Nuclear Engineering Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Nuclear Engineering Technology equips students with the technical expertise and foundational engineering knowledge required to support professionals in the safe and efficient operation of nuclear facilities. This program emphasizes practical application in nuclear systems, radiation safety, and regulatory compliance, preparing graduates for critical roles in energy, healthcare, and industrial sectors.
- Physics and Nuclear Science: Explores the fundamental principles governing atomic structure, nuclear reactions, and radiation behavior, forming the scientific backbone of nuclear applications.
- Nuclear Systems and Plant Design: Focuses on the engineering and operational characteristics of nuclear reactors and associated systems, including thermal hydraulics and system integration.
- Radiological Safety and Protection: Teaches protocols and practices for minimizing radiation exposure, managing radioactive materials, and ensuring worker and public safety.
- Regulatory Compliance and Law: Covers federal and international standards, licensing procedures, and legal frameworks governing nuclear operations and environmental protection.
- Practical Applications in Industry and Medicine: Examines real-world uses of nuclear technology in power generation, medical imaging, cancer treatment, and industrial diagnostics.
Nuclear Engineering Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Nuclear Engineering Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Nuclear Engineering Technology degrees, including Nuclear Technicians and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 70,400 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Technicians 19-4051 | $104,240 | $64,370 - $126,890 | 5,990 | $50.11 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
Nuclear Engineering Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $58,350 in Vermont to $109,120 in District of Columbia—a 87% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New Mexico, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 70,400 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Nuclear Engineering Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 9 institutions offering Nuclear Engineering Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Nuclear Engineering Technology is found at Excelsior University (214 graduates), Arkansas Tech University (ATU) (20 graduates), Augusta Technical College (Augusta Tech) (7 graduates), Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) (6 graduates), and Columbia Basin College (CBC) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 260 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior University |
Bachelor's
|
214 | Albany, New York | Private | excelsior.edu |
| Arkansas Tech University (ATU) |
Associate's
|
20 | Russellville, Arkansas | Public | atu.edu |
| Augusta Technical College (Augusta Tech) |
Associate's
|
7 | Augusta, Georgia | Public | augustatech.edu |
| Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) |
Associate's
|
6 | Lynchburg, Virginia | Public | centralvirginia.edu |
| Columbia Basin College (CBC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Pasco, Washington | Public | columbiabasin.edu |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Alexandria, Minnesota | Public | alextech.edu |
| Lakeland Community College (LCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Kirtland, Ohio | Public | lakelandcc.edu |
| Monroe County Community College (MCCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Monroe, Michigan | Public | monroeccc.edu |
| Bismarck State College (BSC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Bismarck, North Dakota | Public | bismarckstate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Nuclear Engineering Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Nuclear Engineering Technology degree?
Salaries for Nuclear Engineering Technology graduates vary by role and location. Nuclear Technicians earn a median of $104,240 annually, while Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other earn around $77,390. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $109,120 compared to $58,350 in Vermont. Approximately 70,400 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Nuclear Engineering Technology programs?
Currently 9 accredited institutions offer Nuclear Engineering Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Excelsior University (214 graduates), Arkansas Tech University (ATU) (20 graduates), and Augusta Technical College (Augusta Tech) (7 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Nuclear Engineering Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 206 in 2010 to a peak of 307 in 2020, before declining slightly to 260 in 2023-24. This represents a 26% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Nuclear Engineering Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Nuclear Technicians, Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, . Related occupations employ approximately 70,400 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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