structural engineer salary survey 1

[ampersand]

I was a self-employed structural engineer for five years, and after the business failed, I have finally received an offer from a company. I have ten years of structural engineering experience (residential and educational), a PE license, and a BSCE from a top university.

I've been offered $27 per hour, plus basic benefits, and a few paid days off per year. Feels low. But maybe that's just wishful thinking.

I dunno guys (and gals), is this my market rate nowadays? What are y'all earning? I can't find a decent salary survey online...

 

[SWComposites]

Low!?! That insultingly low!

Don't know about civil structures, but one can make more than twice that rate as a contractor in the aerospace industry.

 

[DTOREC]

Amp, I've been in private practice for 12 years (20 yrs exp). Last winter was slow, so this winter I hopped onto a large short term project (4-8 months) for a big N.E. city doing pretty simple consulting work. I have a busy winter now, lots of side work, and the summer is shaping up good. I hadn't interviewed or written a resume in 16 years prior to this gig, so I didn't know what to expect. Technically I'm an employee of a sub of a prime contractor to the city, and the work isn't that challenging, but the pay is ok at $48 an hour. I'm working 40 hours at that rate, plus probably another 20-30 for my own clients at my full rate. I'd be happy as a clam in mud if this went on forever.

 

[SLTA]

$27/hour is crap. I was making about $35/hour and that was too low.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

I would expect a fresh grad to make $27/hr...

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[SteelPE]

I guess it depends on where you live...... what part of the country do you live in?

 

[ampersand]

SteelPE, I live in the SF Bay Area. I knew this was an awful offer, but after 16 months looking... I think I give up.

 

[GerryBertier]

I started at 50k fresh out of college. Couple years later, I'm not at 60k yet.

 

[JRESE]

I left the Bay Area a year ago after practicing there for almost 35 years.

I might have some advice for you, but first I would need to know who you voted for.

I'm a lot happier in TX.

 

[SteelPE]

Ouch, SF is not an easy place to live.

I can only offer my $0.02 and that's about all it's worth.

$27/hour does seem low. You can try to get them to go higher but someone else might step in. I would at least think you could get them to go a little higher after all, it is a negotiation.

Unless your failed consulting business is returning you more than $40.00/hour (counting for benefits and insurance), or you are open to moving, then you are probably best to take the position and continue looking for another job (any port in a storm right). $27.00/hour is better than $0.00/hour.

Ugh... things can't stay this way forever.

 

[msquared48]

You mean we are supposed to be paid for this?

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[casseopeia]

ampersand,

I am in the SF Bay Area and it seems the only people out there offering work right now are the lowballers. It is very expensive to live here and your compensation needs to be sufficient. I'd expect at your experience level to be offered closer to $35-$40/hr.

"Gorgeous hair is the best revenge." Ivana Trump

 

[ajack1]

I find it strange that the OP has to ask this question and come to the conclusion the money is low. As they had their own business that failed I would assume that they have a good idea of how much work you can get at what rate and they could not convert that into a sustainable business.

Why would you assume someone else can create more money for you than you can yourself?

 

[IRstuff]

$27/hr works out to $56k/yr

According to salary.com, to be taken with a gigantic grain of salt, the median salary for Structural Engineer IV is about $104k

http://swz.salary.com/SalaryWizard/Structural-Engineer-IV-Salary-Details-94116.aspx

Based on the job description there, you're ostensibly a level V, and should be able to command an even higher salary. Note that their 10-percentile is $96k

TTFN
faq731-376

 

[Ron]

For an engineer with 10 years of experience and a P.E., I would expect at least $75k per year...less is insulting to the individual and the profession.

How much do they charge their clients for your level of experience? You should get at least 25% of what they charge their client, and up to about 40% of their hourly rate.

In California...it should be even higher.

 

[Forensic74]

I've got 10yrs with MSCE and am making over $110k, but was able to move to another city to do it. If you're not willing to move, you're really limited nowadays.

IMHO, $27/hr is not worth the stress and liability of this profession.

 

[mechengdude]

We just hired two EE's fresh out of school at that rate. Southeast city and relatively low cost of living.

 

[Latexman]

http://cew.georgetown.edu/whatsitworth/

The Press Release is dated May 24, 2011. However, "the analyses contained in this report are based on newly released data from the 2009 American Community Survey (ACS)."

The data is at least 2 years old, but salaries haven't changed much in those two years, have they? Mine hasn't.

Scroll down and select "Skip to a specific chapter (Where is my major?)", i.e. Engineering:

I'm not sure which category has Structural Engineers in it. Hopefully, it's in there and this helps.

Good luck,
Latexman

 

[JedClampett]

That's too low. I agree with Ron. Our company increases salaries based on cost of living for California offices and they in turn, pass that rate on to our clients. So, in other words, these guys are lowballing you and they might be requiring your clients to pay a premium.
Maybe it's the same place where Cass worked?

 

[DWHA]

Is it low, yes. Is it too low? Well if it is the best offer you have recieved, then it is not too low. But that is my opinion. What is your alternative? Take it, and keep looking!!!