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Structural Design Engineer III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $121,938
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $97,490 to $114,290
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $89,842

Key Factors That Influence Structural Design Engineer III Salaries

A Structural Design Engineer III'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.

Top Paying Cities for Structural Design Engineer IIIs

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: $133,490
  • San Francisco: $132,090
  • Oakland: $129,290

What Skills Can Increase a Structural Design Engineer III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 16.12% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Engineering Services (Mentioned in 1.59% Job Postings): Engineering services" means any service or creative work, the adequate performance of which requires engineering education, training and experience in the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences
  • CAD (Mentioned in 1.26% Job Postings): Computer-aided design is the use of computers to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. This software is used to increase the productivity of the designer
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 16.12%
Engineering Services 1.59%
CAD 1.26%

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 III's salary.

  • Fire Protection: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
  • Construction Administration: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
  • Building Design: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Fire Protection $108,008
2%
Construction Administration $108,008
2%
Building Design $108,008
2%

Structural Design Engineer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $115,001. While startup companies pay approximate $97,544.

Structural Design Engineer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $97,544
Growth Stage 51~500 $103,090
Established 501~5000 $111,125
Enterprise 5000+ $115,001

Structural Design Engineer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Structural Design Engineer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$148,246$71.040%
Construction$132,362$64.025%

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

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

Typical Education for Structural Design Engineer III
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%

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

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 September 01, 2026
$97,490
Average $105,890/year
$114,290
$8,124
Average $8,824/month
$9,524
$1,875
Average $2,036/week
$2,198
$47
Average $51/hour
$55
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $114,290 $9,524 $2,198 $55
Average $105,890 $8,824 $2,036 $51
25th Percentile $97,490 $8,124 $1,875 $47

Structural Design Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions 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.

Structural Design Engineer III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer IV $123,960 17%
Specialist Structural Engineer $124,000 17%
Engineer, Specialist - Transportation $123,100 16%

Most common benefits for Structural Design Engineer III

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

Common company salaries for Structural Design Engineer III

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

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FAQ about Structural Design Engineer III

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

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Structural Design Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. Do structural engineers make 6 figures?

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.

3. How much do graduate structural engineers make?

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.

4. Can you make a lot of money as a Structural Engineer?

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.

5. Which engineer is highest paid in USA?

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.

6. What is the highest paid structural engineer?

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.

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

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.

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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