EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Structural Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$163,326/yr
Typical range: $185,805 – $222,984
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Structural Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Structural Engineer Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $106,253 | $8,854 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $129,022 | $10,752 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $144,201 | $12,017 | +36% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $163,326 | $13,611 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $209,470 | $17,456 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $245,900 | $20,492 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $255,007 | $21,251 | +140% |
Current Salary
$163,326
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $79/hr
Next Level Target
$209,470
Staff · 10
+$46Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Structural Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Senior Structural Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $163K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Structural Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $163K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $79/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Structural Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Structural Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $186K–$223K/yr.