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Job outlook for senior structural engineers in the United States
Senior structural engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior structural engineer job growth rate is 7% from 2018-2028.
About 22,100 new jobs for senior structural engineers are projected over the next decade.
Senior structural engineer salaries have increased 6% for senior structural engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 59,942 senior structural engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 38,584 active senior structural engineer job openings in the US.
The average senior structural engineer salary is $94,406.
Are senior structural engineer jobs in demand?
Senior structural engineer job and salary trends over time
Senior structural engineer jobs over time
Senior structural engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 59,942 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 59,260 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 61,230 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 60,281 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 58,878 | 0.02% |
Average senior structural engineer salary over time
Senior structural engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $94,406 | $45.39 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $92,796 | $44.61 | +0.5% |
| 2023 | $92,348 | $44.40 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $90,355 | $43.44 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | $89,044 | $42.81 | +1.6% |
Senior structural engineer jobs by state
Most common states for senior structural engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 289 | 42% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,170 | 14% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 563 | 14% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 127 | 13% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 892 | 12% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 696 | 12% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 124 | 12% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 86 | 12% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 649 | 11% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 720 | 10% |
| 11 | Vermont | 623,657 | 61 | 10% |
| 12 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,690 | 9% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 492 | 9% |
| 14 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 115 | 9% |
| 15 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 71 | 9% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 54 | 9% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 252 | 8% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 156 | 8% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 102 | 8% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 83 | 8% |
Most common cities for senior structural engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Hartford | 7 | 14% | $86,964 |
| 2 | Middletown | 4 | 9% | $86,902 |
| 3 | Watertown Town | 3 | 9% | $87,488 |
| 4 | Burlington | 2 | 8% | $87,471 |
| 5 | West Palm Beach | 7 | 6% | $76,712 |
| 6 | Portland | 4 | 6% | $88,484 |
| 7 | Chelmsford | 2 | 6% | $87,447 |
| 8 | Englewood | 2 | 6% | $100,387 |
| 9 | Boston | 6 | 1% | $87,507 |
| 10 | Denver | 6 | 1% | $100,216 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $82,315 |
| 12 | Orlando | 4 | 1% | $82,227 |
| 13 | Sacramento | 3 | 1% | $130,779 |
| 14 | Wichita | 3 | 1% | $81,016 |
| 15 | Chandler | 2 | 1% | $94,589 |
| 16 | Chicago | 5 | 0% | $87,092 |
| 17 | Detroit | 3 | 0% | $79,275 |
| 18 | Indianapolis | 3 | 0% | $77,428 |
| 19 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $94,941 |
Senior Structural Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior structural engineer experts
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Northeastern University
University of New Mexico
Ohio University
University of Texas at Tyler
North Dakota State University
Rockhurst University
University of Utah
University of Miami
George Fox University
Pace University
Bowling Green State University
Alabama A&M University
Santa Clara University
Caribbean University
San Diego State University
Doña Ana Community College
Oregon State University
What general advice would you give to a Senior Structural Engineer?
Xiaowei Shi Ph.D.: Start by focusing on building a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of civil engineering. It’s crucial to stay curious and continuously learn, as the field is constantly evolving with new technologies and methodologies. Develop strong problem-solving skills and learn to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams since civil projects often require collaboration across different fields. Networking is key—attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with peers and experts in the field. Finally, be proactive in seeking opportunities that align with your interests and skills, whether in academia, government, or the private sector.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Structural Engineer?
Simeng Li Ph.D.: I would like to say the most important is to be proactive and take initiative in your work – show your enthusiasm and willingness to take on new challenges. Being proactive not only leads to opportunities for advancement, but also helps great mentors to notice you and makes them want to help you navigate through the complexities of the industry because your attitude reminds them of their younger selves. While improving your technical skills, keep polishing your soft skills for collaborating effectively at the present and leading projects in the near future.
