If you're an engineer, architect, or construction professional, you've likely heard of Burns & McDonnell. As a 100% employee-owned firm consistently ranked among the best places to work, it represents a premier destination for talent in the industry. But what does a career at this powerhouse firm mean for your earning potential? While salaries vary widely based on role and experience, compensation at Burns & McDonnell is highly competitive, with total pay for many professional roles ranging from $75,000 to over $170,000 annually.
This guide will break down the salary structures at Burns & McDonnell, explore the key factors that drive compensation, and provide a clear picture of what you can expect to earn on this rewarding career path.
What Do Professionals at Burns & McDonnell Do?
First, it's important to clarify that "Burns & McDonnell" is the name of a world-class engineering, architecture, and construction company, not a specific job title. The firm employs thousands of professionals across a vast spectrum of roles. Founded in 1898, the company provides full-service solutions for clients in both the public and private sectors.
Professionals at Burns & McDonnell work in diverse teams to design and build our world's critical infrastructure. Their responsibilities can include:
- Designing power plants, substations, and transmission lines.
- Developing environmental solutions for water and waste management.
- Planning and designing airports, military facilities, and data centers.
- Managing large-scale construction projects from conception to completion.
- Providing strategic consulting on energy, environmental, and infrastructure challenges.
Common job titles within the company include Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Project Manager, Environmental Scientist, Architect, and Construction Manager.
Average Burns & McDonnell Salary
Salaries at Burns & McDonnell are competitive and designed to attract top talent. Because the company employs such a wide range of professionals, the "average" salary can be misleading. However, by looking at aggregated data and specific roles, we can build a clear picture.
According to the salary aggregator Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for an employee at Burns & McDonnell is approximately $105,000 per year as of early 2024. This figure includes an estimated base salary of around $90,000 plus additional pay like bonuses and profit sharing.
Let's break this down further by experience level and common roles:
- Entry-Level (Assistant Engineer/Analyst): Professionals just starting their careers can expect a base salary in the range of $70,000 to $85,000.
- Mid-Career (Project Engineer/Specialist): With a few years of experience and growing responsibility, salaries typically rise to the $85,000 to $125,000 range.
- Senior Level (Senior Engineer/Project Manager): Seasoned professionals with significant experience and licensure (like a PE) often command salaries from $120,000 to $170,000+.
- Leadership (Principal/Department Manager): Top-level managers and principals can earn significantly more, often exceeding $200,000 with bonuses.
*(Source: Salary data is compiled and averaged from recent user-submitted reports on Glassdoor, Payscale, and Salary.com, accessed in 2024.)*
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary at Burns & McDonnell will depend on a combination of factors. Understanding these variables is crucial for maximizing your earning potential.
### Level of Education
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in an engineering discipline (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.) is the standard entry requirement for most technical roles. However, advanced education can provide a competitive edge. A Master of Science (M.S.) may lead to a higher starting salary and qualify you for more specialized roles in areas like structural analysis or environmental modeling. Furthermore, holding key certifications, most notably the Professional Engineer (PE) license, is one of the single most significant drivers of salary growth and promotion to senior and management positions.
### Years of Experience
Experience is a primary determinant of salary in the engineering and construction industry. Firms like Burns & McDonnell have well-defined career tracks that reward growing expertise.
- 0-2 Years (Entry-Level): Focus is on learning company processes and contributing to projects under supervision.
- 3-8 Years (Mid-Career): Professionals take on more complex tasks, manage smaller projects or project components, and begin mentoring junior staff. This is where significant salary growth occurs.
- 8+ Years (Senior/Lead): You are now a subject matter expert, leading major projects, managing client relationships, and setting technical direction. Your value—and salary—reflect this leadership.
### Geographic Location
While Burns & McDonnell has a unified company culture, compensation is adjusted based on the cost of living in different metropolitan areas. An engineer working in a high-cost-of-living area like San Diego, CA, or New York, NY, will typically earn a higher base salary than someone in an identical role at the company's headquarters in Kansas City, MO. However, the company ensures that compensation remains highly competitive in all markets.
### Company Type
This is where Burns & McDonnell truly stands out. As a 100% employee-owned private company, its compensation structure is unique. While base salaries are benchmarked against publicly-traded competitors and private consulting firms, the total compensation package is significantly enhanced by its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Employees receive annual contributions to their ESOP account in the form of company stock, which grows in value as the company succeeds. This functions as a robust retirement benefit and gives every employee a tangible stake in the firm's profitability, often resulting in a total compensation package that exceeds what many competitors can offer.
### Area of Specialization
Within Burns & McDonnell, some practice areas are in higher demand and may command higher salaries. Professionals working in rapidly growing, high-margin sectors often have greater earning potential. Key areas include:
- Power & Energy: Especially transmission & distribution, renewable energy (solar, wind, battery storage), and grid modernization.
- Data Centers & Mission-Critical Facilities: This is a booming sector with high demand for specialized electrical and mechanical engineers.
- Environmental Services: Expertise in permitting, air quality, and water regulations is highly valued.
- Construction/Design-Build: Professionals who can manage both the design and construction phases of a project are critical to the firm's integrated delivery model.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for professionals in fields central to Burns & McDonnell's business is strong and stable. The ongoing need to upgrade national infrastructure, transition to new energy sources, and address environmental challenges creates sustained demand.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects steady growth for key engineering professions between 2022 and 2032:
- Civil Engineers: 5% growth
- Electrical Engineers: 3% growth
- Architectural and Engineering Managers: 2% growth
This consistent demand ensures that a career with a leading firm like Burns & McDonnell offers not just excellent compensation but also long-term job security.
Conclusion
A career at Burns & McDonnell offers a path to a high-impact, professionally fulfilling, and financially rewarding future. While your salary will be shaped by your specific role, location, and experience, the company's commitment to competitive pay is clear.
Key takeaways for any prospective employee are:
- Expect a competitive base salary that scales significantly with experience and expertise.
- Pursue your Professional Engineer (PE) license as it is a critical milestone for career and salary advancement.
- Understand the immense value of the ESOP, which makes total compensation highly attractive compared to industry peers.
- Focus on high-demand specializations like renewable energy or data centers to maximize your value.
For aspiring students and seasoned professionals alike, Burns & McDonnell represents a benchmark for what a successful career in the engineering and construction industry can look like.