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The average salary of a structural engineer in the United States falls between $60,000 and $111,000. Of course, this engineer can earn below or above the average.
They create structures that withstand high-stress levels, forces, loads, and weights.
Statistics reveal that over 61,230 structural engineers currently work in the United States. Impressive!
Reflecting on their responsibilities on structures, you need to ask yourself if they paid enough.
If you are keen on learning about the salary of a structural engineer in the United States, this article is for you.
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Who is a Structural Engineer?
Structural engineers are skilled professionals who ensure that structures used in everyday life, such as bridges and tall buildings, do not collapse when subjected to applied loads.
In addition, a structural engineer designs structures that can withstand large amounts of stress, forces, loads, and weights using physics and math.
This is because structures, such as bridges and buildings, must withstand weather and vehicle and human weight without collapsing.
What Does a Structural Engineer Do?
Due to the sensitive nature of their jobs, structural engineers carry out a lot of responsibilities.
These responsibilities ensure that buildings and bridges do not easily cave in when matched with load or pressure.
Some of the responsibilities of structural engineers include the following:
- Creating sketches
- Examining the product design to ensure that it complies with engineering principles, company standards, and/or customer contract requirements
- Handling calculations
- Regularly inspecting construction sites
- Understanding the local building codes
- Effectively communicating and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams
- Report writing and evaluation
- Create engineering drawings using engineering software (e.g., Autodesk Revit)
What is the Average Salary of a Structural Engineer?
Structural engineers earn an average annual salary of $82,211. Every month, this engineer receives an average salary of $82,211. Hourly, their pay is $40.
With the average salary of a structural engineer at your fingertips, you can go on to decide if you are comfortable with the pay.
The average salary of a structural engineer in the United States can be viewed in different payment categories. They are namely: hourly, monthly, and yearly.
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Factors Affecting the Salary of a Structural Engineer in the US
The figures that reflect on a structural engineer’s paycheck are a reflection of certain factions. It is a fact that before a specific amount is designed for a job position, certain considerations are made.
This explains why engineers with the same job in different places have different salaries.
Factors that influence the salary of a structural engineer in the United States include the following:
- Level of education
- Experience
- Location
- Company size
- Additional Skills
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Make in the US in 2023?
You are reading this because you are keen on knowing how much these engineers in the United States make.
What if I told you that their earnings are dependent on the level they occupy? In other words, the salary of a structural engineer varies hourly, monthly, and annually.
The table below contains the salary information of structural engineers by their percentile:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $98,000 | $8,167 | $47 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,000 | $7,083 | $41 |
| Average | $73,391 | $6,116 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,000 | $5,250 | $30 |
| 10th Percentile | $54,000 | $4,500 | $26 |
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How Much Does a Structural Engineer Make a Year?
A structural engineer’s annual salary is not specific. As displayed above, this engineer can earn below or above the average ($82,211).
This salary differentiation is mainly dependent on his level. In simpler terms, a structural engineer at the senior level will earn higher than his colleagues at the entry level.
However, the annual salary of a structural engineer in the United States falls between $60,000 and $111,000.
What is the Monthly Salary of a Structural Engineer?
Structural engineers in the United States earn a decent income. Like the annual salary of this engineer, one can’t mention a specific amount.
Although the average monthly salary is $6,851, the monthly payment ranges from $5,000 to $9,250.
With particular factors at play, this amount is bound to increase over time.
Looking through the table, you will realize that some structural engineers earn below and above the average monthly salary.
This explains the distinction between the salary of an entry-level structural engineer and senior-level engineer.
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Make in an Hour?
The hourly salary of a structural engineer in the US is as important as the other salary categories (monthly and yearly).
Structural engineers earn $6,851 by the hour. On an hourly basis, this engineer can earn from $5,000 to $9,250.
The hourly salary range implies that a structural engineer can earn lower than the average and even higher according to the percentile.
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Salary of Structural Engineer in the US Based on Location
Location is a significant reason the salary for a profession or job position varies in the United States.
