Structural Engineer Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$90,000
national median salary
$70,000 to $118,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$127,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$94,000
Seattle, WA
Lowest Paying
$69,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Structural Engineer salary in the United States is $90,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $70,000 at the 25th percentile to $118,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $127,000, while Seattle offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. SE licensure (beyond PE) in high-seismic states commands notable premiums.
Structural Engineer salary by city
What you should know
SE licensure (beyond PE) in high-seismic states commands notable premiums. Experience with complex structures like high-rises, bridges, or nuclear facilities pays 15 to 25% more than residential framing. Forensic structural engineering and post-disaster assessment skills are increasingly valued and well compensated.
Junior structural engineers start at $70,000 to $82,000 as EITs. Licensed SE/PEs earn $90,000 to $118,000 after five to seven years. Principal structural engineers and firm owners earn $125,000 to $180,000, with specialists in seismic or forensic work exceeding $200,000.
Consulting firms offer 5 to 12% annual bonuses tied to project profitability. Some firms provide ownership stakes or profit-sharing as engineers advance toward principal. Overtime during construction deadlines can add 10 to 20% to effective annual compensation.