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Entry Level Structural Engineer Jobs in Sacramento, CA

Staff Structural Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA ยท On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GEI's California Water Resources practice is growing, and we are seeking an Entry-Level Structural Engineer to join our Rancho Cordova office. The Rancho Cordova team provides engineering services ...

Staff Structural Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA ยท On-site

$65 - $100/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

USD 65000.00 - 100000.00 Annually GEI's California Water Resources practice is growing, and we are seeking an Entry-Level Structural Engineer to join our Rancho Cordova office. The Rancho Cordova ...

Staff Structural Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA ยท Hybrid

$65K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GEI's California Water Resources practice is growing, and we are seeking an Entry-Level Structural Engineer to join our Rancho Cordova office. The Rancho Cordova team provides engineering services ...

Staff Structural Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GEI's California Water Resources practice is growing, and we are seeking an Entry-Level Structural Engineer to join our Rancho Cordova office. The Rancho Cordova team provides engineering services ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Structural Engineer information

See Sacramento, CA salary details

$53.3K

$106K

$162.1K

How much do entry level structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level structural engineer in Sacramento, CA is $105,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,300.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level structural engineer do?

An entry-level structural engineer works under the guidance of senior engineers and on project teams to design residential and commercial buildings. Your responsibilities in this career include creating drawings, preparing cost estimates, and evaluating building codes. Your duties also involve making local field visits to review construction, meeting with clients and contractors, writing proposals, learning standard techniques, and working with 3D models. You assist others while obtaining valuable hands-on experience to move forward in your career as a structural engineer.

What are the typical responsibilities of an entry level structural engineer during their first year on the job?

In their first year, Entry Level Structural Engineers usually support senior engineers with tasks such as drafting structural plans, performing basic calculations, assisting with site inspections, and preparing reports. They often use software like AutoCAD or Revit to create and modify drawings, and may participate in project meetings to gain exposure to project workflows. Collaboration with architects, contractors, and other engineering disciplines is common, allowing new engineers to learn industry standards and communication skills while gradually taking on more responsibility as they gain experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level structural engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Structural Engineer, you need a solid understanding of structural analysis, engineering principles, and a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis software like SAP2000 or ETABS is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address design challenges. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safety, integrity, and successful completion of construction projects.

What is the difference between Entry Level Structural Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Structural EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil or Structural Engineering, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificationBachelor's in Civil Engineering, EIT certification
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, construction sites, consulting firmsPublic agencies, construction, consulting, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageSpecializes in structural design and analysisBroader scope including transportation, water resources, and structural work

Entry Level Structural Engineers focus on structural design and analysis, often working closely with civil engineers who handle broader infrastructure projects. While both roles require similar credentials, structural engineers specialize in ensuring the safety and stability of structures, whereas civil engineers may work on a wider range of projects. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path within the civil engineering industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Engineer jobs in Sacramento, CA?

The most popular types of Structural Engineer jobs in Sacramento, CA are:

What cities near Sacramento, CA are hiring for Entry Level Structural Engineer jobs?

Cities near Sacramento, CA with the most Entry Level Structural Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Structural Engineer job openings in Sacramento, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $105,992 per year, or $51 per hour.

Entry-Level Structural Engineer

KPFF Consulting Engineers

Sacramento, CA โ€ข On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Atย KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just anย engineering design firm. For overย 65 years, we have dedicated ourselves toย innovative, sustainable engineeringย that shapes theย built environmentย and tacklesย complex building and infrastructure challenges. Ourย team cultureย emphasizesย collaboration, growth, and mentorship, supporting each member's professional journey withย flexibility, generous benefits,ย and aย collaborative approachย to work-life integration.

With overย 1,400 professionals across 27 offices nationwide, KPFF'sย decentralized structureย allows each office theย flexibility to pursue projectsย aligned with theirย regional strengths. Learn more atย www.kpff.com.

Job Description

We are seeking anย Entry-Level Structural Engineerย to join our growing engineering team inย Sacramento. This role offers an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or early-career professionals to advance their structural engineering skills while working on diverse and impactful projects. As a KPFF engineer, you will collaborate closely with experienced engineers to assist in the analysis, design, and documentation of various structural systems.

  • Assist in Structural Analysis and Design: Contribute to the analysis and design of building components, utilizing industry-standard software under the guidance of senior engineers.
  • Prepare Structural Calculations and Documentation: Perform structural calculations, prepare technical documents, and assist in the development of comprehensive project documentation.
  • Support Design Development: Help senior engineers in creating design solutions for various structural systems, ensuring adherence to project requirements and industry standards.
  • Create and Modify Structural Drawings: Use AutoCAD or similar software to develop and update structural drawings, ensuring accuracy and quality.
  • Participate in Site Visits: Conduct site visits to assess existing structures, monitor construction progress, and support the evaluation of structural integrity.
  • Prepare Engineering Reports: Assist in creating detailed structural engineering reports and documentation to support project deliverables.
  • Collaborate with Multi-Disciplinary Teams: Work closely with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive and efficient project execution.
  • Maintain Project Records and Documentation: Organize and manage project records to maintain clear, accurate documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Support Quality Control: Contribute to quality control processes, ensuring structural designs meet company and industry standards.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) certification, or a clear path to obtain within the next six months
  • Proficiency in structural analysis software (e.g., AutoCAD, ETABS, SAP2000, or similar)
  • Strong understanding of structural engineering principles and mechanics
  • Basic knowledge of building codes and construction standards
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Previous internship experience in structural engineering is a plus

Physical Demands and Work Environment

  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on a computer, reviewing plans, or conducting site visits.
  • Capacity to move around project sites, climb ladders, and navigate uneven terrain.
  • Occasionally lifting up to 15 pounds of equipment or materials.
Additional Information

Compensation

The base salary for this role is competitive, with a range ofย $70,000 - $80,000, determined by experience, education, and skills. KPFF also offers performance-based bonuses to recognize outstanding contributions. Additional details about the full compensation package will be provided during the interview process.

Culture and Benefits
At KPFF, we offer a rewarding career path that emphasizes autonomy, innovation, and professional development. Our culture prioritizes employee ownership, teamwork, and shared values, creating an environment where contributions are celebrated, and career growth is encouraged. We aren't just colleagues; we're a community dedicated to collaborative innovation, providing you the platform to make a lasting impact on meaningful projects.

KPFF Employee Benefits

  • Medical Plan Options: Choice of Traditional PPO or HDHP with HSA, covering preventive care and prescriptions.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
  • Dental & Vision: Full preventive care, plus coverage for major dental services and vision allowances.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for personal, family, and work challenges.
  • Life & AD&D Insurance: Company-provided life insurance equal to one year's salary, plus AD&D.
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan: KPFF contributes 3% of salary, with no match needed.ย 
  • Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term coverage at 60% income, fully covered by KPFF.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, two floating holidays, and paid company holidays.
  • Paid Family Leave: Six weeks at 60% pay, with options to use PTO for full income.

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.