As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Structural Engineer I in the United States is $74,145 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Structural Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Structural Engineer I'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 Engineer I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Engineer I | 0-2 years | $74,145 |
| Structural Engineer II | 2-4 years | $87,239 |
| Structural Engineer III | 4-7 years | $105,824 |
| Structural Engineer IV | 7+ years | $123,932 |
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 Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 16.94% |
| Engineering Services | 1.63% |
| Business Development | 1.1% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Renewable Energy
|
$79,335 |
7%
|
|
Presentation
|
$78,594 |
6%
|
|
Business Development
|
$77,852 |
5%
|
|
Project Management
|
$77,111 |
4%
|
|
Coordination
|
$77,111 |
4%
|
|
Interpersonal Communication
|
$77,111 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Structural Engineer Is 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 Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $68,238 and $74,629).
Structural Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 0.4% |
| Associates | 1.0% |
| Bachelors | 42.6% |
| Masters | 51.4% |
| Doctorate | 4.6% |
Understanding how a Structural Engineer I'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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Structural Engineer I, 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 Engineer II | $90,290 | 22% |
| Structural Engineer II | $87,239 | 18% |
| Transportation Engineer II | $87,239 | 18% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Structural Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Structural Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Structural Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Structural Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Structural Engineer I is $93,519.
The highest pay for Structural Engineer I is $85,038.
The lowest pay for Structural Engineer I is $64,109.
Designs and analyzes structures like buildings, bridges, and dams to ensure they are safe, stable, and strong enough to withstand various loads and environmental conditions. Ensures structures meet building codes and regulations. Determines the cause of structural failures, damages, and defects through site investigations. Recommends solutions for structural issues and/or design modifications. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
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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