What Senior Structural Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Simeng Li Ph.D.: Most of the time, your salary is positively correlated with the value you can create for your employer. Therefore, make yourself marketable by obtaining your PE license as soon as possible and getting other certifications in your specialized area whenever possible. Stay updated with industry trends and continuously improve your skills and build your reputation. Lastly but most importantly, be comfortable with negotiating your salary for your new position or promotion. Articulate your value based on your skills, education, and experience.
What will help Senior Structural Engineers increase their earning potential?
Simeng Li Ph.D.: I believe the ability to analyze large datasets and utilize AI for predicative modeling, optimization, and decision-making will be increasingly important. The field of civil engineering is continuously evolving, which also requires all of us stay curious and committed to learning new technologies and adapt to changing conditions. As sustainability becomes more critical, knowledge of green building practices, sustainable materials, and environmental impact assessments will also be vital. Civil engineers will need to integrate sustainable solutions into their projects to meet regulatory standards and societal expectations.
Serena Alexander Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Environmental Policy and EngineeringNortheastern University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Senior Structural Engineer?
Serena Alexander Ph.D.: Be determined, patient, and resilient. Civil and environmental engineers often deal with projects that take time and persistent effort; unexpected obstacles might arise at any time. Your ability to deal with uncertainties and address challenges with determination is key to your success. You also must be patient—with your team, clients, contractors, governmental and community organizations. You cannot solve problems without critically listening to what all these players have to say about the project and its challenges. Lastly, if things do not go as planned, your ability to bounce back quickly and develop an effective, alternative plan is important.
What Senior Structural Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Serena Alexander Ph.D.: Civil and environmental engineering is a vast field requiring a diverse set of skills depending on the sub-field. It is important to stay up to date with the technical skills required for your sub-field. There are also common skills that are important for all civil and environmental engineers. For example, analytical thinking to break down complex problems into manageable parts, and solving these smaller problems without losing sight of the larger problem is essential. Visualization and communications skills to describe the problem and the solution to a diverse audience is another important skill. Also, project management and leadership skills are key to your long-term success and advancement.
What will help Senior Structural Engineers increase their earning potential?
Serena Alexander Ph.D.: Get your PE license, continue educating yourself about the new and innovative tools and techniques in your field, learn how to lead a team and deliver a project efficiently and effectively, and always negotiate. Never forget why you became an engineer in the first place; I doubt the salary was the main motivation. Most people become an engineer because they want to solve big problems. Strive to be the best problem-solver in your sub-field and your salary will increase to match your abilities and potentials.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Structural Engineer?
Susan Halter PhD, PE, F.ASCE: Civil engineers can work in a variety of positions. Some civil engineers focus on designing solutions to solve some of our most critical problems, including providing clean drinking water and making sure our roads are safe for all users. Civil engineers who focus on design solutions typically work in collaborative groups with other engineers in an office setting. Civil engineers also work on making these designs a reality by managing complex construction projects. Civil engineers who focus on construction project management often work outside an office at the construction site. Civil engineers working in project management need good communication skills to work with the different partners on large, complex construction projects. Someone entering the field for the first time will typically work with a more experienced engineer on small aspects of larger projects. This could include small design tasks, visits to job sites, and answering requests for information from a construction project.
What Senior Structural Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Susan Halter PhD, PE, F.ASCE: Civil engineers like knowing that they are helping society by solving critical problems and providing safe, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
What Senior Structural Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bhaven Naik PhD, PE, PTOE, RSP: Ability to analyze data … course in statistics will be very helpful. As well, the core classes in Civil Engineering are going to be very beneficial. As much as the new technology and all is quickly taking shape, there is going to be a need for the basics in the coming years.
What will help Senior Structural Engineers increase their earning potential?
Bhaven Naik PhD, PE, PTOE, RSP: By being proactive … researching the current job salaries – ASCE have a great site for doing that. By continuous learning … getting licensure (PE, PTOE etc.) and also a Master’s degree (Civil or MBA).
Dr. Mena Souliman Ph.D., P.E., F.IRF.
Ronald D. Brazzel Endowed Professor of Civil EngineeringUniversity of Texas at Tyler
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Senior Structural Engineer?
