As of March 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:
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A Structural Design Engineer IV'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 IV'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 | $74,143 |
| Engineer, Experienced - Structural Engineering | 2-4 years | $87,243 |
| Senior Structural Engineer | 4-7 years | $105,825 |
| Structural Design Engineer IV | 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 16.23% |
| Engineering Services | 1.73% |
| Renewable Energy | 1.1% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Construction Administration
|
$132,669 |
7%
|
|
Business Development
|
$131,429 |
6%
|
|
Renewable Energy
|
$130,190 |
5%
|
|
Engineering Services
|
$130,190 |
5%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$128,950 |
4%
|
|
Interpersonal Communication
|
$128,950 |
4%
|
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
| 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% |
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 March 01, 2026For 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.
Salaries for a Structural Design Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $128,793 in 2023 to around $128,292 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Structural Design Engineer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $128,793 |
| 2024 | $128,771 |
| 2025 | $128,292 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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