As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Structural Engineer in Carmel, CA is $137,494 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, a Principal Structural Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Principal Structural Engineer'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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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
|
$147,118 |
7%
|
|
Business Development
|
$145,743 |
6%
|
|
Renewable Energy
|
$144,368 |
5%
|
|
Engineering Services
|
$144,368 |
5%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$142,993 |
4%
|
|
Interpersonal Communication
|
$142,993 |
4%
|
For Principal Structural Engineer 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, Principal Structural Engineer positions in MFG Durable or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Principal Structural Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $206,240 | $99.0 | 50% |
| Business Services | $164,992 | $79.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Principal Structural Engineer'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, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Principal Structural Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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