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What is a structural analysis engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Brian Talbot

Construction projects often follow a strict timeline. This timeline is agreed upon by the contractor and the client. As such, it is important that the contractor delivers within the given timeframe. To ensure this, contractors often expedite procurement requests. They may also ask construction workers to render overtime hours to complete everything. When moving quickly to meet the timeline, contractors still need to ensure that the building is high quality. This is where structural analysis engineers come in.

Structural analysis engineers handle the quality testing of materials and structures. They test the durability of materials and ensure that each building is made within quality standards. They also ensure that structures meet the client's requirements. While it is easiest to visualize what a structural analysis engineer does in a construction setting, they may also work in laboratories, manufacturing firms, or production plants. The same principle goes into their work in those areas; they test the equipment or the products to ensure that they are of the utmost quality.

If you are interested in upholding quality standards and you can work well under pressure, this is a good career for you. In this role, you should also be able to work with people from all walks of life. You should also be able to exercise fair judgment and integrity.

What general advice would you give to a structural analysis engineer?

Brian TalbotBrian Talbot LinkedIn profile

Senior Director, AIAA

Entering the aerospace workforce now is different in the COVID environment. It's important to find more avenues to get connected and expand your knowledge beyond the classroom. AIAA has hosted virtual recruiting events for our student members with companies like SpaceX, Ball Aerospace, and Lockheed Martin. We've created an online-based mentor-mentee matching program. We've also created new online educational opportunities that can differentiate candidates with both technical and soft skills. There are many opportunities out there, so look for new ways that you can find connections at the companies whose missions excite you. It's important for graduates to be proactive and take advantage of options available. It's through these channels that you can actively shape your career journey, even during challenging times.
ScoreStructural Analysis EngineerUS Average
Salary
7.6

Avg. Salary $98,208

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.4

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.30%

Asian 19.35%

Black or African American 3.82%

Hispanic or Latino 9.01%

Unknown 4.29%

White 63.24%

Gender

female 16.10%

male 83.90%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
5.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.7

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Structural analysis engineer career paths

Key steps to become a structural analysis engineer

  1. Explore structural analysis engineer education requirements

    Most common structural analysis engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.4 %

    Master's

    22.8 %

    Associate

    2.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific structural analysis engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Structural Analysis13.93%
    Analysis Tools7.35%
    Structural Integrity6.89%
    Test Results6.34%
    Finite Element Analysis4.70%
  3. Complete relevant structural analysis engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New structural analysis engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a structural analysis engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real structural analysis engineer resumes.
  4. Research structural analysis engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
    • Utilize CATIA V5/V6 to design test fixtures and test hardware for conducting tests of helicopter components.
    • Modele strain gages in unigraphics.
    • Perform piping design by using AutoCAD.
  5. Prepare your structural analysis engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your structural analysis engineer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a structural analysis engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable structural analysis engineer resume templates

    Build a professional structural analysis engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your structural analysis engineer resume.
    Structural Analysis Engineer Resume
    Structural Analysis Engineer Resume
    Structural Analysis Engineer Resume
    Structural Analysis Engineer Resume
    Structural Analysis Engineer Resume
    Structural Analysis Engineer Resume
    Structural Analysis Engineer Resume
    Structural Analysis Engineer Resume
    Structural Analysis Engineer Resume
  6. Apply for structural analysis engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a structural analysis engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first structural analysis engineer job

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Average structural analysis engineer salary

The average structural analysis engineer salary in the United States is $98,208 per year or $47 per hour. Structural analysis engineer salaries range between $66,000 and $145,000 per year.

Average structural analysis engineer salary
$98,208 Yearly
$47.22 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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