As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Senior Structural Engineer in the United States is $105,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Senior Structural Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Senior Structural Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Senior Structural Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Structural Engineer | 0-2 years | $74,136 |
| Engineer, Experienced - Structural Engineering | 2-4 years | $87,260 |
| Senior Structural Engineer | 4-7 years | $105,827 |
| Specialist Structural Engineer | 7+ years | $123,914 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Senior Structural Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 16.12% |
| Engineering Services | 1.59% |
| CAD | 1.26% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Building Codes
|
$106,959 |
1%
|
|
Consulting
|
$106,959 |
1%
|
|
Planning
|
$106,959 |
1%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$106,959 |
1%
|
|
Project Management
|
$106,959 |
1%
|
|
Initiative
|
$106,959 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Senior Structural Engineers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Senior Structural Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $105,339 and $112,542).
Senior Structural Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 38.8% |
| High School | 53.1% |
| Associates | 8.2% |
| Bachelors | 38.8% |
| Masters | 53.1% |
| Doctorate | 8.2% |
Understanding how a Senior Structural Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Senior Structural Engineer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer IV | $123,920 | 17% |
| Specialist Structural Engineer | $124,000 | 17% |
| Engineer, Specialist - Transportation | $123,000 | 16% |
Salaries for a Senior Structural Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $109,624 in 2023 to around $108,904 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Senior Structural Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $109,624 |
| 2024 | $109,439 |
| 2025 | $108,904 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The branch of engineering with one of the highest salaries is Structural Engineering. Senior Structural Engineers typically earn a minimum salary of $98,200, a mid-range salary of $112,100, and can reach a maximum salary of $123,300. This competitive pay reflects the expertise and responsibility associated with this role in the engineering field.
In my opinion, stress is unavoidable in structural engineering if you want to take on responsibility and care about the quality of your work. There will be periods of overtime to meet deadlines. However, with experience, you learn to manage stress better. The salary range for a Senior Structural Engineer typically falls between $98,200 and $123,300, reflecting the level of responsibility involved.
Yes, structural engineers can make six figures. The salary for a Senior Structural Engineer ranges from $98,200 to $123,300, with a mid-salary of $112,100. This indicates that experienced professionals in this field can earn a substantial income, especially in competitive markets or specialized industries.
While many engineering careers offer lucrative salaries, Senior Structural Engineers earn between $98,200 and $123,300, with a median salary of $112,100. Although this is substantial, it falls short of the million-dollar mark. Other high-paying fields include Petroleum and Aerospace Engineering, with median salaries exceeding $118,000.
In the USA, some of the most in-demand engineering fields by 2025 include Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Electronics and Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. For Senior Structural Engineers, salaries range from $98,200 to $123,300, with a median salary of $112,100, reflecting the high demand in this sector.
As a Senior Structural Engineer, the salary range typically falls between $98,200 and $123,300, with a mid-salary of $112,100. While it's possible to earn a high salary in engineering, reaching $300,000 annually would generally require significant experience, specialized skills, or a leadership position in a high-demand area.
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