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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Structural Engineer in North Carolina is $118,796 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 | $128,445 | $10,704 | $2,470 | $62 |
| Average | $118,796 | $9,900 | $2,285 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,773 | $9,231 | $2,130 | $53 |
System One - Charlotte, NC
DH Griffin Companies - Charlotte, NC
ISAT Total Support - Matthews, NC
CDG-EAP - Harrisburg, NC
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 | $178,194 | $86.0 | 50% |
| Business Services | $142,555 | $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 | $128,445 | $10,704 | $2,470 | $62 |
| Average | $118,796 | $9,900 | $2,285 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,773 | $9,231 | $2,130 | $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.
LaBella Associates
Charlotte, NC
LaBella Associates | Charlotte, NC
Job Description. Job Description. We are currently hiring a Structural Engineer to join our Building Engineering Division in our Charlotte, NC office. The ... more
5 Days Ago
Farrior Steel Works
Farmville, NC
Farrior Steel Works | Farmville, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Jack A. Farrior, Inc. is a growing construction firm in eastern North Carolina specializing in agricultural and industria... more
5 Days Ago
Mid-South Engineering, Inc.
Cary, NC
Mid-South Engineering, Inc. | Cary, NC
Job Description. Job Description. We’re seeking a. Structural Engineer, P.E. to join our team in. Cary, NC. In this role, you’ll take the lead on structura... more
2 Days Ago
SKA Consulting Engineers, Inc
Asheville, NC
SKA Consulting Engineers, Inc | Asheville, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Description. In this role, you will oversee and coordinate structural engineering projects through all phases of design a... more
5 Days Ago
SKA Consulting Engineers, Inc
Greensboro, NC
SKA Consulting Engineers, Inc | Greensboro, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Description. In this role, you will oversee and coordinate structural engineering projects through all phases of design a... more
5 Days Ago
Hazen and Sawyer
Charlotte, NC
Hazen and Sawyer | Charlotte, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Work Setting. In-person (All in office/field). Hazen & Sawyer is seeking a talented early career Structural Engineer for ... more
5 Days Ago
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