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Structural Design Engineer IV Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Structural Design Engineer IV in the United States is $123,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $143,094
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $115,590 to $133,990
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $107,942
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Structural Design Engineer IV Salaries

A Structural Design Engineer IV'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 IV 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $137,290.
  • California: $136,790.
  • Massachusetts: $134,890.

Top Paying Cities for Structural Design Engineer IVs

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: $156,390
  • San Francisco: $154,690
  • Oakland: $151,390

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 16.23% 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 1.73% 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
  • Renewable Energy (Mentioned in 1.1% Job Postings): Using renewable energy sources for more sustainable business operations to drive environmental risk and cost reduction.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 16.23%
Engineering Services 1.73%
Renewable Energy 1.1%
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 IV's salary.

  • Construction Administration: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Business Development: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Renewable Energy: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Construction Administration $132,669
7%
Business Development $131,429
6%
Renewable Energy $130,190
5%
Get Latest Data

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

Structural Design Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $134,659. While startup companies pay approximate $114,217.

Structural Design Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $114,217
Growth Stage 51~500 $120,712
Established 501~5000 $130,120
Enterprise 5000+ $134,659

Structural Design Engineer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Structural Design Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Structural Design Engineer positions in MFG Durable or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Structural Design Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Structural Design Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$185,985$89.050%
Business Services$148,788$72.020%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Structural Design Engineer IVs 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $118,366 and $125,633).

Structural Design Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Structural Design Engineer IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.4%
High School 43.1%
Associates 0.4%
Bachelors 43.1%
Masters 49.8%
Doctorate 6.7%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Structural Design Engineer IV'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
$115,590
Average $123,990/year
$133,990
$9,633
Average $10,333/month
$11,166
$2,223
Average $2,384/week
$2,577
$56
Average $60/hour
$64
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $133,990 $11,166 $2,577 $64
Average $123,990 $10,333 $2,384 $60
25th Percentile $115,590 $9,633 $2,223 $56

Structural Design Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Structural Design Engineer IV

Next Role

Advancement

For a Structural Design Engineer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Civil Infrastructure Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $148,090 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Structural Design Engineer IV

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

Common company salaries for Structural Design Engineer IV

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

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FAQ about Structural Design Engineer IV

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

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Structural Design Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. Do engineers make 300k a year?

Engineers typically do not make $300,000 a year. For a Structural Design Engineer, the salary ranges from a minimum of $110,790 to a mid-level of $125,690, with a maximum of $134,790. While some specialized roles or leadership positions may approach higher salaries, they generally fall below the $300,000 mark.

3. Which engineer is highest paid in USA?

The highest-paid engineers in the USA typically include those in Computer Engineering, with an average salary of USD 140,830, and IT Engineering at USD 132,930. Structural Design Engineers earn between USD 110,790 and USD 134,790, with a mid-salary of USD 125,690, placing them among the well-compensated engineering roles.

4. What engineers make 200k a year?

Engineers typically earn between $110,790 and $134,790 annually, with a mid-salary of $125,690. While some specialized roles may approach or exceed $200k, such as senior positions in AI, data engineering, or advanced mechanical engineering, most structural design engineers fall within this range. Consider gaining experience or pursuing advanced roles for higher salaries.

5. How much does a Structural Engineer make in us?

The estimated total pay for a Structural Design Engineer in the U.S. ranges from $110,790 to $134,790 per year, with a mid-salary of $125,690. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data, providing a clear picture of potential earnings in this field.

6. Is there a shortage of structural engineers?

The shortage of structural engineers is influenced by the demanding educational and licensing requirements, the complexity of the work, and competition from other engineering fields. With salaries ranging from $110,790 to $134,790, the profession offers competitive compensation, yet the challenges may deter potential candidates, exacerbating the scarcity.

7. Do structural engineers make money?

Yes, structural engineers can earn a competitive salary. Based on recent data, the minimum salary for a Structural Design Engineer is approximately $110,790, with a mid-range salary of around $125,690 and a maximum salary reaching $134,790. This indicates a strong earning potential in the 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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