Dr. Mena Souliman Ph.D., P.E., F.IRF.: Civil engineering is a solid profession to enter for several reasons. First, there's a growing demand for infrastructure development globally, which creates job opportunities. Second, civil engineering offers a diverse range of career paths, from transportation to environmental engineering, providing flexibility and options for specialization. Additionally, advancements in technology are reshaping the field, offering opportunities for innovation and problem-solving. Lastly, civil engineers play a crucial role in addressing pressing issues like sustainability and resilience, making it a meaningful career choice for those who want to make a positive impact on society and the environment.
What Senior Structural Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mena Souliman Ph.D., P.E., F.IRF.: Civil engineers handle a wide range of tasks daily, such as designing infrastructure, managing construction projects, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Someone entering the field might start with more hands-on work like site inspections, drafting plans, or assisting senior engineers in project management. Over time, they'll likely take on more responsibilities and eventually lead projects themselves.
What will help Senior Structural Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mena Souliman Ph.D., P.E., F.IRF.: People often appreciate the variety of projects and the opportunity to solve real-world problems that come with being a civil engineer. Additionally, seeing tangible results, such as completed infrastructure projects, can be rewarding. However, challenges like dealing with bureaucratic processes, long hours during project deadlines, and the potential for work to be affected by external factors like weather or funding constraints can be sources of frustration. Overall, satisfaction in the field often depends on individual preferences and the specific work environment.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Structural Engineer?
Mijia Yang: Sure, I can answer the questions you might have. Please send them my way and I will try to answer them the best I can.
What Senior Structural Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mijia Yang: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What will help Senior Structural Engineers increase their earning potential?
Mijia Yang: Attached please find my answers to the questions you asked. Hope they could benefit these students who want to purse the Civil Engineering field.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Structural Engineer?
John Kevern Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, FACI, LEED AP: Strive to find a mentor(s) both within your company and outside of your company whose career path you would like to emulate. Become involved in a related professional organization. The American Society of Civil Engineering has professional chapters and younger member groups within the chapter. Participating in these groups helps to build a professional network and find mentors.
Jeff Moore
University of Utah
Metallurgical Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Senior Structural Engineer?
Jeff Moore: New engineers will learn a lot of practical skills quickly on the job, so come ready to learn. Your university education provides the fundamentals, but as you start your career be prepared for a whole new phase of practical on the job learning. Try to get exposure to many different projects and analyses, create a commitment to lifelong learning and growing your technical skills.
What Senior Structural Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jeff Moore: Geological engineers entering the workforce should be prepared to work hard, stay committed to their job and team, and jump at opportunities to take on new responsibilities. Be team player but also proficient working independently, and lastly work on becoming a good writer!
What will help Senior Structural Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jeff Moore: Fundamentals never go out of style. A solid education rooted in theory and fundamental understanding of their materials gives geological engineers the ability to flexibly adapt to a changing workplace and landscape, including working with new geo-construction materials and new analysis / numerical modeling solutions. Looking to the near future, I foresee a growing focus on geologic and seismic hazards becoming increasingly desirable in the workforce.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Structural Engineer?
Joseph Reichenberger PE [CA AZ HI NM NV], BCEE, F.ASCE: The Civil Engineering profession is different then many professions as there are many sub-
disciplines to enter such as structures, environmental, water resources, land development, ports
and harbors, water and wastewater treatment, solid waste management, geotechnical (dams,
levees, foundations), transportation (light rail, heavy rail, airports, roads, multi-modal, etc.),
traffic, construction and others. Many civil engineers will change their sub-disciplines as their
interests change and the "market" changes. For example, there was no "Superfund" and
environmental clean-up in the early 1980s. This created the environmental mitigation sub-
discipline. So civil engineers do not have to remain stagnant.
Civil engineers can work in an office or be outdoors working in construction or a combination of
both. That is attractive. It is also an occupation where you serve the public and there are great
opportunities to using their creative skill to improve society and the environment with their
projects. Our projects are now emphasizing sustainability, which is attracting a lot of young
people into the profession.
