Environmental 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.
Environmental Engineer
Design systems to protect and improve environmental quality.
Structural Engineer
Design load-bearing structures including buildings and bridges.
Structural Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $6,000/year (7%) higher than a Environmental Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Environmental Engineer vs Structural Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Environmental Engineer | Structural Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $126,105 | $132,928 | Environmental $6,823 |
| New York, NY | $106,415 | $115,250 | Environmental $8,835 |
| Seattle, WA | $126,941 | $133,928 | Environmental $6,987 |
| Austin, TX | $96,277 | $103,233 | Environmental $6,956 |
| Chicago, IL | $93,017 | $99,645 | Environmental $6,628 |
| Boston, MA | $114,779 | $125,714 | Environmental $10,935 |
| London, UK | £67,536 | £71,504 | Environmental $3,968 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$115,698 | CA$125,929 | Environmental $10,231 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Environmental Engineer or Structural Engineer earn more?+
A Structural Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Environmental Engineer is $88,000/year, compared to $94,000/year for a Structural Engineer — a difference of $6,000 (7%).
Which has better career growth — Environmental Engineer or Structural Engineer?+
Environmental Engineer roles are growing at 6% YoY while Structural Engineer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Structural Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Environmental Engineer to Structural Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Environmental Engineer or Structural Engineer?+
Structural Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.