Only 15 colleges in the country offer Nuclear Engineering Tech, which means graduates enter the workforce from a smaller, more specialized pool. Median earnings four years out: $120,399.
Nuclear Engineering Tech is a focused area of study within Engineering Tech. Graduates typically earn around $120,399 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 15 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 261 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$101,386
Median Earnings · 4yr
$120,399
Colleges Offering
15
Graduates / Year
261
Avg Net Price / yr
$8,912
How Much Do Nuclear Engineering Tech Graduates Earn?
Nuclear Engineering Tech graduates earn $120,399 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $93,416 and $157,894.
$101,386
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings in this field tend to be stable early on. Expect the four-year median to closely reflect your long-term starting point.
$120,399
4-Year National Median
Well above average for college graduates.
$119,783
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Nuclear Engineering Tech graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$93,41625th pct.
$120,399Median
$157,89475th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $120,399 against an estimated $35,648 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 3 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 261 students who complete Nuclear Engineering Tech programs each year, the majority (74%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
23%74%
Bachelor's74%
Associate's23%
Certificate3%
What Can You Do With a Nuclear Engineering Tech Degree?
Nuclear Engineering Tech connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Nuclear Technicians leads at $110,240/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.
Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.
Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment.
Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair.
Top Colleges for Nuclear Engineering Tech
Only 4 colleges had enough verified data to appear here. Sorted by Nuclear Engineering Tech graduate volume, not selectivity.
Ranked by Nuclear Engineering Tech graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Engineering Tech Programs
Nuclear Engineering Tech is one of 19 specializations within Engineering Tech. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Nuclear Engineering Tech program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Nuclear Engineering Tech shows 3 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $120,399 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
High upside potentialTop earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $157,894, a strong ceiling for high performers.
Flexible credential pathsPrograms are available from certificate and associate levels through bachelor's and graduate degrees, giving students real options based on timeline and goals.
CONS
Declining roles in some areas1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
Limited program availabilityOnly 15 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.
How much do Nuclear Engineering Tech graduates earn?
Nuclear Engineering Tech graduates earn a national median of $120,399 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $93,416 and $157,894. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Nuclear Engineering Tech degree?
One year after graduation, Nuclear Engineering Tech degree holders earn a median of $101,386. That climbs to $120,399 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Nuclear Engineering Tech degree?
Nuclear Engineering Tech degree holders pursue careers including Nuclear Technicians, which pays a median of $110,240/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Nuclear Engineering Tech program take?
A Nuclear Engineering Tech bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Nuclear Engineering Tech?
15 colleges and universities in the United States offer Nuclear Engineering Tech programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Nuclear Engineering Tech degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $120,399 and an average net price of roughly $8,912/yr, a Nuclear Engineering Tech degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Nuclear Engineering Tech and Engineering Tech?
Nuclear Engineering Tech is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering Tech field. The Engineering Tech major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Nuclear Engineering Tech-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Nuclear Engineering Tech graduates?
Employers hiring Nuclear Engineering Tech graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Nuclear Engineering Tech graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
Related Engineering Tech Programs
Other programs in Engineering Tech. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
H
How to Choose a Major Pillar
A decision framework for picking a college major using your interests, aptitudes, and federal earnings data to reach a defensible choice before applying.
The real cost of a second major, when it pays back and when it doesn't, and why a focused single major with a relevant minor often beats a double major.
Why the 10-year job-growth outlook often matters more than today's salary, what the BLS projections measure, and how to use them to weigh the future of a field, not just its present.
Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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