Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering that involves the design, construction, and repair of many different types of structures. The job of a structural engineer is to act as a consultant to architects and contractors throughout the construction project, offering expert advice on technical problems. Structural engineers are typically contracted on projects involving sports arenas, bridges, large buildings, or any other weight-bearing structure. On a day-to-day basis, a structural engineer may assist the head architect with initial layout and design of a structure, including plans for maintenance or overall remodels. They calculate loads, such as wind, snow, and earthquake forces, to determine which structural system is safest. Some structural engineers specialize in demolition and are responsible for ensuring projects are carried out safely and without damage to surrounding structures. Others specialize in oil drilling machinery, aircraft and shipbuilding vehicle design, or temporary structure builds.

A structural engineer must have an analytical and mathematical mind, as well as expert problem-solving skills. Experience in leadership, management, and strong interpersonal communication are also essential. Many projects require a strong grasp of physics and three-dimensional conceptual skills. Structural engineers must be able to solve challenging technical problems through creative solutions, and should be prepared to work with many different kinds of structural materials and systems, including concrete, steel, wood, and masonry, depending on the project at hand.

High Paying Structural Engineer Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Structural Engineer positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Stress Analyst
Salary range: $130,000 - $165,000
The majority of Stress Analyst salaries across the United States currently range between $130,000 (25th percentile) and $165,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Stress Analyst job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.
Stress Engineer
Salary range: $117,500 - $161,000
As a stress engineer, you make models using various materials and apply stress to test how much strain the structures can handle. Your duties are to conduct a detailed analysis of your test cases and to report to other engineers, architects, and facilities managers. You can find stress engineer jobs in many industries, including aerospace and aviation, automotive, medical, nuclear power, and plastics. Much of your work takes place in a laboratory, where you build prototypes from different materials to figure out which materials and what designs can withstand the most stress.
Structural Analysis Engineer
Salary range: $114,000 - $158,500
As a structural analysis engineer, you test equipment, buildings, and manufactured products to determine whether or not they meet performance goals, standards, regulations, and requirements. You may perform a stress test on various materials, monitor construction data, evaluate equipment or design blueprints, and otherwise help to ensure the final product is structurally sound. Most structural analysis engineers focus on building construction, but some work with aircraft, cars, or other heavy equipment instead. This job is highly time-sensitive because construction often cannot proceed until structural analysis checks are done. So, the ability to work quickly and efficiently is essential to success in this role.
Mrb Engineer
Salary range: $83,500 - $155,000
A material review board (MRB) engineer performs duties related to the complex engineering problems of aerospace design and development. As an MRB engineer, your responsibilities include reviewing and resolving defects and nonconforming conditions in assemblies, documenting and determining if abnormalities are related to engineering issues, and ensuring corrections will not negatively affect the functionality of systems. You also verify that materials are structurally adequate for their purpose in the assembly, monitor installation of those materials, and help implement any changes as needed.
Senior Structural Engineer
Salary range: $100,500 - $136,500
The majority of Senior Structural Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $100,500 (25th percentile) and $136,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Senior Structural Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.
Forensic Structural Engineer
Salary range: $97,000 - $134,500
A forensic structural engineer handles the investigation and inspection of building structures to ensure compliance with industry regulation and discover reasons for failure. Your primary responsibilities in this career have you analyzing damage to structures, identifying causes of structural failures, and preparing reports on your findings. Your duties may also include developing protocols for dealing with compliance issues, reviewing photos and site information, and researching code specifications. A forensic structural engineer often works on multiple projects, visits various field sites, and collaborates with several team members.
Civil Structural Engineer
Salary range: $76,500 - $125,500
The majority of Civil Structural Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $76,500 (25th percentile) and $125,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Civil Structural Engineer job market in the United States is active, with some companies hiring.
Civil Structural Designer
Salary range: $78,000 - $118,500
The job of a civil structural designer is to provide engineering services for the construction of buildings, bridges, and structure foundation. Your responsibilities in this career include producing 3D models and 2D drawings with CAD software in accordance with project specifications. You investigate sites and complete steel and concrete modeling and drafting for both the front-end planning and detailed engineering phase. You are expected to help the lead designer deliver project requirements related to cost, schedule, quantities, and scope and perform conceptual layout work. Other duties include working closely with engineers, writing reports and correspondences, and speaking with clients and employees.
Stress Test Technician
Salary range: $55,000 - $84,000
As a stress test technician, you are responsible for performing electrocardiogram (ECG) tests on patients while they exercise or walk on a treadmill to gather data on their heart. You monitor the patient and their heart during exercise and record exercise intensity, patient pain levels, and blood pressure. You must ensure the proper placement of electrodes on the patient's body to obtain appropriate data. You must inform the appropriate care providers with any cardiac abnormalities or concerns that occur before, during, or after ECG testing. Duties also include maintaining the ECG equipment, keeping the ECG lab clean, and restocking supplies as needed.
Structural Test Engineer
Salary range: $67,500 - $82,500
The majority of Structural Test Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $67,500 (25th percentile) and $82,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Structural Test Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.
Structural Engineering Technician
Salary range: $58,000 - $68,500
The majority of Structural Engineering Technician salaries across the United States currently range between $58,000 (25th percentile) and $68,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Structural Engineering Technician job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

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