I don't know anyone that dislikes civil engineering. I have been practicing for 60 years and enjoy
it. I still teach full time and take on a wide variety of consulting projects in the water, wastewater
and recycled water areas. If an individual does not like a particular subdiscipline, they can
change. Our education, mandated by our accrediting agency ABET, requires graduates to be
proficient in a minimum of 4 sub-disciplines; so graduates have the basic skills if they want to
change. Many, as they advance in their careers, start their own civil engineering consulting
company - work for themselves, or construction and land development companies. There are
many of these opportunities.
It is also a profession where you can branch out of civil engineering. Several of our graduates
have gone into law (patent, environmental, construction); we have had a few employed by the
large financial corporations like Ernst and Young.
What will help Senior Structural Engineers increase their earning potential?
Joseph Reichenberger PE [CA AZ HI NM NV], BCEE, F.ASCE: It depends somewhat on the career path: private engineering consulting company, private
industry as facilities engineer, construction, education, or public sector.
If you work in construction you are on the job site typically, although you may be working in the
office preparing estimates and bids for the next potential project. If they are on the job site, they
are monitoring the construction activities, answering questions from subcontractors and material
suppliers, coordinating work etc. If you are working for an agency or consultant, you are
observing the construction, interpretating the plans, answering questions from the general
contractor, ensuring the construction meets the requirements of the plans and specifications as
the owner's on-site representative, and documenting job site activities in the event of a claim.
If you work for a consulting engineering firm, as an entry level engineer, you will be given
assignments to develop layouts and plans using computer drawing programs, making
calculations, reviewing documents submitted by contractors for equipment used on a project
under construction, performing computer modeling of structures or water systems, or highway
systems. As you gain more experience you will be mentoring entry level engineers in addition to
doing more advanced design work eventually moving into project, department, and office
management. At that stage you are doing more management and less engineering. But your job
moves to developing clients and securing "new" work. The work can be fast paced and you are
expected to be a self-starter and always learning. There are usually no formal training
programs, though many larger companies provide formal training for managers. Promotions are
"ad hoc" depending on an individual's skills.
Working for a public agency is not too much different. Promotions are done through exams and
formal interviews for open positions. Also the form of communication, particularly with the
"outside" is very formal through "chain of command." It can be frustrating at times. Many
agencies have formal rotational training programs for entry level staff.
Esber Andiroglu PhD, PE, LEED AP
Associate Professor of Practice, Dept. of Civil & Architectural Engineering, Director of Construction Management ProgramsUniversity of Miami
Architectural Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Senior Structural Engineer?
Esber Andiroglu PhD, PE, LEED AP: Interdisciplinary and transformative design and construction approaches; integration of emerging technological innovations into practice; integration of software tools into everyday problem solving; solid knowledge about smart systems and AI applications; good understanding and ability to use data analytics
What will help Senior Structural Engineers increase their earning potential?
Esber Andiroglu PhD, PE, LEED AP: Keep an open mind and think interdisciplinary; reflect back on knowledge you gained during academic years when investigating problems for applied solutions. You will continue to learn and grow with every project you undertake; make best of it. Participate in relevant societies and industry focused seminars, conferences, etc. as opportunities arise.
Ben Giudice Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Civil EngineeringGeorge Fox University
Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering
What soft skills should all Senior Structural Engineers possess?
Ben Giudice Ph.D.: Soft skills are vital in civil engineering, and the ones that are most important at the early stages of people's careers include both written and oral communication. Writing memos and reports, emails, talking to people in the field or on the phone - all of these are incredibly important to civil engineering.
What skills will help Senior Structural Engineers earn the most?
Ben Giudice Ph.D.: Top earners in civil engineering are those that can effectively manage projects and people. At the early stages of the career, gaining project experience is vital, and the quicker one can demonstrate the ability to manage projects, the quicker earnings should rise. Project management involves understanding scope and client requirements, but also tracking resources and schedules, and having the intuition and experience to plan and intervene effectively when and where it is needed.
