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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Structural Engineer in Virginia is $74,700 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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Entry Structural Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $80,500 | $6,708 | $1,548 | $39 |
| Average | $74,700 | $6,225 | $1,437 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,500 | $5,792 | $1,337 | $33 |
Ryde Technologies, LLC - Herndon, VA
Hazen and Sawyer - Fairfax, VA
Bala Consulting - Arlington, VA
Hazen and Sawyer - Richmond, VA
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, 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Structural Engineer | 0-2 years | $74,672 |
| Engineer, Experienced - Structural Engineering | 2-4 years | $87,831 |
| Senior Structural Engineer | 4-7 years | $106,563 |
| Specialist Structural Engineer | 7+ years | $124,816 |
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:
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:
Entry Structural Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,147. While startup companies pay approximate $68,854.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $68,854 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $72,770 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $78,422 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $81,147 |
For Entry Structural Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Business Services and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Entry Structural Engineer positions in Construction or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Structural Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $89,640 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $82,170 | $40.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $80,500 | $6,708 | $1,548 | $39 |
| Average | $74,700 | $6,225 | $1,437 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,500 | $5,792 | $1,337 | $33 |
Promotions 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 | $90,920 | 22% |
| Engineer, Experienced - Structural Engineering | $87,900 | 18% |
| Engineer, Experienced - Transportation | $87,900 | 18% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Structural Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Tetra Tech
Richmond, VA
Tetra Tech | Richmond, VA
The Opportunity :Tetra Tech's National Energy Practice is continuing to expand, and we are adding a Structural Engineer to join our team.This role offers t... more
9 Days Ago
Stratus Team LLC
Richmond, VA
Stratus Team LLC | Richmond, VA
Job Description. Job Description. About Stratus. Stratus® is an integrated, multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, interior design, and consulting f... more
6 Days Ago
Alpha Corporation
Sterling, VA
Alpha Corporation | Sterling, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Alpha Corporation established in 1979, is a full-service woman-owned firm, providing civil, and structural engineering, p... more
9 Days Ago
Progressive Design
Midlothian, VA
Progressive Design | Midlothian, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Progressive Design, Inc. is currently seeking a. Senior. . Civil/Structural Engineer. This is a. full time/direct hire po... more
9 Days Ago
Bennett & Pless Inc
Sterling, VA
Bennett & Pless Inc | Sterling, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Who We Are. For more than 60 years, Bennett & Pless has been a growing leader in structural engineering, delivering speci... more
10 Days Ago
Bala Consulting
Arlington, VA
Bala Consulting | Arlington, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Bala Consulting Engineers is a 200-person engineering firm headquartered in Wayne, PA with full-service offices in New Yo... more
9 Days Ago
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