Structural Engineer
Ensure buildings and bridges can safely withstand loads and natural forces
About the profession
Structural Engineers analyze and design the load-bearing elements of buildings, bridges, and other structures to ensure safety and durability. They use advanced mathematics and computational tools to predict how structures respond to gravity, wind, earthquakes, and other forces. Every major construction project requires structural engineering expertise.
How to Get Started
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Jump to Learning Path →Personality Fit
Based on the Structural Engineer role, here are the RIASEC personality types that tend to thrive in this career. While these alignments are common, individual success depends on motivation, skill development, and finding the right work environment.
Realistic
Hands-on, practical, technical work
Investigative
Research, analysis, problem-solving
Conventional
Organizing, detail-oriented, structured
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Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Junior Structural Engineer → Structural Engineer → Senior SE → Principal Engineer → Director of Structural Engineering
Where are you on this career path?
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Salary Growth
5
Levels
$185K
Top Salary
18+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-3 years | Entry Base: $68,000 - $80,000/year Perform structural calculations and analysis Create structural drawings and details in CAD/BIM Assist with building code…
Skills used in this career
Click any skill to see how to learn it and what salary boost it gives
Learning Path 0 → Junior
Step-by-step plan from zero to first job
Earn BS in Civil/Structural Engineering Pass FE exam and develop structural analysis software skills (ETABS, SAP2000) Gain design experience under licensed SE/PE Obtain PE and SE…
Market 2026–2030
Trends, AI impact, prospects
Growth Rate: Average through 2030 Remote Trend: Stable, design increasingly remote; site visits periodic Top Industries: Engineering consultancies, construction, government,…
💰 Pay for Civil Engineers
BLS OEWS, May 2023The federal survey does not count this job title on its own — it is counted under Civil Engineers (17-2051).
Half of U.S. workers in this occupation earn more than this, half earn less.
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Create Free AccountPersonality types that fit this career
Based on career-match data from our Result Library:
The % is JobCannon’s editorial fit rating (0-100) for how well a result suits this career — not a statistical prediction. How we rate each test’s validity →
🎯 Is Structural Engineer right for you?
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Related Reading
Related Holland / RIASEC Types