As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Structural Design Engineer I in the United States is $74,190 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Structural Design Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Structural Design Engineer I'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 a Structural Design Engineer I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Design Engineer I | 0-2 years | $74,143 |
| Engineer, Experienced - Structural Engineering | 2-4 years | $87,243 |
| Senior Structural Engineer | 4-7 years | $105,825 |
| Specialist Structural Engineer | 7+ years | $123,929 |
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 Structural Design Engineer Is. 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
|
$79,383 |
7%
|
|
Presentation
|
$78,641 |
6%
|
|
Business Development
|
$77,900 |
5%
|
|
Project Management
|
$77,158 |
4%
|
|
Coordination
|
$77,158 |
4%
|
|
Interpersonal Communication
|
$77,158 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Structural Design Engineer Is 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 a Structural Design Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $67,980 and $74,360).
Structural Design Engineer I 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 a Structural Design Engineer I'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 March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Structural Design Engineer I, 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 a Structural Design Engineer I 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 Structural Design Engineer I 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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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Structural Design Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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While it's possible for some engineers to earn high salaries, the typical range for a Structural Design Engineer is between $61,390 and $79,290 annually. Achieving a 7-figure salary is rare and usually reserved for top executives or successful entrepreneurs. Generally, working for a large company may offer more financial stability than starting a startup.
The #1 best engineering job is the Structural Design Engineer, offering a salary range from $61,390 to $79,290, with a median salary of $74,690. This role combines creativity and technical skills, making it a rewarding career choice in the engineering field. Other notable engineering jobs include Mechanical Engineer and Environmental Engineer.
Many engineers work a standard 40-hour week, but deadlines or design standards can lead to longer hours. Structural Design Engineers typically earn between $61,390 and $79,290, with a mid-salary of $74,690. Engineering students also have demanding schedules. Most engineers are based in office buildings, laboratories, or industrial plants.
A base salary of 300k is uncommon for engineers, including Structural Design Engineers, whose salaries typically range from approximately 61,390 to 79,290. Such high earnings are usually associated with director-level positions, often supplemented by bonuses and stock options.
While many high-paying jobs exist in the USA, the salary for a Structural Design Engineer ranges from a minimum of $61,390 to a mid-level of $74,690, with a maximum of $79,290. This profession, along with roles like corporate executives, dentists, and IT managers, offers competitive compensation in the job market.
A Structural Design Engineer in the USA typically earns between $61,390 and $79,290 annually. The average salary is around $74,690, translating to approximately $6,224 per month. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field.
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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