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Structural Engineer Salary in Richmond, VA

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

Median Salary
$88,920
per year in Richmond
Entry Level
$54,441
Starting salary
Senior Level
$122,492
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
109
9% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$54,441$88,920$122,492
Monthly$4,537$7,410$10,208
Biweekly$2,094$3,420$4,711
Weekly$1,047$1,710$2,356
Hourly$26$43$59

Richmond vs National Average

How Richmond's structural engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Richmond Salary
$88,920
COL Index: 109
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$19,830
Lower in Richmond

Cost of Living in Richmond

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,550
per month
Median Income
$57,234
per year
Population
226,610
residents
Rent % of Income
32.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 109 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Richmond 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
+19%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
+18%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
+13%
Houston, TX
$98,690
+11%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
+7%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Structural Engineer Salary in Richmond, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a structural engineer in Richmond, VA is $88,920 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 109. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Richmond's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level structural engineer professionals in Richmond can expect to earn around $54,441 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level structural engineers earning approximately $122,492 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Richmond's cost of living index of 109 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Richmond 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 Richmond typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,550 per month, housing represents about 20.9% 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 Richmond, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.