Hence, it shouldn’t surprise you when two structural engineers in two different locations receive different amounts of salary.
For instance, a structural engineer in California will likely earn differently from his colleague in Nevada. This is no different in cities.
To further explain this, the table below contains the salary information of structural engineers in the United States by states:
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What are the Highest-Paying States in the United States for Structural Engineer Jobs?
Based on the table above, some states pay structural engineers more than others.
These highest-paying states are areas of interest for structural engineers in the United States.
The following are the highest-paying states for structural engineers, according to zippia.
| State | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate |
| California | $94,725 | $45.54 |
| Alaska | $87,184 | $41.92 |
| Kentucky | $84,942 | $40.84 |
| Oklahoma | $83,408 | $40.10 |
| Oregon | $82,984 | $39.90 |
From the information above, California takes the lead with an average annual salary of $94,725 and an hourly rate of $45.54.
What are the Top Ten Cities with the Highest Salary for Structural Jobs?
Like states, some cities in the United States pay structural engineers the most. Getting the salary information on states is not enough.
You also need to be able to identify the highest-paying cities in the United States as well.
These states include:
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Salary for Structural Engineers in the US Based on Level
It is expected that employers to pay structural engineers according to the percentile or level.
As a result, their earning power depends on this factor. The earning levels for structural engineers are divided into entry-level and senior-level.
With the salary difference between both levels, a senior-level structural engineer earns a higher salary than an entry-level structural engineer.
How Much Do Sous Chefs Make Based on Entry Level?
The salary of an entry-level structural engineer in the United States ranges from $60,000 to $82,211 annually.
This engineer earns between $5,000 and $6,851 every month.
In addition, the hourly pay for this engineer begins at $29 and can go as high as $40.
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Make Based at the Senior Level?
Senior-level structural engineers make a decent income in the US. As you already know, this engineer earns a higher salary than an entry-level structural engineer.
The annual salary of a structural engineer at a senior level earns between $96,000 and $111,000. He also makes between $8,000 and $9,250.
On an hourly basis, a structural engineer’s pay ranges from $46 to $53.
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Salary of a Structural Engineer in the US Based on Field
Structural engineers can venture into different fields available to them. However, like other factors that influence their salary, the field or specialty of a structural engineer determines the figures on his paycheck.
In other words, what he earns in one field will differ from the amount he stands to earn in another field.
Forensic Structural Engineer Salary
Forensic structural engineers investigate various factors to determine the likely cause of structural failures, including building code violations, design flaws, water damage, foundation issues, framing issues, soil movements like settlement and heave, and geotechnical issues.
A forensic structural engineer earns an average annual salary of $111,928, $9,327 monthly, and $54 per hour.
Additionally, the annual salary of this engineer ranges from $71,000 to $148,000.
With the salary information of a forensic structural engineer in the United States, identifying the highest-paying cities is a wise decision.
The following are the highest paying-cities for forensic structural engineers, according to zipRecruiter.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | $137,700 | $11,475 | $2,648 | $66.20 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $134,253 | $11,188 | $2,582 | $64.54 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $131,470 | $10,956 | $2,528 | $63.21 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $130,870 | $10,906 | $2,517 | $62.92 |
| Manhattan, NY | $131,628 | $10,969 | $2,531 | $63.28 |
| Cambridge, MA | $126,176 | $10,515 | $2,426 | $60.66 |
| Arlington, VA | $124,976 | $10,415 | $2,403 | $60.08 |
| Williston, ND | $123,976 | $10,331 | $2,384 | $59.60 |
| New York City, NY | $123,715 | $10,310 | $2,379 | $59.48 |
| Vacaville, CA | $123,374 | $10,281 | $2,373 | $59.31 |
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Civil/Structural Engineer Salary
The average annual salary of a civil/structural engineer in the United States earns $83,000. The yearly salary for this engineer equally falls between $60,000 to $114,000.
