As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Structural Design Engineer III in the United States is $105,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Structural Design Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Structural Design Engineer III'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 III'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 | $74,153 |
| Engineer, Experienced - Structural Engineering | 2-4 years | $87,220 |
| Structural Design Engineer III | 4-7 years | $105,822 |
| Specialist Structural Engineer | 7+ years | $123,948 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 16.12% |
| Engineering Services | 1.59% |
| CAD | 1.26% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Fire Protection
|
$108,008 |
2%
|
|
Construction Administration
|
$108,008 |
2%
|
|
Building Design
|
$108,008 |
2%
|
|
Analysis
|
$106,949 |
1%
|
|
Presentation
|
$106,949 |
1%
|
|
Construction Management
|
$106,949 |
1%
|
Structural Design Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $115,169. While startup companies pay approximate $97,699.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $97,699 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $103,254 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $111,295 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $115,169 |
For Structural Design Engineer III 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, Structural Design Engineer positions in MFG Durable or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Structural Design Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $148,246 | $71.0 | 40% |
| Construction | $132,362 | $64.0 | 25% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Structural Design Engineer IIIs 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $105,329 and $112,532).
Structural Design Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 38.8% |
| High School | 53.1% |
| Associates | 8.2% |
| Bachelors | 38.8% |
| Masters | 53.1% |
| Doctorate | 8.2% |
Understanding how a Structural Design Engineer III'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Structural Design Engineer III, 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 | $123,950 | 17% |
| Specialist Structural Engineer | $124,000 | 17% |
| Engineer, Specialist - Transportation | $123,100 | 16% |
Salaries for a Structural Design Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $109,624 in 2023 to around $108,904 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Structural Design Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $109,624 |
| 2024 | $109,439 |
| 2025 | $108,904 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Structural Design Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Yes, structural engineers do make six figures. Their salaries typically range from a minimum of $98,190 to a mid-level of $112,090, with the potential to earn up to $123,290 annually. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and industry, but overall, structural engineers are well-compensated for their expertise.
The estimated total pay for a Graduate Structural Engineer ranges from approximately £98,190 to £123,290 per year, with a mid-salary of around £112,090. This reflects the current market rates for structural design engineers, providing a clear picture of potential earnings in this field.
Yes, you can earn a good salary as a Structural Engineer. Based on current data, salaries range from a minimum of $98,190 to a mid-level of $112,090, with a maximum of $123,290 per year. Structural engineering involves designing, constructing, and repairing various structures, making it a rewarding career both intellectually and financially.
The highest-paid engineers in the USA typically include those in Computer and IT Engineering, with average salaries of USD 140,830 and USD 132,930, respectively. In comparison, Structural Design Engineers earn between USD 98,190 and USD 123,290, with a mid-salary of USD 112,090, reflecting their specialized skills in the engineering field.
The salary for a Structural Design Engineer typically ranges from $98,190 to $123,290, with a mid-salary of $112,090. In comparison, Lead Structural Engineers earn between $122,000 and $185,000, while Structural Engineer Managers can make between $125,000 and $192,000 annually.
In the USA, a Structural Design Engineer earns an annual salary ranging from $98,190 to $123,290. The average salary is approximately $112,090, translating to a monthly pay of about $9,341. This reflects a competitive compensation structure within the industry, with top earners making significantly more.
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