How much does a Structural Designer make?
Structural designers earn a respectable salary, making them a sought-after profession in the engineering field. On average, they make about $86,052 each year. This income can vary based on experience, location, and the type of employer.
Those in the lower salary range earn around $42,600 per year. As designers gain more experience, their salaries can increase to the higher end, where they can earn up to $200,000 annually. Some of the top earners have specialized skills or work in high-demand areas.
What are the highest paying cities for a Structural Designer?
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $107,174
In San Francisco, professionals in structural design work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with top firms like AECOM and Gensler. The city’s focus on green building practices presents exciting opportunities to innovate.
Find Structural Designer jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $92,934
Los Angeles offers a dynamic environment for those in structural design, with major companies like WSP and AECOM leading the way. The diverse projects here range from residential buildings to large-scale infrastructure.
Find Structural Designer jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $92,680
Atlanta boasts a thriving construction industry, providing ample opportunities for structural design experts. Companies like Turner Construction and Clark Nexsen offer a range of projects, from urban redevelopment to commercial buildings.
Find Structural Designer jobs in Atlanta, GA
-
Raleigh, NC
Average Salary: $89,784
In Raleigh, structural designers can find rewarding work with firms such as URS and Turner Construction. The city’s growing population drives the demand for new residential and commercial developments.
Find Structural Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC
-
Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $89,002
Dallas is home to many opportunities for structural designers, with significant employers like HNTB and Clark Nexsen. The city’s diverse projects include everything from skyscrapers to large public works.
Find Structural Designer jobs in Dallas, TX
-
San Antonio, TX
Average Salary: $88,235
San Antonio offers a mix of projects for structural design professionals, with major employers such as HNTB and Clark Nexsen. The city’s unique blend of urban and rural projects provides varied and interesting work.
Find Structural Designer jobs in San Antonio, TX
-
Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $86,037
Charlotte presents a growing market for structural designers, with companies like HNTB and Clark Nexsen leading the way. The city’s expanding infrastructure needs present many opportunities for innovative design.
Find Structural Designer jobs in Charlotte, NC
-
St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $83,697
St. Louis offers a variety of projects for structural designers, with prominent companies such as WSP and HNTB. The city’s historic architecture combined with modern developments makes for a rich and diverse work environment.
Find Structural Designer jobs in St. Louis, MO
-
Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $83,647
Phoenix provides a vibrant setting for structural design professionals, with opportunities at firms like WSP and HNTB. The city’s expansion and focus on sustainable building practices create a dynamic work environment.
Find Structural Designer jobs in Phoenix, AZ
-
Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $81,768
In Philadelphia, structural designers can find work with companies such as AECOM and WSP. The city’s rich history and ongoing urban development offer a diverse range of projects, from historic renovations to modern constructions.
Find Structural Designer jobs in Philadelphia, PA
What are the best companies a Structural Designer can work for?
-
West Shore Home
Average Salary: $200,000
West Shore Home stands out for its competitive salaries in the structural design field. This company operates globally, with a strong presence in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Job seekers can expect dynamic roles that focus on innovative designs and sustainable building solutions.
-
Stantec
Average Salary: $120,818
Stantec offers attractive compensation packages for structural designers. This firm specializes in architecture, engineering, and consulting. It has offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, providing a chance to work on diverse and large-scale projects.
-
HDR
Average Salary: $88,984
HDR offers rewarding career opportunities for structural designers. The company operates in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It focuses on creating sustainable and innovative designs for a variety of projects.
-
Entegee
Average Salary: $88,867
Entegee provides promising roles for structural designers. The company has a strong presence in the United States, offering various projects in engineering and architecture. Job seekers can expect collaborative environments and professional growth opportunities.
-
Angus-Young
Average Salary: $88,333
Angus-Young offers competitive pay for structural designers. The company focuses on engineering and architectural services in the United States. It provides opportunities to work on large-scale infrastructure projects.
-
Core States Group
Average Salary: $86,252
Core States Group provides good compensation for structural designers. The company operates in the United States, specializing in engineering and consulting services. Job seekers will find a focus on sustainable and innovative designs.
-
Merrick & Company
Average Salary: $77,364
Merrick & Company offers attractive salaries for structural designers. The company operates in the United States, focusing on engineering and consulting. Job seekers can expect to work on a variety of projects in architecture and infrastructure.
-
HBK Engineering, LLC
Average Salary: $73,000
HBK Engineering, LLC provides competitive compensation for structural designers. The company operates in the United States, specializing in engineering and architectural services. Job seekers can expect to work on innovative and sustainable projects.
-
Sargent & Lundy
Average Salary: $72,637
Sargent & Lundy offers good pay for structural designers. The company operates in North America, specializing in engineering and consulting services. Job seekers can expect to work on a variety of large-scale infrastructure projects.
-
State of Missouri
Average Salary: $71,448
The State of Missouri offers competitive salaries for structural designers. The state provides numerous opportunities in various locations across Missouri. Job seekers can expect to work on public infrastructure projects that benefit the community.
How to earn more as a Structural Designer?
In the field of Structural Design, there are several ways to increase earning potential. With the right strategies, Structural Designers can earn more and advance their careers. One effective approach is gaining experience in various types of projects. Working on diverse projects builds a broad skill set, which employers value highly.
Another factor is pursuing advanced certifications and degrees. Specializing in areas like seismic design or green building can open doors to higher-paying jobs. Designers who continue their education often find themselves in demand for more complex and better-paying projects. Continuing professional development shows a commitment to excellence and can lead to significant salary increases.
Seeking opportunities to advance into leadership roles can also boost earnings. Managers and project leads usually earn more than their peers. Taking on supervisory duties shows initiative and responsibility, which are important traits employers look for. Leadership roles often involve making critical decisions that can impact project success and profitability.
Expanding one’s professional network can lead to more job opportunities and higher salaries. Networking allows designers to connect with industry leaders and discover new projects. Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and participating in online forums can all help build valuable relationships. These connections can lead to job offers with better pay and benefits.
Finally, choosing to work in high-demand areas can lead to higher earnings. Urban centers and regions with significant infrastructure projects often pay more. Moving to these areas or taking on projects in these locations can result in a higher salary. Staying informed about market trends and job opportunities in high-demand regions is a smart strategy for increasing income.
