14. Michigan
IM Score: 26
Annual median wage: $95,230
Job growth: -1.9%
Cost of living index: 88.2
On paper, Michigan doesn’t seem so great for nuclear engineers. It has among the lowest wages in the nation and there will be fewer jobs in the future. But, hear us out. There is one thing that puts the state in front of the competition. You will spend far less money on housing, groceries, and utilities than in any other state on our list. That has to count for something, right? Michigan has three nuclear power plants, in addition to one decommissioned in 1997.
