Did you know there are currently 59,942 structural engineers working in the US? Structural engineers are essential for designing and reviewing buildings and bridges across the country and are compensating well for their efforts. How much do structural engineers make? You will make $99,095 annually and $48 hourly on average as a structural engineer. Keep reading to learn more about these income metrics and which structural engineer insurance policies you need to protect that income.
Structural engineers are responsible for designing and overseeing construction projects across the nation. As a structural engineer, you are trained to analyze structural support systems and make accurate calculations on the safety and reliability of these systems. A structural engineer is consulted to ensure that the design of a project is safe and to check the work of other engineers. Structural engineers will also create designs for construction projects through drawings and modeling programs.
To become a structural engineer, you need a civil or architectural engineering college degree. The courses you take as a college structural engineer must also include ones that emphasize structural engineering concepts. As a structural engineer, you must be skilled in making calculations and mathematical concepts. When you gain more experience in the field, you will develop a repertoire of specialized knowledge about building design.
A skilled structural engineer must also have an in-depth understanding of geology and its relation to the structural integrity of the building they work on. This acquired knowledge makes you a valuable asset for commercial construction projects, evaluating building damage for insurance companies, and making determinations about property for real estate sales.
The average structural engineer is 40 years old. Around 85% of structural engineers are men, while only 15% are women. Structural engineers are employed mainly by private companies. Around 76% of structural engineers work for private companies, while only 24% work for public companies. The majority of structural engineers are white (64%). The next most common ethnicities for structural engineers are Asian and Hispanic. Around 17% of structural engineers are Asian, and 10% are Hispanic.
The average annual structural engineer salary is $99,095. Most structural engineers will make between $78,500 and $112,000 in the United States. Any salaries above or below this number are considered an outlier figure. The 90th percentile for a structural engineer's average annual salary is $137,000. Below is a comparison of different structural engineer's annual salaries and the estimated number of structural engineers at each income level.
| Annual Salary Range | Percent of Jobs |
|---|---|
| $52,000-$62,499 | 4% |
| $62,500-$72,999 | 11% |
| $73,000-$83,499 | 16% |
| $83,500-$93,999 | 17% |
| $94,000-$103,999 | 16% |
| $104,000-$114,499 | 13% |
| $114,500-$124,999 | 8% |
| $125,000-$135,499 | 4% |
| $135,500-$145,999 | 3% |
Next we will look at how much does the average structural engineer make in a month. The average monthly salary for a structural engineer is $8,257. A monthly salary for a structural engineer will typically range between $6,541 and $9,333. Structural engineers in the 90th percentile will make $11,416 monthly.
| Monthly Salary Range | Percent of Jobs |
|---|---|
| $4,333-$5,208 | 4% |
| $5,208-$6,083 | 11% |
| $6,083-$6,958 | 16% |
| $6,958-$7,833 | 17% |
| $7,833-$8,667 | 16% |
| $8,667-$9,542 | 13% |
| $9,542-$10,417 | 8% |
| $10,417-$11,292 | 4% |
| $11,292-$12,167 | 3% |
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As a structural engineer, you can expect to make an average wage of $3,810 bi-weekly. Your bi-weekly range will typically be between $3,018 and $4,306. At the upper end of bi-weekly salary ranges, you can expect to make $5,268 at the 90th percentile.
| Bi-Weekly Wage Range | Percent of Jobs |
|---|---|
| $2,000-$2,404 | 4% |
| $2,404-$2,808 | 11% |
| $2,808-$3,212 | 16% |
| $3,212-$3,616 | 17% |
| $3,616-$4,000 | 16% |
| $4,000-$4,404 | 13% |
| $4,404-$4,808 | 8% |
| $4,808-$5,212 | 4% |
| $5,212-$5,616 | 3% |
The answer to how much do structural engineers earn in a week equates to $1,905 on average. If you are a structural engineer, your typical weekly wage ranges between $1,509 and $2,153. At the 90th percentile, you will make $ 2,634 per week as a structural engineer.
| Weekly Wage Range | Percent of Jobs |
|---|---|
| $1,000-$1,202 | 4% |
| $1,202-1,404 | 11% |
| $1,404-$1,606 | 16% |
| $1,606-$1,808 | 17% |
| $1,808-$2,000 | 16% |
| $2,000-$2,202 | 13% |
| $2,202-$2,404 | 8% |
| $2,404-$2,606 | 4% |
| $2,606-$2,808 | 3% |
A structural engineer will make an average wage of $381 per day. At the 25th percentile of structural engineers, you will make $301 per day. As you advance in your career, you will make around $430 daily at the 75th percentile. This means the typical daily wage for most structural engineers ranges between these two numbers. At the 90th percentile, structural engineers make $526 per day.
