How Much Does A Structural Engineer Make?


A photo of a modern city skyline featuring a prominent structural engineer symbol and bustling atmosphere.

Choosing a career can be daunting, and one critical aspect is understanding potential earnings. For instance, did you know that demand for structural engineering in the United States is high and growing? This article will unveil the financials behind this crucial profession, including common salaries, factors affecting income and comparators to other roles.

The average salary for a structural engineer in the United States in 2023 is $75,878, and it can vary based on factors such as city, experience, and skill level. Structures engineer salaries typically range between $54,000 and $98,000 per year, with an average hourly rate of $35.28.

Stay tuned—you might just pick up some tips on how to boost your earnings!

Key Takeaways

  • The average salary for a structural engineer in the United States is $75,878 per year.
  • Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and skill level.
  • Pursuing advanced degrees or specializations can increase earning potential.
  • Networking and seeking out higher paying companies can also help boost earnings.

Understanding the Average Salary for a Structural Engineer in the United States

A vibrant cityscape featuring a modern high-rise building, bridge, and tunnel, captured with impeccable clarity and photorealistic quality.

The role of a structural engineer involves designing, analyzing, and ensuring the safety of structures such as buildings, bridges, and tunnels. On average, a structural engineer in the United States earns an annual base salary between $62,000 and $112,000.

Overview of the role and responsibilities

Structural engineers make buildings safe. They look at the design of a building and find out if it is strong enough. They work with other people like architects. Their job is to plan how to make sure a building will not fall down or get damaged in bad weather.

Safety checks are part of their work too. This makes sure that people stay safe in the buildings they help build. A structural engineer’s work matters a lot because lives depend on it.

Average base salary

A Structural Engineer makes good money. On average in the U.S., they earn $75,878 a year. However, some make as much as $96,277 in a year. The more you work and gain experience, the more money you can make! With time and skills, your pay grows higher than when you start.

For example, if we look at an engineer’s hourly rate it can be around $35.28 per hour.

But remember that pay varies from place to place and person to person too! In some cities or states, structural engineers might earn more than others because of high demand for their work there.

It also depends on how skilled you are in your job and how many years of experience you have.

Salaries based on years of experience

While starting your career as a structural engineer, it’s critical to understand how your experience can influence your salary. Here’s a simple guide to show how the salaries of structural engineers can vary based on their years of experience.

Years of ExperienceAverage Salary
Less than 1 year$54,000
1-4 years$64,000
5-9 years$75,878
10-19 years$85,000
20 years and more$96,277

Remember, these numbers are averages and actual salaries can vary based on other factors such as the industry, location, and the specific company you work for. But it’s clear that as your experience grows, your earning potential can significantly increase.

Factors That Can Affect a Structural Engineer’s Salary

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The salary of a structural engineer can be influenced by various factors such as the company they work for, the city in which they are based, their skills and qualifications, and the benefits provided by their employer.

Top companies for Structural Engineers in the US

Many top companies in the US hire structural engineers. These companies provide great opportunities for structural engineers to work on exciting projects and earn competitive salaries. Here are some of the top companies for structural engineers in the US:

  1. Jacobs Engineering Group: Jacobs is a multinational engineering company that offers a wide range of services, including structural engineering. They have offices all over the country and work on diverse projects.
  2. AECOM: AECOM is another global engineering company that hires structural engineers. They specialize in designing and constructing complex infrastructure projects, such as bridges, tunnels, and airports.
  3. Thornton Tomasetti: Thornton Tomasetti is a leading engineering firm known for its expertise in structural design and analysis. They work on iconic buildings and structures worldwide.
  4. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM): SOM is an architectural and engineering firm with a reputation for innovative design and sustainable practices. They offer opportunities for structural engineers to work on high-profile projects.
  5. Arup: Arup is a renowned international firm that provides engineering, design, planning, and consulting services. They have a strong focus on sustainability and have worked on many iconic projects globally.
  6. Walter P Moore: Walter P Moore is an engineering consulting firm that specializes in designing complex structures like stadiums, bridges, and large-scale developments.
  7. KPFF Consulting Engineers: KPFF is an employee-owned firm that focuses on civil and structural engineering services across various sectors such as healthcare, education, commercial buildings, and more.
  8. Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA): MKA is an award-winning structural and civil engineering firm based in Seattle with expertise in tall building design.

Highest paying cities for Structural Engineers

Structural engineers have the potential to earn higher salaries in certain cities across the United States. Here are some of the top-paying cities for structural engineers:

  1. San Francisco, California: Structural engineers in San Francisco can earn an average annual salary of $117,894.
  2. New York City, New York: In the Big Apple, structural engineers can expect an average yearly salary of approximately $108,759.
  3. Houston, Texas: Structural engineers in Houston earn an average annual salary of $98,583.
  4. Seattle, Washington: In Seattle, structural engineers can make around $97,649 per year on average.
  5. Los Angeles, California: Structural engineers in LA can earn an average annual salary of $96,724.

Best-paid skills and qualifications

To increase your earnings as a structural engineer, it can be beneficial to develop certain skills and obtain specific qualifications. Here are some of the best-paid skills and qualifications for structural engineers:

  1. Advanced Degree: Pursuing a master’s degree or higher in structural engineering can enhance your expertise and increase your earning potential.
  2. Professional Certifications: Obtaining certifications such as the Structural Engineer (SE) license or the Professional Engineer (PE) license can demonstrate your competency and open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
  3. Software Proficiency: Developing proficiency in software programs commonly used in structural engineering, such as AutoCAD, Revit, and SAP2000, can make you more valuable to employers and potentially lead to higher salaries.
  4. Specialized Knowledge: Acquiring specialized knowledge in areas such as seismic design, sustainability, or advanced analysis techniques can set you apart from other structural engineers and command higher compensation.
  5. Leadership Skills: Building strong leadership skills, including project management abilities and the ability to effectively communicate with clients and team members, can position you for roles with greater responsibility and higher pay.