Civil/structural engineers receive a monthly salary from $5,000 to $9,500. The hourly rate for this engineer falls between $29 and $55.
However, the salary range for a civil/structural engineer in the United States is by the percentile, as shown in the table below:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $114,000 | $9,500 | $55 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,000 | $8,167 | $47 |
| Average | $83,341 | $6,945 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,000 | $5,833 | $34 |
| 10th Percentile | $60,000 | $5,000 | $29 |
Salaries of Structural Engineers in the Top Industries in the US
As you might expect, building engineering salaries in the United States vary by top companies or industries.
As a structural engineer or intending to be one, you should be able to identify the top industries or companies for structural engineers.
According to zippia.com, the following are the highest-paying companies for structural engineers in the United States:
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Salary of Similar Professions in the United States
You might be interested in learning about the average salary of similar professions in the United States.
Some of these similar fields and their salaries include:
Are There Other Benefits of Being a Structural Engineer Aside from the Salary?
Absolutely! Aside from the building engineer’s salary, the job has other benefits.
The benefits that come with a job are one of the reasons some employees are excited about it.
Some of the benefits that come with being a structural engineer are:
- Health and life insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Holiday pay
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What are the Job Prospects For Structural Engineers?
As a result of the vital roles they perform in construction, structural engineers will always be relevant in the world of engineering or building.
Bridges, roads, levees, dams, airports, buildings, and other structures will always require structural engineers to manage projects to rebuild, repair, and upgrade them.
According to statistics, civil engineering (which includes structural engineering) is expected to grow at a steady 2% rate through 2029.
Conclusion
Looking at the figures, structural engineers part with hourly, daily, and monthly, do you think it’s a good career path for you?
If erecting quality structures that can stand the test of weight and pressure fascinates you, you can consider pursuing it as a career.
We hope this article answered your questions surrounding the compensation of structural engineers in the United States. Reach us through the comment section.
Frequently Asked Questions on Structural Engineer Salary
Which State in the USA is Best for Civil Engineering Jobs?
California is the best state for civil engineering. Civil engineers in California earn an average annual salary of $83,341.
Is Civil Engineering a Promising Career in the USA?
Yes, civil engineering is a rewarding profession in the United States. In addition, civil engineers will remain in high demand in various industries.
Which Engineering is Highest Paid in the USA?
The field of engineering is known to pay well. However, some areas or branches are known to earn more.
The following are the highest-paid branches of engineering in the United States:
- Petroleum engineers
- Electrical engineer
- Computer engineer
- Aeronautical engineer
- Chemical engineering
Is Structural Engineering Hard?
Yes, but being a structural engineer isn’t more challenging than being a civil engineer.
Completing your education requirements and earning your certifications is the most challenging part of the process. After that, all you have to do is put what you’ve learned into practice.
Do Structural Engineers Make More than Civil Engineers?
Civil and structural engineers earn comparable salaries, which will increase with experience.
FAQs
Which state in USA is best for civil engineering jobs?
California is the best state for civil engineering. Civil engineers in California earn an average annual salary of $83,341.
Is civil engineering a good career in USA?
Yes, civil engineering is a rewarding profession in the United States. In addition, civil engineers will remain in high demand in a variety of industries
Which engineering is highest paid in USA?
The field of engineering is known to pay well. However, some areas or branches are known to earn more.
The following are the highest-paid branches of engineering in the United States:
- Petroleum engineers
- Electrical engineer
- Computer engineer
- Aeronautical engineer
- Chemical engineering
Is structural engineering hard?
Yes, but being a structural engineer isn’t more challenging than being a civil engineer.
Completing your education requirements and earning your certifications is the most challenging part of the process. After that, all you have to do is put what you’ve learned into practice
Do structural engineers make more than civil engineers?
Civil and structural engineers earn comparable salaries, which will increase with experience.
References
- zippia.com – Average Structure Engineer Salary
- ziprecruiter.com – Forensic Structural Engineer Salary
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