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Structural Design Engineer II Salary in the United States

How much does a Structural Design Engineer II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Structural Design Engineer II in the United States is $87,233 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $106,070
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $80,483 to $97,093
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $74,337
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Structural Design Engineer II Salaries

A Structural Design Engineer II'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 Structural Design Engineer II 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 Structural Design Engineer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $96,583.
  • California: $96,213.
  • Massachusetts: $94,933.

Top Paying Cities for Structural Design Engineer IIs

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: $110,023
  • San Francisco: $108,813
  • Oakland: $106,523

What Skills Can Increase a Structural Design Engineer II'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 a Structural Design Engineer II'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 $104,680
20%
Python $100,318
15%
Software Development $100,318
15%
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Structural Design Engineer II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Structural Design Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $94,739. While startup companies pay approximate $80,358.

Structural Design Engineer II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $80,358
Growth Stage 51~500 $84,927
Established 501~5000 $91,545
Enterprise 5000+ $94,739

Structural Design Engineer II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Structural Design Engineer II 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, Structural Design Engineer positions in Business Services or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Structural Design Engineer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Structural Design Engineer II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$104,680$50.020%
Construction$95,956$46.010%

How Education impacts a Structural Design Engineer II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Structural Design Engineer IIs 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 II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $88,117 and $92,074).

Structural Design Engineer II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Structural Design Engineer II
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

Structural Design Engineer II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Structural Design Engineer II'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
$80,483
Average $87,233/year
$97,093
$6,707
Average $7,269/month
$8,091
$1,548
Average $1,678/week
$1,867
$39
Average $42/hour
$47
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $97,093 $8,091 $1,867 $47
Average $87,233 $7,269 $1,678 $42
25th Percentile $80,483 $6,707 $1,548 $39

Structural Design Engineer II Salary Growth & Career Path

Structural Design Engineer II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Structural Design Engineer II, 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 Structural Design Engineer II

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

Common company salaries for Structural Design Engineer II

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

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FAQ about Structural Design Engineer II

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

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

2. What engineers make 200k a year?

Structural Design Engineers typically earn between $85,553 and $102,263 annually, with a median salary of $91,493. While some engineering roles may offer salaries around $200,000, such positions are often specialized or require extensive experience. For those aiming for higher earnings, focusing on advanced skills and certifications can be beneficial.

3. Are structural engineers worth it?

Structural engineers are indeed worth it, as they ensure the safety and integrity of your home. With salaries ranging from $85,553 to $102,263, their expertise is a valuable investment for homeowners. Hiring a professional guarantees that projects are completed correctly, providing peace of mind and long-term stability for your property.

4. Are structural engineers in demand in USA?

Yes, structural engineers are in high demand in the USA, driven by new infrastructure projects and a projected job growth of 6%. Salaries for structural design engineers range from $85,553 to $102,263, with a median salary of $91,493, reflecting the growing need for skilled professionals in this field.

5. Which country pays highest salary for Structural Engineer?

The highest paying countries for Structural Engineers include Switzerland, Denmark, the United States, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand. In the U.S., salaries for Structural Design Engineers range from a minimum of $85,553 to a maximum of $102,263, with a mid-salary of $91,493, reflecting competitive compensation in the engineering field.

6. How much does a structural designer earn in USA?

In the USA, a Structural Design Engineer typically earns between $85,553 and $102,263 annually, with a median salary of $91,493. This translates to a monthly pay range of approximately $7,129 to $8,522, with the average salary around $7,624.

7. How much does a Structural Engineer make in US?

The estimated total pay for a Structural Design Engineer in the US ranges from $85,553 to $102,263 per year, with a mid-salary of $91,493. These figures reflect the typical salary range based on industry data and provide a clear picture of potential earnings in this field.

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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