A career as a structural engineer is a cornerstone of modern society. These professionals design the "bones" of our world—from towering skyscrapers and massive bridges to essential public works and even our homes. It’s a career path that offers both immense satisfaction and competitive financial rewards, even at the entry-level.
If you're considering this field, your first position will likely be "Structural Engineer I." This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect to earn in this role and the key factors that will shape your salary as your career progresses. For an entry-level professional role, a Structural Engineer I can expect an average base salary between $70,000 and $80,000 per year, with significant potential for growth.
What Does a Structural Engineer I Do?
A Structural Engineer I is typically an entry-level position for a recent graduate with 0-2 years of experience. In this role, you are applying the fundamental principles of physics, mathematics, and materials science you learned in college to real-world projects.
Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Performing calculations for structural loads, stresses, and material strength.
- Assisting in the design of structural components like beams, columns, and foundations using software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SAP2000.
- Developing and reviewing construction drawings and specifications.
- Collaborating with senior engineers, architects, and construction managers.
- Learning and applying local, state, and federal building codes and standards.
Essentially, as a Structural Engineer I, you work under the direct supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), learning the trade and building the foundational experience necessary for professional licensure and career advancement.
Average Structural Engineer I Salary
As an entry-level professional, the salary for a Structural Engineer I is competitive. The figures can vary based on the data source, but they consistently point to a strong starting wage.
- Salary.com reports that the median annual salary for a Structural Engineer I in the United States is $75,202 as of early 2024. The typical salary range falls between $68,143 and $81,992.
- Payscale.com indicates a similar average base salary of around $72,500 per year.
- Glassdoor.com, which often includes additional compensation like bonuses and profit sharing, lists the average total pay for a Structural Engineer I at approximately $78,000 per year.
It's important to note that the broader category of "Civil Engineers," which includes structural engineers, has a median annual wage of $89,940, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2022. The difference between the entry-level "Engineer I" salary and the overall median highlights the significant earning potential as you gain experience and licensure.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your starting salary and long-term earning potential are not set in stone. Several key factors will influence your compensation throughout your career.
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Level of Education
A Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) with a structural emphasis is the standard requirement for an entry-level position. However, pursuing a Master of Science (M.S.) in Structural Engineering can provide a distinct advantage. Employers often view candidates with a master's degree as having more specialized, in-depth knowledge, which can lead to:
- A higher starting salary (often $5,000 - $10,000 more per year).
- Faster advancement to more complex project work.
- A quicker path toward roles in research, academia, or highly specialized consulting.
Additionally, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and earning your Engineer in Training (EIT) certification is a critical first step that is expected for nearly all entry-level roles and is a prerequisite for future professional licensure.
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Years of Experience
Experience is the single most significant factor in salary growth for a structural engineer. The "I" in your title denotes the beginning of a clear progression:
- Structural Engineer I (0-2 years): The starting point, focused on learning and assisting.
- Structural Engineer II / III (3-7 years): After gaining experience and typically your Professional Engineer (PE) license, you'll take on more responsibility, manage smaller projects, and see substantial salary increases, often moving into the $85,000 - $110,000 range.
- Senior Structural Engineer / Project Manager (8+ years): With a PE license and significant experience, you can lead large-scale projects and teams. At this level, six-figure salaries are standard, often exceeding $120,000 - $150,000+.
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Geographic Location
Where you work matters. Salaries are adjusted based on the local cost of living and the demand for engineering talent. Metropolitan areas with high construction activity and a high cost of living tend to offer the highest salaries.
States with higher-than-average salaries for structural engineers include:
- California
- New York
- Washington
- Texas
- Alaska
- Massachusetts
For example, a Structural Engineer I might earn $85,000 in San Francisco but closer to $70,000 in a smaller midwestern city. However, the higher salary in a major city is often offset by a significantly higher cost of living.
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Company Type
The type of organization you work for plays a major role in your compensation and work environment.
- Large, Multinational A/E/C Firms (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction): These companies (e.g., AECOM, Jacobs, WSP) often handle massive, complex projects like stadiums and major bridges. They typically offer higher base salaries and competitive bonuses but may also come with more demanding work hours.
- Specialized or Boutique Engineering Firms: Smaller firms that specialize in a specific area (e.g., historic preservation, single-family residential, seismic retrofitting) may offer competitive pay and a better work-life balance.
- Government/Public Sector: Working for an agency like a state's Department of Transportation (DOT) or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers usually means a lower starting salary. However, these positions often provide exceptional benefits, including pensions, excellent healthcare, and superior job security.
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Area of Specialization
Within structural engineering, certain niches are more lucrative due to higher demand, greater complexity, or increased risk. While an Engineer I is still developing their focus, specializing in one of these areas can significantly boost future earnings:
- Bridge Engineering: Designing and maintaining critical infrastructure.
- High-Rise Buildings: The complex engineering behind skyscrapers.
- Forensic Engineering: Investigating structural failures, which requires deep expertise.
- Seismic and Wind Engineering: Designing structures to withstand natural disasters, a critical need in many regions.
- Offshore Structures: Designing oil rigs and wind farms, a highly specialized and well-compensated field.
Job Outlook
The future for structural engineers is bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for civil engineers will grow by 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is driven by several factors:
- The urgent need to rebuild and maintain aging infrastructure like bridges, dams, and roads.
- The development of renewable energy projects, such as wind farms and solar facilities.
- An increasing focus on sustainable and resilient construction to combat the effects of climate change.
This steady demand ensures a high degree of job security for skilled professionals in the field.
Conclusion
Embarking on a career as a Structural Engineer I is a financially sound and professionally rewarding decision. With a strong starting salary in the $70,000 to $80,000 range, you are stepping onto a path with a clear ladder for advancement.
Your long-term success and earning potential will be shaped by your commitment to continuous learning, the pursuit of your Professional Engineer (PE) license, and the strategic choices you make regarding your education, location, and area of specialization. For those with a passion for design, mathematics, and problem-solving, a career as a structural engineer is not only intellectually stimulating but also a financially stable and impactful way to shape the world we live in.