How much does a Structures Engineer make?
Structures Engineers play a key role in designing and ensuring safety in buildings, bridges, and other structures. They use their skills to create structures that are safe and functional. Their salaries reflect their important work. The average yearly salary for a Structures Engineer is $120,760.
Salaries for Structures Engineers can vary. Here is a breakdown of what different percentiles earn:
- The lowest-paid 10% earn $52,140 or less each year.
- The next 20% earn between $65,650 and $92,670 each year.
- The middle 20% earn between $92,670 and $119,690 each year.
- The next 20% earn between $119,690 and $146,710 each year.
- The highest-paid 10% earn $160,220 or more each year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Structures Engineer?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $164,991
In San Jose, a hub for tech giants, professionals can work on projects for major firms like Intel and Apple. The city offers a dynamic environment with many opportunities to innovate in engineering.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $161,209
Los Angeles presents a vibrant scene for engineers, with projects ranging from skyscrapers to bridges. Companies like AECOM and Bechtel offer diverse challenges in this bustling metropolis.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $146,970
Denver boasts a thriving economy with strong demand for skilled engineers. Employers like Jacobs Engineering and Kiewit Corporation provide exciting projects in this picturesque setting.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $146,353
Minneapolis offers a blend of tradition and modernity for engineers. Firms such as HNTB and AECOM provide opportunities to work on significant infrastructure projects in this lively city.
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Wichita, KS
Average Salary: $145,189
Wichita is known for its aerospace industry. Engineers here can find rewarding roles with companies like Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, contributing to cutting-edge projects.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $143,532
Atlanta’s growing economy offers a variety of projects for engineers. Companies such as Jacobs and AECOM present numerous opportunities in this dynamic and expanding city.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $139,529
Seattle’s tech scene provides a fertile ground for innovative engineering projects. With companies like Amazon and Microsoft, engineers here are at the forefront of technological advancements.
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Oklahoma City, OK
Average Salary: $136,292
Oklahoma City offers a mix of challenges and opportunities for engineers. Firms like HNTB and Kiewit provide diverse projects in this growing and vibrant city.
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Jacksonville, FL
Average Salary: $133,674
Jacksonville’s strategic location makes it a key player in engineering projects. Companies such as Bechtel and AECOM offer exciting work for skilled professionals in this coastal city.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $132,878
Charlotte presents a perfect mix of historic charm and modern growth for engineers. With major employers like Bechtel and AECOM, it offers many opportunities in this thriving city.
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What are the best companies a Structures Engineer can work for?

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Arcadis
Average Salary: $164,450
Arcadis offers exciting Structures Engineer roles with a focus on sustainable infrastructure. This company operates globally, with major offices in Europe, North America, and Asia. Arcadis provides competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.
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Relativity Space
Average Salary: $155,144
Relativity Space is a leading aerospace company specializing in 3D-printed rockets. They offer Structures Engineer positions with a focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology. Their main location is in Los Angeles, California, with satellite offices in Texas.
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Sargent & Lundy
Average Salary: $133,643
Sargent & Lundy provides Structures Engineer opportunities in the energy sector. They focus on power plants and infrastructure. The company has offices in Chicago, Illinois, and Houston, Texas, where they offer top-tier salaries and benefits.
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Janicki Industries
Average Salary: $133,536
Janicki Industries is known for its work in heavy civil and industrial construction. They offer Structures Engineer roles that focus on large-scale projects. Locations include Florida and California, where they provide competitive compensation.
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Collins Aerospace
Average Salary: $132,378
Collins Aerospace provides Structures Engineer jobs in the aerospace industry. They focus on creating innovative aircraft systems. With headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, they offer a supportive work environment and attractive salaries.
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Boeing
Average Salary: $125,390
Boeing is a global leader in aerospace and defense. They offer Structures Engineer roles in various locations, including Seattle, Washington, and St. Louis, Missouri. Boeing provides excellent benefits and a strong salary package.
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Pratt & Whitney
Average Salary: $119,996
Pratt & Whitney focuses on aerospace engineering and manufacturing. They offer Structures Engineer positions with a focus on aircraft engines. The company has offices in East Hartford, Connecticut, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
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State of Florida
Average Salary: $114,475
The State of Florida offers Structures Engineer roles for public infrastructure projects. They operate across the state, providing a competitive salary and benefits package. Locations include Tallahassee and Miami.
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Joby Aviation
Average Salary: $112,957
Joby Aviation specializes in electric aircraft. They offer Structures Engineer positions focused on developing next-generation air vehicles. The company is headquartered in Oakland, California, with offices in New York and Florida.
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Cirrus Aircraft
Average Salary: $112,653
Cirrus Aircraft is known for its line of high-performance aircraft. They offer Structures Engineer roles focusing on aircraft design and manufacturing. Based in Duluth, Minnesota, they provide a dynamic work environment and attractive compensation.
How to earn more as a Structures Engineer?
Structures Engineers often find various opportunities to increase their earnings through different avenues. Building up expertise in specialized fields can open new doors for higher-paying roles. By gaining certifications and licenses, Structures Engineers can also boost their value in the job market. Networking within the industry provides access to job openings that may not be advertised publicly. Taking on leadership positions and advancing in one's career can lead to salary increases. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in the field can make an engineer more competitive and attractive to employers willing to pay more.
Here are key factors that can help a Structures Engineer earn more:
- Specialized Expertise: Focus on specific areas within structural engineering, such as earthquake-resistant design or sustainable building materials.
- Certifications and Licenses: Obtain relevant certifications and professional licenses to demonstrate expertise and compliance with industry standards.
- Networking: Build a strong professional network to discover unadvertised job opportunities and gain referrals.
- Leadership Roles: Take on leadership positions to manage projects and teams, which often come with higher pay.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in structural engineering through ongoing education.



