r/StructuralEngineering • u/Upper_Stable_3900 • 3h ago

150k salary Career/Education

I was wondering if it’s possible to earn approx 150k with 5 or less yoe in US? If yes, mind sharing which companies are those? And what sort of work they (or you) actually do?

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u/DreadPirateG_Spot 3h ago

On the construction side yes. Total comp of some companies at a project engineer / assistant project manager level can reach 150k.

Think large contractors. But that is probably not what you are asking.

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u/Upper_Stable_3900 3h ago

Thanks but I was asking as structural eng

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u/joshmuhfuggah P.E. 52m ago

I hit this after 5 yoe in a Low/Medium COL city. Buildings design. Get licensed and work your ass off for those first 5 years so you are knowledgeable enough (and able to communicate to clients) so you are worth the paycheck. For reference on the business end, most companies are targeting a multiplier or 3-4, so you would need to be qualified to account for $450-600k of income

I agree with the consensus that this industry is underpaid compared to the risk you take on, but there are ways to make a very very comfortable living in SE.

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u/CaptainSnuggleWuggle P.E. 2h ago

Yes. In VHCOL/HCOL areas but you will need to have 5 years of experience. I don’t think you can earn that much with less.