EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Structural Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$81,750/yr
Typical range: $79,498 – $95,405
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $81,750 | $6,813 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $99,267 | $8,272 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 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
$81,750
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $39/hr
Next Level Target
$99,267
Junior · 2
+$18Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Structural Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Structural Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $82K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Structural Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $82K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $39/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Structural Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Structural Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $143K–$172K/yr.