Nuclear Engineering Degree in Reading, PA — Salary & ROI 2026
Nuclear Engineering degree analysis for Reading, PA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$59K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$139K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
8.2 yrs
in Reading
Cost of Living
118
index (100 = avg)
Nuclear Engineering in Reading, PA Overview
While Reading has a smaller college scene with 3 institutions, Nuclear Engineering students benefit from the close-knit academic community. Room and board averages $21,301/year, and the car-friendly layout shapes the student experience. Nuclear Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Reactor Physics and Radiation Protection. The adjusted starting salary in Reading is approximately $59,000, growing to $139,240 by mid-career.
Category
Engineering
Local Colleges
3
Public Tuition
$15,201/yr
Private Tuition
$37,128/yr
Room & Board
$21,301/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$13,361/yr
Unemployment
6.7%
Graduation Rate
63%
Nuclear Engineering Salary in Reading (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Reading's cost of living index of 118 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Nuclear Engineering salary: $50,000 starting, $118,000 mid-career, $148,000 senior level.Reading adjustment factor: 1.18x based on the local cost of living index.
Nuclear Engineering ROI Calculator for Reading
Estimate your return on investment for a Nuclear Engineering degree using local Reading tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $15,201 | Private avg: $37,128
Reading avg aid: $13,361/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$146,008
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$17,700
vs HS diploma in Reading
ROI Payback Period
8.2 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Reading
$1,033,992
Lifetime earnings premium ($1,180,000) minus total education cost ($146,008)
Student Loan Payoff for Nuclear Engineering in Reading
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Reading for Nuclear Engineering
Alvernia University
private
$37,128/yr
$148,512 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Reading Area Community College
$5,070/yr
Top Employers for Nuclear Engineering in Reading
Reading offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Nuclear Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Reading Hiring Sectors for Engineering
Engineering firms
Manufacturing
Defense contractors
Energy companies
Construction firms
Common Nuclear Engineering Job Titles
Nuclear Engineering in Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
Philadelphia, PA
$75K starting · COL 150
42 colleges
Pittsburgh, PA
$58K starting · COL 115
12 colleges
Allentown, PA
$57K starting · COL 113
5 colleges
Erie, PA
$60K starting · COL 120
4 colleges
Upper Darby, PA
$47K starting · COL 94.5
4 colleges
Scranton, PA
$60K starting · COL 120
8 colleges
Bethlehem, PA
$63K starting · COL 125
7 colleges
Lower Merion, PA
$46K starting · COL 91.4
3 colleges
Other Engineering Majors in Reading
Petroleum Engineering
$59K starting · 2.5 yr ROI
Computer Engineering
$59K starting · 3 yr ROI
Chemical Engineering
$97K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Electrical Engineering
$94K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Aerospace Engineering
$94K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mechanical Engineering
$92K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mining Engineering
$59K starting · 3 yr ROI
Materials Science & Engineering
$59K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Nuclear Engineering Degree in Reading — 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 Reading.