Employee benefits

Structural engineers often receive employee benefits in addition to their salary. These benefits can vary depending on the company and location, but they generally include health insurance, retirement plans like 401(k)s, paid time off for vacations and holidays, and sometimes even bonuses or profit-sharing programs.

Some companies may also offer additional perks such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and reimbursement for continuing education or certifications.

Having these benefits can enhance job satisfaction and provide a sense of security for structural engineers in their careers.

It’s important to note that while employee benefits are an essential part of compensation packages, they should not be the sole factor when considering a career as a structural engineer.

Comparison with Other Similar Professions

Structural engineers can compare their salaries to those of other related professions like civil engineers, project managers, and other similar roles in order to gain a better understanding of how their earnings stack up in the industry.

Average salaries of civil engineers, project managers, and other related roles

As a student interested in pursuing a career in structural engineering, you may be curious about the earning potential in this field compared to other similar professions. To give you a better perspective, here’s a table comparing the average salaries of structural engineers with civil engineers, project managers, and other related roles.

Job TitleAverage Salary in the United States
Structural Engineer$75,878 – $96,277
Civil Engineer$91,790
Project ManagerVaries greatly depending on the industry, but typically around $75,000 – $100,000
Structures Engineer$54,000 – $98,000

Note that these figures are averages and can vary based on a variety of factors, such as experience, skills, location, and the specific field within which you work. As you progress in your career and acquire more experience and skills, you can expect your earning potential to increase.

Tips for Structural Engineers to Increase Their Earnings

To increase your earnings as a structural engineer, consider pursuing advanced degrees or specializations, networking to find higher-paying companies, and negotiating salary and benefits packages.

Read on to discover more ways to maximize your income potential in this field.

Pursuing an advanced degree or specialization

If you want to increase your earnings as a structural engineer, pursuing an advanced degree or specialization can be a great option. By obtaining a master’s degree or taking specialized courses in areas like seismic design or sustainable engineering, you can gain valuable knowledge and skills that are in high demand.

This additional expertise can make you more competitive in the job market and open up new opportunities for higher-paying positions. According to PayScale, structural engineers with a master’s degree earn an average salary of $85,000 per year.

So, if you’re looking to boost your income, consider investing in further education and specialization within the field of structural engineering.

Networking and seeking out higher paying companies

To increase your earnings as a structural engineer, there are some strategies you can implement. Consider the following tips:

  1. Build a strong professional network: Connect with other professionals in your field, attend industry events, and join relevant associations or organizations. Networking can lead to job opportunities and connections with higher paying companies.
  2. Stay updated on job market trends: Research the top companies known for offering competitive salaries to structural engineers. Keep an eye on job boards and industry publications to stay informed about the latest job openings and salary trends.
  3. Seek out higher paying companies: When looking for new job opportunities, consider focusing on companies that are known for rewarding their employees well. Research the salary ranges within these companies and target your applications accordingly.
  4. Leverage your skills and qualifications: Invest in continuous learning and professional development to acquire sought-after skills and qualifications within the industry. This can make you more valuable to employers, increasing your earning potential.
  5. Negotiate salary and benefits packages: When receiving a job offer or during performance reviews, don’t shy away from negotiating your salary and benefits. Prepare yourself by researching average salaries for your experience level and location to ensure you’re being fairly compensated.

Negotiating salary and benefits packages

When it comes to negotiating your salary and benefits as a structural engineer, it’s important to do your research and be prepared. Consider factors such as your education, years of experience, location, and industry when determining what you believe is fair compensation.

Use resources like PayScale or Indeed Salaries to gather information on average salaries for structural engineers in specific cities or regions. Additionally, highlight any special skills or qualifications that set you apart from other candidates.

During the negotiation process, confidently communicate the value you bring to the company and express your desire for competitive pay and benefits. Remember that negotiations are a two-way street – be open to compromise while also advocating for what you deserve based on your expertise and contributions in the field of structural engineering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the average salary for a structural engineer in the United States is $75,878 per year. However, this can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and skill level.

Pursuing advanced degrees or specializing in certain areas can help increase earning potential. By networking and seeking out higher paying companies and negotiating salary packages, structural engineers can further boost their earnings.

FAQs

1. What is the average salary of a structural engineer?

The average salary of a structural engineer varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and company size, but it typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 per year.

2. Is the salary of a structural engineer higher than other engineering professions?

Yes, the salary of a structural engineer is often higher compared to other engineering professions due to their specialized skills and knowledge in designing and analyzing structures.

3. Can a structural engineer earn more with additional certifications or advanced degrees?

Yes, additional certifications or advanced degrees can potentially lead to higher earning potential for a structural engineer as they demonstrate expertise in specific areas and can negotiate better job opportunities.

4. Are there any industries that pay higher salaries for structural engineers?

Industries such as petroleum refining, oil and gas extraction, aerospace manufacturing, and architectural services tend to offer higher salaries for structural engineers due to the complexity and demand for their expertise.

5. Are there any geographical locations where structural engineers earn more?

Major cities with high construction activities like New York City, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago often offer higher salaries for structural engineers due to increased demand and cost of living expenses.

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