EngineeringUpdated Q1 2025

Nuclear Engineer Salary
in Norfolk, VA

Research and develop processes and systems related to nuclear energy and radiation. Median salary in Norfolk: $125K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$125K
per year
Take-home: $81K

Salary range in Norfolk

Entry level (25th)$95,000
Median (50th)$125,000
Senior (75th)$158,000
Top earner (90th)$198,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Norfolk, Virginia.

Key facts for Norfolk

Median salary
$125K
annual
Take-home pay
$81K
after fed/state tax
COL index
95
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,300
per month
YoY growth
+2.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Norfolk Nuclear Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $125K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Norfolk

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

HistoricalProjected
Nuclear Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$105K$114K$123K$132K$141K201920212023202520272029
2026
$128K
projected
2027
$131K
projected
2028
$135K
projected
2029
$138K
projected
2030
$141K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$125,000+$0
2028 projected$125,000+$0
2029 projected$125,000+$0
2030 projected$125,000+$0

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

Full salary breakdown & negotiation guide

Unlock the full salary report + negotiation email template

Enter your email for free access. We'll send salary market updates — unsubscribe anytime.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Norfolk, Virginia: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Nuclear Engineer salary in Norfolk, VA is $125,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Norfolk–VA 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 Norfolk

Entry-level Nuclear Engineers in Norfolk with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $95,000 and $125,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $125,000 to $158,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $158,000 to $198,000 or more.

Cost of living in Norfolk for Nuclear Engineers

Norfolk has a cost of living index of 95 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 5% further in Norfolk than the national average. Virginia has a 5.75% 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
Norfolk (current)$125K95
Virginia Beach98
Chesapeake98
Richmond98
Newport News95
Arlington148