As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Structural Engineer in the United States is $74,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, an Entry Structural Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Structural Engineer'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Structural Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Entry Structural Engineer | $73,812 |
| Intermediate Level Entry Structural Engineer | $74,370 |
| Senior Level Entry Structural Engineer | $75,646 |
| Specialist Level Entry Structural Engineer | $75,901 |
| Expert Level Entry Structural Engineer | $76,072 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Structural Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 16.94% |
| Engineering Services | 1.63% |
| Business Development | 1.1% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Renewable Energy
|
$79,394 |
7%
|
|
Presentation
|
$78,652 |
6%
|
|
Business Development
|
$77,910 |
5%
|
|
Project Management
|
$77,168 |
4%
|
|
Coordination
|
$77,168 |
4%
|
|
Interpersonal Communication
|
$77,168 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Structural Engineers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Structural Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $67,990 and $74,370).
Entry Structural Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 0.4% |
| Associates | 1.0% |
| Bachelors | 42.6% |
| Masters | 51.4% |
| Doctorate | 4.6% |
Understanding how an Entry Structural Engineer'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 January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Structural Engineer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer II | $90,300 | 22% |
| Engineer, Experienced - Structural Engineering | $87,300 | 18% |
| Engineer, Experienced - Transportation | $87,300 | 18% |
Salaries for an Entry Structural Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $74,708 in 2023 to around $73,331 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Structural Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $74,708 |
| 2024 | $73,779 |
| 2025 | $73,331 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Yes, Engineer I is considered an entry-level position. Incumbents handle less complex civil engineering tasks under direct supervision, preparing for advancement to Engineer II. The salary for an Entry Structural Engineer ranges from $61,400 to $79,300, with a mid-point of $74,700, reflecting the role's foundational nature in the engineering field.
A good entry-level salary for a Structural Engineer in the USA ranges from $61,400 to $79,300 annually. The average salary is approximately $74,700, reflecting the competitive nature of the field. This range provides a solid foundation for those starting their careers in engineering.
Yes, a fresher engineer can secure a job in the USA with a degree from India. Many U.S. employers appreciate qualifications from Indian institutions, particularly in engineering. Entry-level structural engineers can expect salaries ranging from $61,400 to $79,300, depending on experience and location, making it a viable career path.
Entry-level structural engineers typically earn between $61,400 and $79,300 annually, with a mid-salary of $74,700. While some engineering roles can reach $200,000, such high salaries are generally associated with senior positions or specialized fields, rather than entry-level roles.
A fresher Structural Engineer in the US typically earns between $61,400 and $79,300, with a median salary of around $74,700. This range reflects the entry-level position, which may vary based on location and specific employer.
An entry-level structural engineer is responsible for creating drawings, preparing cost estimates, and evaluating building codes. Duties include conducting local field visits to review construction, meeting with clients and contractors, writing proposals, learning standard techniques, and working with 3D models. The salary for this position typically ranges from $61,400 to $79,300, with a midpoint of $74,700.
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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