EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Structural Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$110,946/yr
Typical range: $95,405 – $142,956
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Structural Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Structural Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
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 | $81,750 | $6,813 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $99,267 | $8,272 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $110,946 | $9,246 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $125,661 | $10,472 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $161,163 | $13,430 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $189,192 | $15,766 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $196,199 | $16,350 | +140% |
Current Salary
$110,946
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $53/hr
Next Level Target
$125,661
Senior · 6
+$15Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Structural Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
3–5 Years Experience Structural Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $111K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Structural Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $111K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $53/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Structural Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Structural Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $143K–$172K/yr.