EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Structural Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$213,999/yr
Typical range: $189,823 – $227,805
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Structural Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Structural Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $108,550 | $9,046 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $131,811 | $10,984 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $147,318 | $12,277 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $166,857 | $13,905 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $213,999 | $17,833 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $251,217 | $20,935 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $260,521 | $21,710 | +140% |
Current Salary
$213,999
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $103/hr
Next Level Target
$251,217
Principal · 14
+$37Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Structural Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Structural Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $214K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $214K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $103/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Structural Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Structural Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $190K–$228K/yr.