Electrical Engineer vs Structural Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Electrical Engineer
Design electrical systems, equipment, and components.
Structural Engineer
Design load-bearing structures including buildings and bridges.
Electrical Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $6,000/year (6%) higher than a Structural Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Electrical Engineer vs Structural Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Electrical Engineer | Structural Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $145,418 | $132,928 | Electrical +$12,490 |
| New York, NY | $117,643 | $115,250 | Electrical +$2,393 |
| Seattle, WA | $144,060 | $133,928 | Electrical +$10,132 |
| Austin, TX | $108,995 | $103,233 | Electrical +$5,762 |
| Chicago, IL | $105,085 | $99,645 | Electrical +$5,440 |
| Boston, MA | $131,277 | $125,714 | Electrical +$5,563 |
| London, UK | £77,293 | £71,504 | Electrical +$5,789 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,314 | CA$125,929 | Electrical +$4,385 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Electrical Engineer or Structural Engineer earn more?+
A Electrical Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Electrical Engineer is $100,000/year, compared to $94,000/year for a Structural Engineer — a difference of $6,000 (6%).
Which has better career growth — Electrical Engineer or Structural Engineer?+
Electrical Engineer roles are growing at 7% YoY while Structural Engineer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Electrical Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Electrical Engineer to Structural Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: AutoCAD.
Which is harder to automate — Electrical Engineer or Structural Engineer?+
Structural Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.