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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Structural Engineer in Colorado is $127,547 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Principal Structural Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Principal Structural Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $137,907 | $11,492 | $2,652 | $66 |
| Average | $127,547 | $10,629 | $2,453 | $61 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,932 | $9,911 | $2,287 | $57 |
ECOMOD LLC - Hudson, CO
Mural Group - Lakewood, CO
DH Glabe & Associates - Wheat Ridge, CO
ENGINEERING LOCAL XPERTS LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Principal Structural Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
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 | $191,320 | $92.0 | 50% |
| Business Services | $153,056 | $74.0 | 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $137,907 | $11,492 | $2,652 | $66 |
| Average | $127,547 | $10,629 | $2,453 | $61 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,932 | $9,911 | $2,287 | $57 |
Ready 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.
H&H
Denver, CO
H&H | Denver, CO
Job Description. Job Description. We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Structural Engineer to join our Lakewood, CO Office in the Denver Metro Are... more
4 Days Ago
Citrine LLC
Denver, CO
Citrine LLC | Denver, CO
Job Description. Job Description. Description. We are seeking a. Structural Engineer. who enjoys solving complex design challenges and turning engineering ... more
4 Days Ago
Wells
Brighton, CO
Wells | Brighton, CO
Job Description. Job Description. ABOUT THE ROLE. The STRUCTURAL ENGINEER is responsible for supporting the design and analysis of precast concrete structu... more
4 Days Ago
Henderson Engineering LLC
Golden, CO
Henderson Engineering LLC | Golden, CO
Job Description. Job Description. Structural Engineer – Full-Time. Location. Golden, Colorado. We are seeking an experienced Structural Engineer to join ou... more
5 Days Ago
New Beginnings Home Solutions
Wheat Ridge, CO
New Beginnings Home Solutions | Wheat Ridge, CO
Job Description. Job Description. Local structural repair company looking for an in house structural engineer with residential construction experience to s... more
5 Days Ago
Accurate Engineering Solutions LLC
Englewood, CO
Accurate Engineering Solutions LLC | Englewood, CO
Job Description. Job Description. . Job Title. Structural Engineer IV. . . SUMMARY. Performs structural engineering analysis and design in order to more
6 Days Ago
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