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Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director in the United States is $196,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.

However, a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $222,364
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $181,900 to $209,800
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $169,063
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View as table View as graph 25% $181,900 10% $169,063 90% $222,364 75% $209,800 $196,000 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $209,800 $17,483 $4,035 $101
Average $196,000 $16,333 $3,769 $94
25th Percentile $181,900 $15,158 $3,498 $87
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Key Factors That Influence Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director Salaries

A Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Supervisor, Experienced - Civil Engineering (3-5 years): $116,513
  • Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Manager (5+ years): $143,355
  • Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Senior Manager (5+ years): $174,086
  • Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director (5+ years): $195,961
  • Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering (5+ years): $243,553
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Supervisor, Experienced - Civil Engineering3-5 years$116,513
Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Manager5+ years$143,355
Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Senior Manager5+ years$174,086
Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director5+ years$195,961
Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering5+ years$243,553
$116,513 Superviso...
$143,355 Civil/Con...
$174,086 Civil/Con...
$195,961 Civil/Con...
$243,553 Chief of ...
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Top Paying Cities for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Directors

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $247,200
  • San Francisco: $244,500
  • Oakland: $239,400

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $219,224. While startup companies pay approximate $185,398.

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$185,398
Growth Stage51~500$196,088
Established501~5000$211,703
Enterprise5000+$219,224

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director positions in Insurance or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$274,400$132.040%
Biotechnology$264,600$127.035%
Business Services$254,800$122.030%
Chemicals$245,000$118.025%
Construction$235,200$113.020%

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on July 01, 2026

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $243,600 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.

Salaries of jobs related to Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director

Salary Trends for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director

Salaries for a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $189,686 in 2023 to around $188,363 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$189,686
2024
$189,821
2025
$188,363
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $189,686
2024 $189,821
2025 $188,363
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director

Here are companies hiring for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. How much does a director of construction make at Walmart?

The estimated total pay range for a Director of Construction at Walmart is approximately $198,800 to $247,600 per year, based on industry salary data. This range reflects the base salary and potential additional compensation.

3. Can a civil engineer make 200k a year?

Yes, a civil engineer can make over $200,000 a year. The salary range for a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director typically starts at $198,800, with a mid-range salary of $222,700 and a maximum salary reaching $247,600. This indicates that experienced professionals in this field can indeed earn a substantial income.

4. Is it hard to become a director of engineering?

Becoming a director of engineering can be challenging, requiring extensive experience and expertise in the field. Typically, it takes many years of dedication within a large company, but joining a startup can expedite your career path. Salaries for this role range from $198,800 to $247,600, with a midpoint of $222,700, reflecting the high level of responsibility and skill required.

5. Can a civil engineer make 200k a year?

Yes, a civil engineer can make around $200,000 a year. The salary range for a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director typically falls between $198,800 and $247,600, with a mid-salary of $222,700. This role involves overseeing various engineering tasks related to capital improvement projects, including transportation systems and infrastructure design.

6. Is it hard to become a director of engineering?

Becoming a director of engineering is a rewarding yet challenging career goal for many engineers. This role involves overseeing the technical vision, strategy, and execution of an organization's engineering department. In terms of compensation, salaries for this position typically range from $198,800 to $247,600, with a median salary of $222,700.

7. Do structural engineers make 6 figures?

Yes, structural engineers can make six figures, especially at higher levels such as a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director. Salaries in this role range from a minimum of $198,800 to a maximum of $247,600, with a mid-salary of $222,700, reflecting the significant experience and responsibility required in these positions.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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