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Engineering · Nuclear Engineering Rank #4 of 9

Nuclear Engineeringat Missouri University of Science and Technology

Graduates earn $77,947/yr in their first year — about 7.0% above the national Nuclear Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $749K; scenarios range from $659K to $779K depending on AI disruption.

Rolla, MO Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
67 SOLID
69
Optimistic
65
Pessimistic
Earnings
$77,947
1-year post-graduation
ROI
14.2x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$749K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
55% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Your path in nuclear engineering from Missouri S&T places you in a highly specialized, in-demand field. This program’s robust technical curriculum, coupled with the institution's strong engineering reputation, means you're well-prepared for roles beyond general engineering. You'll find opportunities primarily with national laboratories (like Oak Ridge or Los Alamos), defense contractors, and major utility companies operating nuclear power plants, where your specific expertise in reactor design, safety, and materials is critical. While some analytical tasks may be augmented by AI, the human judgment, regulatory oversight, and critical thinking required for safe operation and innovative development remain paramount. To truly capitalize on this niche, actively pursue internships with these key employers during your studies; they are your direct pipeline to post-graduation success.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$659K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score65/100
Earnings Multiple11.5x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$749K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score67/100
Earnings Multiple13.1x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$779K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score69/100
Earnings Multiple13.6x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Missouri University of Science and Technology's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Nuclear Engineering graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Architectural and engineering managers
+3.8% 10-yr growth · 14,500 openings/yr
$167,740/yr
Moderate
2
Nuclear engineers
-1.1% 10-yr growth · 800 openings/yr
$127,520/yr
High
3
Engineering teachers, postsecondary
+8.1% 10-yr growth · 4,100 openings/yr
$106,120/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Nuclear Engineering

How Missouri University of Science and Technology stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
IL · Public
56
DW Score
$81K
1-yr earn
11.7x
ROI
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
NY · Private nonprofit
57
DW Score
$77K
1-yr earn
3.0x
ROI
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
NC · Public
59
DW Score
$75K
1-yr earn
19.9x
ROI
Top score
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
TN · Public
69
DW Score
$74K
1-yr earn
16.4x
ROI
Oregon State University
OR · Public
68
DW Score
$70K
1-yr earn
16.5x
ROI
Also at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Other top programs at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Missouri University of Science and Technology, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Nuclear Engineering offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Nuclear Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Nuclear Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology

What does a 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nuclear Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology?

At 67/100, Missouri University of Science and Technology's Nuclear Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Nuclear Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology?

The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.