Nuclear Engineer salary in Chicago, IL
Based on 12 certified H-1B filings in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Lemont, Braceville, Oak Brook.
Median salary$94,486
Middle 50%$90.1k–$95.6k
vs. national median−22%comparison median $121,812
Filings12FY2025–FY2026 · latest two fiscal years
Salary range
National median
$70k$80k$90k$100k$110k$120k$130k$140k
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $84,691 |
| 25th | $90,063 |
| 50th (median) | $94,486 |
| 75th | $95,596 |
| 90th | $108,892 |
Cost of living
Chicago's median Nuclear Engineer salary of $94,486 is worth about $91,200 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Chicago = 103.6).
Compared with all workers here
All Nuclear Engineers in the Chicago, IL area earned a median of $134,510 in May 2025 (710 employed). The H-1B median here is $94,486, 30% lower.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
Top employers filing
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| UChicago Argonne | $92,275 | 10 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | – | 0 |
| Mid-level · Level II | too few | 8 |
| Senior · Level III | – | 0 |
| Expert · Level IV | – | 0 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.