What Senior Structural Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ben Giudice Ph.D.: If you like working with people and serving your community, being a civil engineer can be very rewarding. You can also contribute to a healthier environment by developing more environmentally friendly designs. There is a wide variety of different kinds of work that civil engineers do, as it is a very broad discipline. Because of this, it is likely that something within civil engineering will excite and interest you. I haven't known anyone who was a civil engineer that disliked it! Compared with other engineering disciplines, the pay is not quite as high on average, but there are generally more opportunities available on a more consistent basis, and there are jobs available everywhere in the world nearly all the time.
What will help Senior Structural Engineers increase their earning potential?
Ben Giudice Ph.D.: There is a huge demand for civil engineers across the nation. All of the junior civil engineering students at George Fox University this year had internships for the summer lined up by the end of March. Every senior either had a job offer signed by the end of March, or had multiple offers they were still weighing. The need for civil engineers will never go away, as society will always need qualified civil engineers to support all aspects of civilization. You can also work nearly anywhere in the world, as practically wherever there are people, there is a need for civil engineering.
James Albrecht
Professor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security, retired NYPD Captain/Commanding OfficerPace University
Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Department
What soft skills should all Senior Structural Engineers possess?
James Albrecht: Never underestimate having effective "people skills." You must be able to listen, communicate and express yourself in a competent and empathetic manner. Asking questions for more specific insight into project objectives and posing your own questions that delineate target hardening options to clients and potential customers will add the necessary human touch, not only to the field of civil engineering but to any profession.
What skills will help Senior Structural Engineers earn the most?
James Albrecht: Clearly possessing a thorough and exceptional understanding of the basic skills needed in civil engineering is extremely critical. In addition, by expressing concerns or describing options for target hardening, you will also show your client that you have their safety and welfare in mind. Conducting a historical assessment of weather, sensational incidents, area crime rate, population density, and peak daily usage, and combining that with an evaluation of nearby sites that may be appealing to tourists or that routinely draw large crowds, e.g., nearby subway or bus station, should cause a client to be impressed with your comprehensive understanding and analysis of project-related issues. Undoubtedly, any "people skills" you can bring to the table that highlights your empathetic nature will surely inspire a customer or potential client.
Alan Atalah Ph.D.
ProfessorBowling Green State University
College of Technology Architecture and Applied Engineering
What soft skills should all Senior Structural Engineers possess?
Alan Atalah Ph.D.: Dealing with people to earn their trust and faith in you. Knowing that people skills are much more than small talk and schmoozing. Communications orally and in writing. Listening to other people and trying your best to serve their interests as much as possible. Reading people. Creating a working environment where there is mutual trust among the project team members. Honoring your word and commitments to the best of your abilities. Willingness to learn and eagerness for professional growth.
Steering and focusing their intellectual and physical abilities to create the maximum value to their employer.
Pooja Preetha Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorAlabama A&M University
Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering
What soft skills should all Senior Structural Engineers possess?
Pooja Preetha Ph.D.: I would say communication skills, creativity, the ability to mold yourself and work under pressure, keeping the cool at any condition, a few leadership initiatives, and being fast-paced.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Structural Engineers?
Pooja Preetha Ph.D.: Hard skills serve as the most important, in my opinion. If you are technically sound, have reasonable computer skills and good Microsoft office suite adaptability, and have strong presentation skills, you should be able to make it.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Structural Engineers?
Amin Ghafooripour Ph.D.: I don't think so, I have not seen a meaningful change.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Senior Structural Engineers?
Amin Ghafooripour Ph.D.: Teaching at University requires advanced degrees, Licensed engineers may have a better chance.
What will help Senior Structural Engineers increase their earning potential?
Amin Ghafooripour Ph.D.: Consultancy and research projects with external funding.
Dr. Luis Campos
ProfessorCaribbean University
Civil Engineering Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Structural Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Luis Campos: The biggest trends which, in my opinion, is not for professionals. On-line commerce continues to be leading the jobs market...and will continue, at least, during the next 2 years.
