A structural engineer needs a great amount of patience and hard work, and he also needs to be creative and persistent in his approach. While there are several different factors that work towards being a successful structural engineer but the salary is one of the most important things that they need to keep in mind because we all require money to live, don’t we?
Structural engineering is a specialized discipline which deals with the planning, design, construction and maintenance of bridges, buildings, highways and other structures needed for human habitation. When you choose a career as a structural engineer you will engage a wide range of skills including mathematics, physics, chemistry and management. A graduate degree in civil engineering or architectural design will be required to work as a structural engineer.
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Make? Structural engineers may set up structural designs of buildings, bridges and other construction projects. The salary for structural engineers ranges from $11,000 to $48,000 per year based on the city they work in and their specialty.
Salary For Structural Engineer With Masters overview
Structural engineers are the ones who design buildings and other structures. The pay for a structural engineer increases with experience, but it is also dependent on the location and size of the company.
The average salary for a structural engineer in Nigeria is NGN 3,120,000 annually. This number is based on the median salary that was reported across all positions in this profession. The median salary is the midpoint salary between all salaries reported at any given point in time.
In terms of education level, it’s important to note that many people with this job title do not have a college degree. In fact, only 40% of these professionals have some form of postsecondary education or training. Of those who do have an advanced degree, most have earned a master’s degree (50%).
Structural engineers with a master’s degree make about NGN 581,000 more per year than those without one. That said, although having an advanced degree can help you earn more money from your employer, it may not be necessary if you work in small companies or start out as an intern before being promoted into higher positions within larger organizations – just keep that in mind!
What Is A Structural Engineer?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in structural engineer roles:
- Evaluate the structural integrity of plans for new buildings, bridges, tunnels, interstates, and other construction and infrastructure projects
- Analyze how different situations/elements may impact the integrity of structures, and revise plans to improve project durability
- Suggest materials to be used in the construction of structures and infrastructure
- Work alongside architects and project managers to develop plans that ensure safety and fit within allocated project budgets
How To Become A Structural Engineer
The first step in becoming a structural engineer is to earn a bachelor’s degree. The type of program you choose to enroll in is somewhat flexible: you could study general civil engineering, or you could find a program that specializes in structural engineering. Completing a bachelor’s degree program in a relevant field will allow you to take an initial licensing examination that—if passed—will allow you to work as a civil engineering intern or apprentice. With the initial license, you can begin accruing experience.
Salary of Structural Engineer With Masters
Structural engineering represents a specialty field within the civil engineering profession. Engineers with structural training plan and design buildings, bridges and foundation systems using steel, concrete and other materials. These professionals work for consulting firms, government agencies and construction companies. A Master’s degree in structural engineering can open up new job opportunities and may lead to increased earnings in a variety of industries.
Structural Engineering Salary By Degree
Structural engineers with a Master’s degree earn an average starting salary of $58,455 per year as of 2011, according to Texas A&M University. The median wage for this profession is $57,000, with a starting pay range of $52,000 to $68,000. Texas A&M University also reports that structural engineers with a Bachelor’s degree earn an average of $52,805, with a median wage of $52,000 as of 2011. The starting salary range for this field is $40,000 to $78,000.
Engineering Salaries By Degree
The National Society of Professional Engineers reveals that higher education in engineering can lead to a significant salary increase over time. According to the 2008 NPSE salary survey, engineers with a Bachelor’s degree earn a median salary of $64,250 per year, while those with a Master’s degree earn a median salary of $88,934. Engineers who earn a Doctorate degree earn a median wage of $104,500.
Average Structural Engineering Wages
As of May 2010, structural and other civil engineers earn an average of $39.56 per hour, or $82,280 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median wage for structural engineers of all levels of education is $37.29 per hour, or $77,560 per year. Structural engineers who design and install commercial and industrial machinery earn an average salary of $133,830, while those who design plumbing and heating equipment average $112,180. Structural engineers in the oil and gas extraction industry earn $105,250, while those who work in the heavy construction field earn $99,210.
Public vs. Private Salary Figures
According to a 2010 survey in Structural Engineer Magazine, structural engineers who work for public firms earn a median salary of $92,500, while those who work for private firms earn $85,000. The median wage for all structural engineers in this survey was $85,500.
Many hours of supervised training with an internship license is required. In these programs, you’ll work as an assistant or apprentice to an experienced structural engineer where you’ll learn the techniques of the role. The number of hours or years of apprentice training required varies from state-to-state—each state maintains their own licensing requirements—but the end goal is to earn the prerequisite number of training hours required to take the final licensing exam to become a professional structural engineer.
After earning a bachelor’s degree, completing the required supervised training, and passing the professional exam, you’ll be able to find work as a structural engineer. However, some structural engineers also choose to continue their education further by pursuing a master’s degree. While a master’s degree is not required for most structural engineering roles, it’s often required for management positions, so those with leadership aspirations may decide to pursue graduate degrees.