| Daily Wage Range | Percent of Jobs |
|---|---|
| $200-$240 | 4% |
| $240-$280 | 11% |
| $280-$321 | 16% |
| $321-$361 | 17% |
| $361-$400 | 16% |
| $400-$440 | 13% |
| $440-$480 | 8% |
| $480-$521 | 4% |
| $521-$561 | 3% |
Are you researching how much money do structural engineers make? Your hourly rate as a structural engineer will be $48 on average. Structural engineer hourly rates range between $37.74 at the 25th percentile and $53.85 at the 75th percentile. The upper end of the hourly rate range of structural engineers is $65.87 at the 90th percentile.
| Hourly Range | Percent of Jobs |
|---|---|
| $25-$30.05 | 4% |
| $30.05-$35.10 | 11% |
| $35.10-$40.14 | 16% |
| $40.14-$45.19 | 17% |
| $45.19-$50 | 16% |
| $50-$55.05 | 13% |
| $55.05-$60.10 | 8% |
| $60.10-$65.14 | 4% |
| $65.14-$70.19 | 3% |
The highest average-paying state for structural engineers is New York at $114,559. Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Jersey are the next best states for structural engineers. Each of these states pays structural engineers over $100,000 on average.
| State | Average Annual Salary | Average Weekly Wage | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $81,619 | $1,569 | $39.24 |
| Alaska | $95,341 | $1,833 | $45.84 |
| Arizona | $96,581 | $1,857 | $46.43 |
| Arkansas | $75,317 | $1,448 | $36.21 |
| California | $92,574 | $1,780 | $44.51 |
| Colorado | $86,283 | $1,659 | $41.48 |
| Connecticut | $92,574 | $1,774 | $44.37 |
| Delaware | $86,623 | $1,665 | $41.65 |
| Florida | $81,532 | $1,567 | $39.20 |
| Georgia | $94,941 | $1,825 | $45.64 |
| Hawaii | $97,160 | $1,868 | $46.71 |
| Idaho | $76,639 | $1,531 | $38.29 |
| Illinois | $89,583 | $1,722 | $43.07 |
| Indiana | $96,612 | $1,857 | $46.45 |
| Iowa | $93,201 | $1,825 | $45.64 |
| Kansas | $82,438 | $1,585 | $39.63 |
| Kentucky | $76,579 | $1,472 | $36.82 |
| Louisiana | $80,642 | $1,550 | $38.77 |
| Maine | $103,122 | $1,983 | $49.58 |
| Maryland | $87,909 | $1,690 | $42.26 |
| Massachusetts | $100,925 | $1,983 | $49.52 |
| Michigan | $82,549 | $1,587 | $39.69 |
| Minnesota | $96,717 | $1,859 | $46.50 |
| Mississippi | $85,754 | $1,649 | $41.23 |
| Missouri | $82,041 | $1,577 | $39.44 |
| Montana | $92,658 | $1,781 | $44.55 |
| Nebraska | $79,757 | $1,533 | $38.34 |
| Nevada | $100,803 | $1,938 | $48.46 |
| New Hampshire | $95,935 | $1,844 | $46.12 |
| New Jersey | $100,216 | $1,927 | $48.18 |
| New Mexico | $90,485 | $1,740 | $43.50 |
| New York | $114,559 | $2,203 | $55.08 |
| North Carolina | $76,032 | $1,462 | $36.55 |
| North Dakota | $92,699 | $1,782 | $44.57 |
| Ohio | $89,986 | $1,730 | $43.26 |
| Oklahoma | $83,623 | $1,608 | $40.20 |
| Oregon | $93,372 | $1,891 | $47.29 |
| Pennsylvania | $95,825 | $1,842 | $46.07 |
| Rhode Island | $92,916 | $1,786 | $44.67 |
| South Carolina | $83,623 | $1,608 | $40.04 |
| South Dakota | $92,769 | $1,784 | $44.60 |
| Tennessee | $88,078 | $1,730 | $43.26 |
| Texas | $82,021 | $1,577 | $39.43 |
| Utah | $87,983 | $1,691 | $42.30 |
| Vermont | $103,406 | $1,988 | $49.71 |
| Virginia | $88,018 | $1,692 | $42.32 |
| Washington | $99,002 | $1,903 | $47.60 |
| West Virginia | $82,568 | $1,587 | $39.70 |
| Wisconsin | $99,918 | $1,921 | $48.04 |
| Wyoming | $97,669 | $1,891 | $47.29 |
Do you want to know which cities in the United States pay structural engineers the most? All of the top 10 highest-paying cities for structural engineers are in the state of California. The highest-paying city for structural engineers is San Francisco, which pays you $124,053 on average annually.
| City | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | $124,053 | $59.64 |
| Bolinas, California | $122,127 | $58.72 |
| San Jose, California | $119,865 | $57.63 |
| Fremont, California | $119,846 | $57.62 |
| Oakland, California | $118,278 | $56.86 |
| Inverness, California | $117,272 | $56.38 |
| San Francisco Bay Area, California | $116,576 | $56.05 |
| Orange County, California | $115,999 | $55.77 |
| Antioch, California | $115,702 | $55.63 |
| Napa Valley, California | $115,647 | $55.60 |
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Running a structural engineering business is a complex endeavor that involves managing various risks. To ensure the longevity and financial security of your firm, it's crucial to have the right insurance coverage. A Business Owner's Policy (BOP), crafted specifically for structural engineers, offers a comprehensive solution designed to address the distinctive challenges you face in your industry.
