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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Structural Engineer in Iowa is $119,634 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
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 | $129,351 | $10,779 | $2,488 | $62 |
| Average | $119,634 | $9,969 | $2,301 | $58 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,554 | $9,296 | $2,145 | $54 |
McClure Engineering Co - Coralville, IA
McClure Engineering Co - Clive, IA
Ruekert & Mielke, Inc - Iowa City, IA
Harrison Consulting Solutions - Des Moines, IA
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 | $179,450 | $86.0 | 50% |
| Business Services | $143,560 | $69.0 | 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 | $129,351 | $10,779 | $2,488 | $62 |
| Average | $119,634 | $9,969 | $2,301 | $58 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,554 | $9,296 | $2,145 | $54 |
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.
Melloy Search Group
Iowa City, IA
Melloy Search Group | Iowa City, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Our client is an established engineering firm with offices across Iowa. Their areas of focus include structural engineeri... more
3 Days Ago
Veenstra & Kimm Inc
West Des Moines, IA
Veenstra & Kimm Inc | West Des Moines, IA
Job Description. Job Description. POSITION DESCRIPTION. We are currently seeking a full-time Structural Engineer to join our team. Our team works with pri... more
3 Days Ago
Shive Hattery Group, Inc.
Bettendorf, IA
Shive Hattery Group, Inc. | Bettendorf, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. . Let’s Do great things—Together. At Shive-Hattery, we believe great design starts with great people. We’re ... more
4 Days Ago
BSI Engineering LLC
Cedar Rapids, IA
BSI Engineering LLC | Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Structural Engineer. Your Role at BSI. A key member of our Civil/Structural team, the Structural Engineer possesses stron... more
6 Days Ago
Shive Hattery Group, Inc.
Cedar Rapids, IA
Shive Hattery Group, Inc. | Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Let’s Do great things—Together. At Shive-Hattery, we believe great design starts with great people. We’re a ... more
4 Days Ago
Shive Hattery Group, Inc.
Bettendorf, IA
Shive Hattery Group, Inc. | Bettendorf, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Let’s Do great things—Together. At Shive-Hattery, we believe great design starts with great people. We’re a ... more
4 Days Ago
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