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Intermediate Structural Engineer Salary in the United States

How much does an Intermediate Structural Engineer make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Structural Engineer in the United States is $87,220 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

However, an Intermediate Structural Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $106,057
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $80,470 to $97,080
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $74,324
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Intermediate Structural Engineer Salaries

An Intermediate Structural Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Intermediate Structural Engineer Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Intermediate Structural Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $96,570.
  • California: $96,200.
  • Massachusetts: $94,920.

Top Paying Cities for Intermediate Structural Engineers

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: $110,010
  • San Francisco: $108,800
  • Oakland: $106,510

What Skills Can Increase an Intermediate Structural Engineer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.69% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Structural Engineering (Mentioned in 3.89% Job Postings): Structural engineering is a sub-discipline of civil engineering in which structural engineers are trained to design the 'bones and muscles' that create the form and shape of man made structures. Structural engineers need to understand and calculate the stability, strength and rigidity of built structures for buildings and nonbuilding structures. The structural designs are integrated with those of other designers such as architects and building services engineer and often supervise the construction of projects by contractors on site. They can also be involved in the design of machinery, medical equipment, and vehicles where structural integrity affects functioning and safety. See glossary of structural engineering. Structural engineering theory is based upon applied physical laws and empirical knowledge of the structural performance of different materials and geometries. Structural engineering design uses a number of relatively simple structural elements to build complex structural systems. Structural engineers are responsible for making creative and efficient use of funds, structural elements and materials to achieve these goals.
  • Design Engineering (Mentioned in 1.38% Job Postings): Creating a system, component, or process to develop new products and systems.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.69%
Structural Engineering 3.89%
Design Engineering 1.38%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Intermediate Structural Engineer's salary.

  • Computer Science: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Python: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Software Development: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Computer Science $104,664
20%
Python $100,303
15%
Software Development $100,303
15%
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Intermediate Structural Engineer Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Intermediate Structural Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $94,725. While startup companies pay approximate $80,346.

Intermediate Structural Engineer Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $80,346
Growth Stage 51~500 $84,914
Established 501~5000 $91,532
Enterprise 5000+ $94,725

Intermediate Structural Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Intermediate 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 Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Intermediate Structural Engineer positions in Business Services or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate Structural Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Intermediate Structural Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$104,664$50.020%
Construction$95,942$46.010%

How Education impacts an Intermediate Structural Engineer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate 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 Intermediate Structural Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $88,104 and $92,061).

Intermediate Structural Engineer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Intermediate Structural Engineer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.3%
High School 39.3%
Associates 0.3%
Bachelors 39.3%
Masters 53.8%
Doctorate 6.8%
View as Graph

Intermediate Structural Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Intermediate 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 September 01, 2026
$80,470
Average $87,220/year
$97,080
$6,706
Average $7,268/month
$8,090
$1,548
Average $1,677/week
$1,867
$39
Average $42/hour
$47
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $97,080 $8,090 $1,867 $47
Average $87,220 $7,268 $1,677 $42
25th Percentile $80,470 $6,706 $1,548 $39

Intermediate Structural Engineer Salary Growth & Career Path

Intermediate Structural Engineer

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate 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 III $105,830 21%
Senior Structural Engineer $105,900 21%
Engineer, Senior - Transportation $105,900 21%

Most common benefits for Intermediate Structural Engineer

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Intermediate Structural Engineer

Here are companies hiring for Intermediate Structural Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Intermediate Structural Engineer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Intermediate Structural Engineer?

The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Structural Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is a good salary for an engineer in USA?

A good salary for an Intermediate Structural Engineer in the USA ranges from $85,540 to $102,250 annually, with a median salary of $91,480. This reflects the competitive nature of the engineering field, where salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specific engineering discipline.

3. Where do structural engineers make the most money?

Structural engineers can earn competitive salaries, with the average range for an Intermediate Structural Engineer being between $85,540 and $102,250 annually. Cities like Los Angeles, CA, offer salaries around $116,219, while Houston, TX, and Cleveland, OH, report salaries of $107,866 and $107,686, respectively, making them some of the highest-paying locations.

4. Can you make a lot of money as a structural engineer?

Yes, you can earn a good salary as a structural engineer. The salary range for an Intermediate Structural Engineer typically falls between $85,540 and $102,250, with a median salary of around $91,480. While top positions can reach higher figures, this range reflects a solid earning potential in the field.

5. What is an intermediate structural engineer?

An intermediate structural engineer is responsible for managing and executing structural design and analysis for various projects, including commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential. The salary for this position typically ranges from $85,540 to $102,250, with a mid-level salary around $91,480, reflecting the engineer's experience and expertise in the field.

6. What engineering jobs pay 200k a year?

While many engineering roles can offer competitive salaries, the average salary for an Intermediate Structural Engineer ranges from $85,540 to $102,250, with a midpoint of $91,480. Positions that pay $200k typically require advanced experience or specialization, such as Lead Engineer or Senior Engineer roles in high-demand sectors.

7. Can I make 7 figures as an engineer?

While it's possible for some engineers to earn high salaries, the average for an Intermediate Structural Engineer ranges from $85,540 to $102,250, with a mid-salary of $91,480. Achieving a 7-figure income is rare and typically reserved for top executives or successful founders, making stable employment at a large company a more reliable financial choice.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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