans, LA

Research and develop processes and systems related to nuclear energy and radiation. Median salary in New Orleans: $119K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$119K
per year
Take-home: $77K

Salary range in New Orleans

Entry level (25th)$90,000
Median (50th)$119,000
Senior (75th)$150,000
Top earner (90th)$188,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in New Orleans, Louisiana. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for New Orleans

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

5% discount vs national median

Nuclear Engineers in New Orleans earn approximately 5% lower than the US national median for this role β€” a $6,000 discount on annual base salary. New Orleans's lower wage level partially reflects the area's cost-of-living index of 92 (US avg = 100).

Cost-of-living adjusted picture

Adjusted for New Orleans's cost-of-living index (92), the median Nuclear Engineer salary buys the equivalent of $129,348 in a US-average-cost city. That's $4,348 more purchasing power than the national median β€” a meaningful real-wage advantage.

Primarily on-site role

Only 15% of Nuclear Engineer positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the New Orleans salary above represents what local employers actually pay β€” 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 New Orleans

Median salary
$119K
annual
Take-home pay
$77K
after fed/state tax
COL index
92
100 = US avg
State income tax
6%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,250
per month
YoY growth
+2.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: New Orleans 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 $119K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” New Orleans

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

HistoricalProjected
Nuclear Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$100K$109K$118K$126K$135K201920212023202520272029
2026
$122K
projected
2027
$125K
projected
2028
$128K
projected
2029
$131K
projected
2030
$135K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$119,000+$0
2028 projected$119,000+$0
2029 projected$119,000+$0
2030 projected$119,000+$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 New Orleans, Louisiana: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Nuclear Engineer salary in New Orleans, LA is $119,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the New Orleans–LA 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 New Orleans

Entry-level Nuclear Engineers in New Orleans with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $90,000 and $119,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $119,000 to $150,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $150,000 to $188,000 or more.

Cost of living in New Orleans for Nuclear Engineers

New Orleans has a cost of living index of 92 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 8% further in New Orleans than the national average. Louisiana has a 6% 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
New Orleans (current)$119K92
Baton Rouge$119K88
Shreveport$98K78
Lafayette$106K85