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Principal Structural Engineer Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Principal Structural Engineer make in District of Columbia?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Structural Engineer in District of Columbia is $138,410 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $159,888
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $129,062 to $149,652
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $120,551
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Paid Annually Paid Monthly Paid Semimonthly Paid Biweekly Paid Weekly Paid Hourly
View as table View as graph 25% $129,062 10% $120,551 90% $159,888 75% $149,652 $138,410 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Principal Structural Engineer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $149,652 $12,471 $2,878 $72
Average $138,410 $11,534 $2,662 $67
25th Percentile $129,062 $10,755 $2,482 $62
Check out Principal Structural Engineer Job Openings in District of Columbia
Senior Structural Engineer

Abbott On Call Inc - Washington, DC

Senior Structural Engineer

The Building People - Washington, DC

Senior Structural Engineer

TRC Worldwide Engineering Inc - Washington, DC

Senior Structural Engineer

Wyetech - Washington, DC

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Key Factors That Influence Principal Structural Engineer Salaries

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.

Top Paying Cities for Principal Structural Engineers

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:

  • Parcel Return Service: $137,659
  • Washington: $137,660
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $137,654

Principal Structural Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Principal Structural Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$207,615$100.050%
Business Services$166,092$80.020%

Principal Structural Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$129,062
Average $138,410/year
$149,652
$10,755
Average $11,534/month
$12,471
$2,482
Average $2,662/week
$2,878
$62
Average $67/hour
$72
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $149,652 $12,471 $2,878 $72
Average $138,410 $11,534 $2,662 $67
25th Percentile $129,062 $10,755 $2,482 $62

Salaries of jobs related to Principal Structural Engineer

Find Your Next Principal Structural Engineer Job

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.

United States

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Cost of Living In District of Columbia

Cost of Living in District of Columbia is
10.7% Higher
than the National Average

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