Structural Engineer Salary.
Across 83 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
Skills that increase Structural Engineer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Structural Engineers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $12,600 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$12,600 per year
≈ +$11,700 per year
≈ +$10,800 per year
≈ +$9,900 per year
≈ +$9,900 per year
≈ +$9,000 per year
≈ +$9,000 per year
≈ +$8,100 per year
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.