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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Structural Engineer in Virginia is $106,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Senior Structural Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Senior Structural Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $115,100 | $9,592 | $2,213 | $55 |
| Average | $106,600 | $8,883 | $2,050 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,200 | $8,183 | $1,888 | $47 |
Progressive Design - Midlothian, VA
Bennett & Pless Inc - Sterling, VA
Stratus Team LLC - Richmond, VA
Trilon Group - Richmond, VA
A Senior 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 a Senior 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 Senior 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:
Senior Structural Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $115,941. While startup companies pay approximate $98,355.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $98,355 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $103,946 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $112,041 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $115,941 |
For Senior Structural Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 85% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Senior Structural Engineer positions in MFG Durable or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Structural Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $149,240 | $72.0 | 40% |
| Construction | $133,250 | $64.0 | 25% |
Understanding how a Senior 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 | $115,100 | $9,592 | $2,213 | $55 |
| Average | $106,600 | $8,883 | $2,050 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,200 | $8,183 | $1,888 | $47 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Senior 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/Construction/Structural Engineer IV | $124,820 | 17% |
| Specialist Structural Engineer | $124,900 | 17% |
| Engineer, Specialist - Transportation | $123,900 | 16% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Senior Structural Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Metromont
Stephenson, VA
Metromont | Stephenson, VA
Position Title: Structural Engineer Job Description Would you like to be part of a family who loves to take on exciting challenges. Metromont LLC has been ... more
3 Days Ago
Titan America
Roanoke, VA
Titan America | Roanoke, VA
Titan America LLC, a leading company in the heavy building materials industry in the eastern United States and the North American operating subsidiary of t... more
4 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
4 Days Ago
Ryde Technologies, LLC
Herndon, VA
Ryde Technologies, LLC | Herndon, VA
Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking a motivated Structural Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team. You'll work alongside architects, MEP ... more
5 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 out side of Philadelphia in Wayne, PA with fu... more
5 Days Ago
Hazen and Sawyer
Fairfax, VA
Hazen and Sawyer | Fairfax, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Structural Engineer (Mid-Level). Hazen and Sawyer is seeking a Structural Engineer for our Fairfax, VA office. The positi... more
6 Days Ago
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