EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Structural Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$167,415/yr
Typical range: $148,501 – $178,215
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Structural Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
Structural Engineer Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $84,921 | $7,077 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $103,118 | $8,593 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $115,249 | $9,604 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $130,535 | $10,878 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $167,415 | $13,951 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $196,530 | $16,378 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $203,809 | $16,984 | +140% |
Current Salary
$167,415
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $80/hr
Next Level Target
$196,530
Principal · 14
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Structural Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Structural Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $167K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Structural Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $167K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $80/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Structural Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Structural Engineer in Austin, TX earns $149K–$178K/yr.