A BOP is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it's customized to meet the specific requirements of your structural engineering business. Here's what a well-tailored BOP can cover:
General Liability Insurance: This safeguard shields your business against claims arising from third-party bodily injury or property damage resulting from your engineering projects. It also handles legal expenses associated with these claims.
Professional Liability Insurance: Also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, this component provides protection in cases of professional negligence or mistakes in your structural engineering work.
Business Property Insurance: Your valuable equipment, office space, and specialized tools are the lifeblood of your business. Business property insurance ensures these assets are protected against unexpected events like fires, theft, or vandalism.
Business Interruption Insurance: In the unfortunate event of a covered loss that forces your business to temporarily shut its doors, this coverage steps in to cover ongoing expenses and the income you'd otherwise lose.
A BOP designed for structural engineers offers several unique benefits:
Holistic Protection: It provides a comprehensive safety net, addressing the specific risks and challenges faced by structural engineers, from project-related issues to property protection.
Cost-Effectiveness: BOPs are structured to be cost-effective, often resulting in lower premiums compared to purchasing individual coverages separately. This helps you manage your business's budget more efficiently.
Streamlined Management: With a single policy that covers multiple areas of risk, you simplify the administrative burden. You can focus more on your engineering projects and less on navigating complex insurance arrangements.
Peace of Mind: Knowing you have robust protection in place allows you to approach your structural engineering projects with confidence, free from the worry of unexpected setbacks.
1 / 5
Use anyone except Employers. Period. They are non-transparent and shameful. After I complained long enough to warrant a call from a supervisor, the supervisor called back from a PRIVATE NUMBER (no caller ID), left a message that they are not reversing their decision (without any communication with me), and failed to leave a phone number for me to call back. She was hiding! They also fact find via email and phone calls, which is terrific for speed and communication. However, after setting a precedence of email or phone calls, they send time sensitive information via email, without any heads up... they are hoping you miss it and forfeit via expiration. Evil policies. Go elsewhere.
1 / 5
This place is an absolute joke of a company and should be ashamed of the way they conduct business. I was hurt on the job at the end of July and it took them just shy of 7 weeks to issue out a paycheck to me. Yes the amount was back dated but still. Not many have the luxury of not receiving a paycheck for almost 2 months. To top it all off, the original adjuster marked me down for the wrong state which caused a problem from the get go, I've had 3 different adjusters now since each one can't seem to figure out the simplicity of my claim. All my paperwork which includes, my job, house, and drs visits all are from the same state and city but yet some how I have been filed under a completely different state 1500 miles away. They do not answer your phone calls or emails no matter how many you leave. I've had to escalate my frustrations to the supervisors of each of these individuals in order to even get some kind of response. I've had more communication and information given to me about my claim from the customer service representatives then the actual adjusters.......... please tell me how that works?! A serious overhaul needs to happen here in order to serve your clients the way they deserve to be taken care of. 10/10 do not recommend this company to a single soul on earth
1 / 5
I have never had the displeasure of working with a more incompetent and disrespectful person in my life. I’m an injured worker and the adjuster that was assigned to my case was named Carrie Furgeson. In the past 6 weeks that I’ve been injured and out of work I have only been able to get ahold of her twice, not for lack of trying. I have left countless voicemails, countless emails, and she ignores them all. When I am finally able to get ahold of her I’m greeted with terrible customer service. She is rude, she talks over me and I’m hardly able to get a word in edgewise. She spelled my name wrong on my documents even after I spelled it for her properly countless times, this caused a whole new issue with my bank. I have bill collectors from the hospital calling me demanding payment and Carrie Furgeson won’t do a single thing to help, or to get them paid. All of my documentation is in Colorado, my job is in Colorado, my address is in Colorado, all my Dr offices and appointments have been in Colorado and Carrie still managed to hold my claim because she wasn’t sure what state she needed to file it under. It’s been 6 weeks since my Injury and my company still hasn’t received the wage paperwork to fill out so they can get me my correct wages. When she’s not ignoring me she’s answering my questions with “I don’t know” well I don’t know how she got this job, because apparently she doesn’t know anything about it. She is a disgusting morose individual inside and out and I genuinely wish her the worst in all of her future endeavors. I highly recommend you don’t use this company. Please if you are a business owner and your looking into this company please don’t use them. I’m sure they have the cheapest payment and that’s why companies use them in the first place, but you will be doing your employees a grave disservice by forcing them to venture into this absolute dumpster fire of a company. I would rate 0/5 if possible but 1 was the lowest I was allowed.
5 / 5
Their general liability insurance purchase process is simply the best online experience I've ever had in my life!
5 / 5
As long as they cover your line of business, you're literally covered! best rates, best coverage, best online experience, best professionals, can't be happier that I chose them!
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