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Job outlook for structural designers in the United States
Structural designer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected structural designer job growth rate is 7% from 2018-2028.
About 22,100 new jobs for structural designers are projected over the next decade.
Structural designer salaries have increased 6% for structural designers in the last 5 years.
There are over 26,470 structural designers currently employed in the United States.
There are 51,432 active structural designer job openings in the US.
The average structural designer salary is $63,273.
Are structural designer jobs in demand?
Structural designer job and salary trends over time
Structural designer jobs over time
Structural designer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 26,470 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 26,767 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 27,728 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 27,522 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 27,306 | 0.01% |
Average structural designer salary over time
Structural designer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $63,273 | $30.42 | +1.7% |
| 2025 | $62,194 | $29.90 | +0.5% |
| 2024 | $61,894 | $29.76 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $60,558 | $29.11 | +1.5% |
| 2022 | $59,680 | $28.69 | +1.6% |
Structural designer jobs by state
Most common states for structural designers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 198 | 29% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 762 | 10% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 423 | 10% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 585 | 9% |
| 5 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 840 | 8% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 657 | 8% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 240 | 8% |
| 8 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,851 | 7% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 403 | 7% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 402 | 7% |
| 11 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 343 | 6% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 86 | 6% |
| 13 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 74 | 6% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 62 | 6% |
| 15 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,065 | 5% |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 586 | 5% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 188 | 5% |
| 18 | Delaware | 961,939 | 51 | 5% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 37 | 5% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 33 | 5% |
Most common cities for structural designers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Englewood | 1 | 3% | $61,098 |
| 2 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $70,436 |
| 3 | Plainfield | 1 | 2% | $59,647 |
| 4 | Pontiac | 1 | 2% | $55,588 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $53,993 |
| 6 | Mobile | 2 | 1% | $55,346 |
| 7 | Metairie | 1 | 1% | $64,783 |
| 8 | Palmdale | 1 | 1% | $76,942 |
| 9 | Plymouth | 1 | 1% | $60,777 |
| 10 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $59,726 |
| 11 | San Francisco | 2 | 0% | $83,095 |
| 12 | Anchorage | 1 | 0% | $70,376 |
| 13 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $58,485 |
| 14 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $64,920 |
| 15 | Chandler | 1 | 0% | $58,208 |
| 16 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $57,556 |
| 17 | Oakland | 1 | 0% | $82,933 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $58,288 |
Structural Designer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of structural designer experts
Santa Clara University
Caribbean University
San Diego State University
Oklahoma State University
Villanova University
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Structural Designers?
Amin Ghafooripour Ph.D.: I don't think so, I have not seen a meaningful change.
Dr. Luis Campos
ProfessorCaribbean University
Civil Engineering Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Structural Designer 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 Structural Designer stand out to employers?
Dr. Luis Campos: Use of computer and on-line navigating are the leading skills.
Janusz Supernak Ph.D.
Professor and ChairSan Diego State University
Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
What's a good job out of college for Structural Designers?
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 technical skills for a Structural Designer stand out to employers?
Norb Delatte Ph.D.: Employers are looking for strong design technical skills, and the ability to master design software rapidly. Professional and people skills are also important, because many of these positions deal with the public and with stakeholders.
Eric Musselman Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department Chair, Civil and Environmental EngineeringVillanova University
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Structural Designer job market given the pandemic?
Eric Musselman Ph.D.: I think one big trend in Civil Engineering resulting from the pandemic will revolve around the changing workplace. Companies will be looking to either modify existing spaces or purchase new spaces to better accommodate their needs as more employees work from home at least part of the time. This will likely result in significant changes to land development and building design.