What is the starting salary for Nuclear Engineering graduates in Omaha?

The estimated starting salary for Nuclear Engineering graduates in Omaha, NE is $43,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 87. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Omaha are 13% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Nuclear Engineering degree worth it in Omaha?

A Nuclear Engineering degree in Omaha has an estimated ROI payback period of 6.5 years, with a projected lifetime return of $785,760 after subtracting education costs. With 23 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $8,268/year, Omaha offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.6% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Nuclear Engineering in Omaha?

The average annual public university tuition in Omaha is $8,268, while private universities average $26,461/year. Including room and board ($12,792/year), total 4-year costs range from $84,240 at a public school to $157,012 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Omaha is $11,593/year.

What jobs can Nuclear Engineering graduates get in Omaha?

Nuclear Engineering graduates in Omaha can pursue careers as Nuclear Engineer, Health Physicist, Reactor Operator. Key skills valued by local employers include Reactor Physics, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Materials, Thermal Hydraulics. The Omaha job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include US Navy, Westinghouse, GE.

How long to pay off student loans for Nuclear Engineering in Omaha?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Nuclear Engineering graduates in Omaha would pay $957/month on an estimated $84,240 in loans, with $30,543 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,648/month but save $15,888 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $43,500, monthly payments would represent 26% of gross monthly income.

Nuclear Engineering Degree in Omaha, NE — Salary & ROI 2026

Nuclear Engineering degree analysis for Omaha, NE. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$44K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$103K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.5 yrs

in Omaha

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Nuclear Engineering in Omaha, NE Overview

Omaha is one of Nebraska's top college towns, with 23 institutions and a student population of 33,866. Public tuition averages $8,268/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Nuclear Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Reactor Physics and Radiation Protection. The adjusted starting salary in Omaha is approximately $43,500, growing to $102,660 by mid-career.

Nuclear Engineering Salary in Omaha (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Omaha's cost of living index of 87 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$43,500($-6,500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$102,660($-15,340 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$128,760($-19,240 vs national)

Note: National average Nuclear Engineering salary: $50,000 starting, $118,000 mid-career, $148,000 senior level.Omaha adjustment factor: 0.87x based on the local cost of living index.

Nuclear Engineering ROI Calculator for Omaha

Estimate your return on investment for a Nuclear Engineering degree using local Omaha tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $8,268 | Private avg: $26,461

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Omaha avg aid: $11,593/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$84,240

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$13,050

vs HS diploma in Omaha

ROI Payback Period

6.5 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Omaha

$785,760

Lifetime earnings premium ($870,000) minus total education cost ($84,240)

Student Loan Payoff for Nuclear Engineering in Omaha

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$84,240

Monthly Payment$957

Total Interest$30,543

% of Monthly Income26%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$84,240

Monthly Payment$1,648

Total Interest$14,655

Interest Savings$15,888

Colleges in Omaha for Nuclear Engineering

University of Nebraska at Omaha

public

$8,268/yr

$33,072 total

Creighton University

private

$44,146/yr

$176,584 total

Bellevue University

private

$8,775/yr

$35,100 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Metropolitan Community College Omaha

$3,540/yr

Top Employers for Nuclear Engineering in Omaha

Omaha offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Nuclear Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

US NavyWestinghouseGEDepartment of EnergyNRC

Key Omaha Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Nuclear Engineering Job Titles

Nuclear EngineerHealth PhysicistReactor Operator

Nuclear Engineering in Nearby Nebraska Cities

Lincoln, NE

$43K starting · COL 85

9 colleges

Bellevue, NE

$42K starting · COL 84.4

3 colleges

Grand Island, NE

$46K starting · COL 91.2

3 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in Omaha

Petroleum Engineering

$44K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$44K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$71K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$70K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$70K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$68K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$44K starting · 3 yr ROI

Architectural Engineering

$68K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Nuclear Engineering degree outcomes in Omaha, NE: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Nuclear Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Nebraska.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Omaha using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Nuclear Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Nuclear Engineering career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Nuclear Engineering grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Omaha Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Nebraska students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Nebraska)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Nebraska programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "nebraska higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Nuclear Engineering Degree in Omaha — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Nuclear Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Omaha.

Nuclear Engineering Overview Colleges in Omaha All Majors