EngineeringGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Structural Engineer Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$169,242/yr
Typical range: $150,122 – $180,160
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Structural Engineer salary by experience level in Sydney
Structural Engineer Salary Progression in Sydney
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 | $85,847 | $7,154 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $104,243 | $8,687 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $116,507 | $9,709 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $131,960 | $10,997 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $169,242 | $14,104 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $198,675 | $16,556 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $206,034 | $17,170 | +140% |
Current Salary
$169,242
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $81/hr
Next Level Target
$198,675
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 Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Structural Engineers in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $169K 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 Sydney, Australia?
Based on $169K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $81/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Structural Engineer in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Structural Engineer in Sydney, Australia earns $150K–$180K/yr.