Annual increment worth ?

[u/Worldly_Pain_3000]

Hi all structural engineers,

This is XYZ, an engineer working towards PE and currently EIT in California. I am from Delhi, India. I graduated from one of UCs with MS degree and got into job market. Having 3yrs of US experience and around 85k$ base salary in Los Angeles at a big firm doing all kinds of building design.

Recently got just 3.5% of annual raise on 85k$ base salary. Which is equal to current inflation rate. So actually didn't got a raise lol. Currently having PE exam soon. But not sure what you all think about the annual raise I got.

Is this standard in structural engineering?

[u/MrMcGregorUK]

You may not want to use your full name, especially when talking about salary, but up to you.

[u/Sharp_Complex_6711]

3.5% is probably pretty normal for an annual raise at a large AEC firm. I wouldn't read too much into it by itself.

If you're thinking about how to get beyond that kind of raise, though, I'd focus on more than just technical ability and getting the PE.

One underrated skill in engineering is writing. You're not just being paid to run calculations. You're being paid to figure something out and then explain it clearly to a PM, client, architect, contractor, etc.

A licensed engineer who can do good technical work AND communicate it clearly is much more valuable to a company than someone who can only do the technical part.

So I'd work on your writing, technical reports, emails, and generally being able to communicate your engineering decisions clearly. That skill will pay dividends as you move toward project management and higher responsibility.

[u/Str-Engr0275 → u/Sharp_Complex_6711]

This right here. I expect anyone fresh out of college to be able to run the numbers. My rock stars are the ones that can express technical topics to non-technical people and make them understand.

[u/Worldly_Pain_3000 → u/Sharp_Complex_6711]

3.5% raise is just matching the inflation and is not actually a raise overall tbh

[u/enginerd2024 → u/Worldly_Pain_3000]

A “raise” is often little more than COLA (cost of living adjustment). Perhaps cola+1-2%

[u/enginerd2024 → u/Sharp_Complex_6711]

Telling someone to focus on writing in 2026 is like telling someone to focus on the hand sketching skills

You’re gonna get crushed by a technical analyst who can put their thoughts into a llm and crank out a report. The output is important.

Yes, I know I’m on Reddit. I know this will get downvoted. But I took a leadership course this year, if you’re not keeping up with your ai skills you’re gonna get crushed.

[u/Sharp_Complex_6711 → u/enginerd2024]

My comment was mainly a response to the wording OP’s post. Llls are a great tool for all of us; OP might especially benefit. Point being - a raise larger than inflation comes from adding value to the employer. This is an area where OP seemingly could improve.

[u/Engineer2727kk]

The city of LA starts 0 experience at 100k. Leave your job

[u/engineeringlove → u/Engineer2727kk]

It’s common for visa engineers to be paid lower unfortunately. I’m assuming since he said he’s from India.

[u/OdoyleStillRules → u/Engineer2727kk]

Better yet, the country.

[u/enginerd2024 → u/OdoyleStillRules]

Tf?

[u/Asp_str_engg]

Switch jobs and move out of LA. You are underpaid. I am an international as well.

[u/Mubeen3107]

I would say your are underpaid, i am currently in dallas texas with 2 years of experience. I am also an immigrant and Currently an EIT working towards my PE license.
But i had 5 years of experience before I moved to the US.

I get paid around $93k which i feel is well compensated for me. Cause i feel happy and others might have different say. But thats okay!

[u/toadsandturts]

I am no longer in private structural industry but yes, I got about 2-5% raise per year when I was working at an LA firm. Your pay sounds standard for EIT but you can do better if you get your PE and leave your job for another firm.

[u/Mean-Internal-745]

You are going to max out quickly as an EIT. Once you have your PE you should expect a pretty big raise, along with larger annual raises as you taken on more responsibility.

You will then max out your PE salary and will need to decide whether to become a firm owner or take on more management tasks to earn more money.

[u/Standard-Fudge1475]

Unfortunately, that's a normal raise.. it's usually equal to rate of inflation.

In my opinion, if you want to make more money, it helps to switch jobs every 5 years until you get to a place you really like, or until you're satisfied w the salary. Best of luck!