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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Structural Engineer in Louisiana is $118,859 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
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 | $128,513 | $10,709 | $2,471 | $62 |
| Average | $118,859 | $9,905 | $2,286 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,831 | $9,236 | $2,131 | $53 |
Waldemar S. Nelson - New Orleans, LA
All South Consulting Engineers - Metairie, LA
Kosmos - Baton Rouge, LA
Infinity Engineering Consultants, LLC - Metairie, LA
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 | $178,288 | $86.0 | 50% |
| Business Services | $142,630 | $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 | $128,513 | $10,709 | $2,471 | $62 |
| Average | $118,859 | $9,905 | $2,286 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,831 | $9,236 | $2,131 | $53 |
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.
BDI BRIDGE DIAGNOSTICS
Metairie, LA
BDI BRIDGE DIAGNOSTICS | Metairie, LA
Job Description. Job Description. What We Are Looking For. We are looking for a highly motivated, knowledgeable, and versatile individual to join our engin... more
1 Day Ago
Pelican Energy Consultants
Covington, LA
Pelican Energy Consultants | Covington, LA
Job Description. Job Description. . . Pelican Energy is a full service consulting engineering company providing consulting and design services for the ener... more
2 Days Ago
RNGD
Metairie, LA
RNGD | Metairie, LA
Job Description. Job Description. About the Company. RNGD is a rapidly scaling organization emerging as a nationally recognized leader in construction thro... more
1 Day Ago
Bemana, LLC
Port Allen, LA
Bemana, LLC | Port Allen, LA
Job Description. Job Description. Our client, a third-generation, family-owned business established in 1964, is seeking a. Structural Steel Design & Field ... more
4 Days Ago
STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES
CHICAGO, IL
STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES | CHICAGO, IL
Are you a structural engineer who enjoys solving complex problems and seeing your designs put into action. At STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES, you will help assess... more
1 Day Ago
Constellation Energy
MARSHALLTON, DE
Constellation Energy | MARSHALLTON, DE
Constellation Energy seeks a Structural Engineer to support design and integrity of energy generation and delivery infrastructure. In this role, you will p... more
1 Day Ago
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