What technical skills for a Senior Structural Engineer stand out to employers?
Dr. Luis Campos: Use of computer and on-line navigating are the leading skills.
How have salaries changed over time for Senior Structural Engineers?
Dr. Luis Campos: Salaries and unemployment have decreased to dangerous low levels. Increase in poverty levels are obvious.
Janusz Supernak Ph.D.
Professor and ChairSan Diego State University
Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Structural Engineers?
Janusz Supernak Ph.D.: COVID-19 had an impact on all of us, graduates included. The transition to switch into remote learning on a short - just 10 days notice - in mid March 2020 was challenging for professors and students alike. Yes, not all consequences were negative. The pandemic just accelerated the process of transitioning into a hybrid type of instruction where the online
course delivery will have a more prominent role - even after the lockdowns are over. The transitioning was actually smoother than expected. We used this situation as an opportunity to check if the pandemic affected students' perception about the effectiveness of their learning. Although the "COVID period" scores were generally lower than the "pre-COVID period" scores, only 21% were actually statistically significant. Interestingly, student outcomes scores in the Senior Design course were actually higher under pandemic than before COVID. More on this in a Jan. 2021 publication:
Supernak, J et al, (2021), "COVID-19: How Do Engineering Students Assess its Impact on Their Learning?", Advances in Applied Sociology, 11, 14-25,
doi:10.2436/associ.2021.111002
Out of necessity, the overall computer literacy has increased during the pandemic which is a good outcome.
What's a good job out of college for Senior Structural Engineers?
Janusz Supernak Ph.D.: All fields are different. In Civil Engineering, there will be a lot of work in any foreseeable future. According to ASCE, American infrastructure needs a $3 trillion (!) investment to be back in great shape. This is an example of a "good job out of college". Two factors: 1) good prospects for sustainable employment, and 2) good prospects for a high salary when demand for civil engineers and constructors is higher than supply of new graduates.
What will help Senior Structural Engineers increase their earning potential?
Janusz Supernak Ph.D.: Ability to adjust to changes is one important factor. COVID-19 was a test that some passed better than others. Effective use of the newest technology is the key. Of course, salaries go up in the fields of great demand. Still, a lot depends on politicians who may or may not see the American infrastructure upgrade as a very high priority. Current political climate should accelerate civil engineering projects - and improve the earning potential of our most recent graduates.
Chipper Moore
Department Chair & ProfessorDoña Ana Community College
Architecture & Construction Technologies
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Structural Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Chipper Moore: I believe the ability to work independently and effectively remotely are highly-valued skills at the moment. With many individuals having to work from home, the ability to remain productive is critical to success in the current business environment. I also believe the utilization of collaborative technologies that have facilitated communication during the pandemic will continue to be used, and used to a greater extent, in the post-pandemic workplace.
How have salaries changed over time for Senior Structural Engineers?
Chipper Moore: In my experience, I have seen starting salaries and demand for well-prepared architectural technology graduates increase over the last several years. I have also seen an increase in salaries for individuals with experience, as companies compete for the services of those individuals.
What experience really stands out on Senior Structural Engineer resumes?
David Blunck Ph.D.: Students who set themselves apart go above and beyond what is required for courses to apply their engineering understanding. Examples of this include conducting undergraduate research with faculty members, active involvement in students clubs that design and build products (e.g., cars, items for green energy, etc.), internships with engineering companies, where students provide meaningful contributions, or perhaps personal projects that result in designing or building something (e.g., design and create their products). Holding and contributing to significant leadership positions in student clubs can be an excellent way for students to differentiate themselves.
Finally, students who can demonstrate a passion and commitment for a particular aspect of engineering through a common thread of extracurricular engagement will stand out. For example, I recently reviewed the resume of a student who is passionate about the aerospace field. They had been involved in multiple extracurricular aspects of building rockets, had held leadership positions, worked in the profession, and provided specific examples of their impact/contribution. I would gladly hire this person because their passion will elevate colleagues' performance; they have demonstrated a commitment to the field and will have more skills than many of their peers.