Structural Engineer Salary in 2026
Structural engineers analyze and design structures to ensure they can safely withstand loads and environmental forces. They work on buildings, bridges, towers, and other structures.
Median Salary
$96,000
$8,000/mo
Entry Level
$67,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$128,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Structural Engineer Overview
Structural engineers analyze and design structures to ensure they can safely withstand loads and environmental forces. They work on buildings, bridges, towers, and other structures.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Engineering
Total Jobs (US)
80K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$46.15/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,000
Structural Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Structural Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Structural Engineer Salary
$107,000
$8,917/month · $4,115/biweekly · $51.44/hr
Structural Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Structural Engineer field.
Entry-level Structural Engineers earn around $67,000, while the top 10% earn $145,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Structural Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $113,000 | +$17,000 |
| New York | $110,000 | +$14,000 |
| Illinois | $100,000 | +$4,000 |
| Texas | $94,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $94,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Structural Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $120,000 | +$24,000 |
| New York | $113,000 | +$17,000 |
| Chicago | $101,000 | +$5,000 |
| Miami | $98,000 | +$2,000 |
| Houston | $95,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Structural Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Structural Engineer from entry level to expert.
$67,000
0-2 years
$98,000
3-7 years
$128,000
8-14 years
$162,000
15+ years
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Structural Engineer Salary FAQ
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