engineering salary

To become a structural engineer

By David McKinney 26 March, 2023 4 mins read

A structural engineer is a professional who designs and plans structures that provide safe and comfortable living conditions for their occupants. A structural engineer is responsible for the design and analysis of structures. They also conduct research to ensure that structures are safe for their users. Continue reading to learn more about this rewarding career. Below are the educational requirements, career outlook, as well as salary information. You can start your journey towards becoming an engineer structural engineer by reviewing our Career Overview.

Job description

You will be responsible to determine the strength and integrity buildings and infrastructure. Your job will require you to know mathematics, physics and engineering principles. In order to solve an infrastructure or building problem, you'll need to be able analyze and interpret various types of data. An engineer must communicate well and be able work with others to achieve success. You will need to be well organized and have a clear understanding of the delivery sequence for a given project.

A structural engineer is responsible for creating structures that are built to withstand the pressures and stresses imposed by human usage, as well as environmental conditions. For their job to be successful, structural engineers must be creative, analytical and commercially aware. They must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of a building project, and must be able to work closely with other structural engineers. It is also necessary to have a good understanding of construction, including the strength and weaknesses of various materials. A structural engineer should be detail-oriented, and must have exceptional problem-solving skills.

Education Required

To become a structural engineer, you need a graduate degree and substantial practical experience. Engineers learn practical skills and apply them to project management and problem-solving. Their work often involves interacting with many different types of professionals and teams. In addition to technical knowledge, good engineers also possess leadership and communication skills. A graduate degree is helpful in developing such skills. A structural engineering degree program is an option.

To become a structural engineer, you will need a Master's degree. Structural engineers typically complete an internship in addition to their undergraduate degree. Engineers with at least a Master's Degree are preferred by many employers. For the latter option, however a Ph.D. may be required. In order to earn this designation, students must complete coursework in materials, structural mechanics, design, and algorithms. The advanced degree program allows structural engineers to hold management positions in the industry and universities.

Career outlook

You might consider a career in structural engineering if you are looking for a challenging career with many opportunities for advancement. This field requires strong mathematics and physics backgrounds, but the real education comes from experience. If possible, you should get involved in extracurricular activities and try to gain as much hands-on experience as possible. Here are some advantages of becoming a structural Engineer. The degree will allow you to work in a variety of settings once you've completed it.

There are many job opportunities for structural engineers. The majority of structural engineers work in engineering consulting firms, which can range in size from large multinational corporations to small, local businesses. Larger companies provide full 'design-build' services with international reach. However, smaller firms are more focused on one area of engineering. Many structural engineers work as lecturers or researchers at universities in addition to their consulting companies. The career of a structural engineering professional is not restricted to one field. You can also obtain advanced degrees through the Accreditation board for Engineering and Technology.

Salary

Although the average structural engineer salary can be quite high, actual compensation will vary from job to job. In the United States, structural engineers in the same city may earn significantly different salaries. The location of the structural engineer may explain differences in their pay, but it's important to also consider how educated and experienced you are within the industry. Find out more about the salaries of structural engineers in our Professional Salary Report. The average salary for a structural engineering job is between $85,000 and $120,000 annually.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual salary of structural engineers is $91,010 per year. Additionally, engineering is predicted to grow by nearly 140,000 jobs over ten years. Although the average salary does not predict career satisfaction, structural engineers tend to earn a higher wage than the national average. For instance, top earners get $122,107 per-year, while those who earn less than 20% make $56,816. During their early years, structural engineers make an average of $52,933. Within five years, the average salary rises by approximately six percent. The highest earners make more than $110,000.

FAQ

Are there special qualifications required to study engineering in Canada?

No. All you need is good grades in your GCSEs (or equivalent). Some universities require that applicants achieve certain academic achievements before they can be accepted. Cambridge University, for instance, requires applicants to earn A*-C grades (in Maths, English Language or Science)

If you don't meet these requirements, you will need to take extra courses to help you prepare for university entrance exams.

You might also need to take additional maths/science subjects and a language course. Talk to your school guidance counselors for more information.

What is a Chemical Engineer?

To develop chemicals, products, technologies, or processes, chemical engineers must combine math, science and engineering.

Chemical engineers have the ability to specialize in areas such a petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals or food processing.

They work closely with researchers and scientists to solve complex technical problems.

Is engineering a good career?

Engineering is an exciting profession where you are constantly learning and improving yourself. There are many opportunities to make an impact in people's daily lives. There are many methods to accomplish this.

You might design products like cars, planes or trains, and computers, or mobile phones. You might also develop software or assist in building these devices. Perhaps you could create medical equipment. There are so many possibilities!

Engineers also love working with people to solve problems and come up with solutions. They are always looking for new challenges and opportunities to learn.

Engineering is a great career option, but it requires dedication and hard work. Engineering is not about sitting down and watching TV all day. To achieve the desired outcomes, you will have to put in lots of effort. But the rewards will be worth it.

Statistics

2021 median salary:$95,300 Typical required education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering Job growth outlook through 2030: 7% Mechanical engineers design, build and develop mechanical and thermal sensing devices, such as engines, tools, and machines. (snhu.edu)
Job growth outlook through 2030: 9% (snhu.edu)