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Structural Engineer Salary in Lake Forest, IL

How much does a structural engineer make in Lake Forest? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Lake Forest's cost of living.

Median Salary
$150,728
per year in Lake Forest
Entry Level
$92,283
Starting salary
Senior Level
$207,635
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
132
32% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how structural engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Lake Forest.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$92,283$150,728$207,635
Monthly$7,690$12,561$17,303
Biweekly$3,549$5,797$7,986
Weekly$1,775$2,899$3,993
Hourly$44$72$100

Lake Forest vs National Average

How Lake Forest's structural engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Lake Forest Salary
$150,728
COL Index: 132
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$41,978
Higher in Lake Forest

Cost of Living in Lake Forest

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,750
per month
Median Income
$192,821
per year
Population
19,500
residents
Rent % of Income
10.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 132 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Lake Forest have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Structural Engineer

Overview

Design structural components and systems for buildings and infrastructure.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Structural AnalysisCADBuilding CodesDesign Software

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Structural Engineer Salary

See Structural Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$106,130
-30%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
-30%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
-33%
Houston, TX
$98,690
-35%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
-37%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Structural Engineer Salary in Lake Forest, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a structural engineer in Lake Forest, IL is $150,728 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 132. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Lake Forest's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level structural engineer professionals in Lake Forest can expect to earn around $92,283 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level structural engineers earning approximately $207,635 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Lake Forest's cost of living index of 132 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Lake Forest are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $108,750, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a structural engineer's salary in Lake Forest typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,750 per month, housing represents about 13.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Structural Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Lake Forest, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.