EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Structural Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$216,003/yr
Typical range: $191,600 – $229,938
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Structural Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Structural Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $109,567 | $9,131 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $133,045 | $11,087 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $148,698 | $12,392 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $168,420 | $14,035 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $216,003 | $18,000 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $253,569 | $21,131 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $262,960 | $21,913 | +140% |
Current Salary
$216,003
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $104/hr
Next Level Target
$253,569
Principal · 14
+$38Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Structural Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Structural Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $216K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $216K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $104/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Structural Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Structural Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $192K–$230K/yr.