For Educators: Military Resources
Military Nuclear Engineers
Median Salary
141,681
Workforce Count
4,895
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Nuclear engineers direct research and development to capitalize on the energy released in nuclear reactions. In the Military, these engineers oversee projects that apply nuclear technology to weapons systems as well as nuclear power plants. They are responsible for maintaining the security of nuclear weapons, and the safety of all personnel that work with nuclear materials.
What is the work environment like?
Nuclear engineers work in offices, research laboratories, and power plant control centers, either on land or aboard nuclear-powered ships and submarines.
How many people have this role in the Military?
4,895
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$158,168
2 Years
$123,243
6 Years
$158,168
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Nuclear engineers in the Military are given many opportunities to build upon the skills and education they bring with them to the job. Job training for nuclear engineers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Depending on their specialty, job-specific training content may include:
- Advanced mathematics such as differential equations
- Nuclear propulsion
- Thermodynamics
- Reactor dynamics
- Systems and components of a nuclear propulsion plant
- Associate systems of full-scale nuclear plants
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Nuclear Engineering
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Education and Training
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test