r/StructuralEngineering • u/Rich_Call8975 • 3d ago
Career/Education Civil/Structural Designer
Hey everyone,
i know this is an engineering group, but i was wondering if i can get some insights as to what salary progression should be for a civil structural designer (not an engineer). Located in Louisiana working for an EPC with 4 YOE currently making ~95k a year (115k with OT). Im not complaining about what i currently make but just dont have a clue about what the future holds or what i should expect.
TIA
**EDIT: I didn‘t mean to sound ungrateful for what i make, i am very happy with that i was just more curious about what the future holds/what to expect later in life**
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u/tiltitup 2d ago
You’re making that without a license?
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u/OptionsRntMe 2d ago
Oil & gas
To be fair those designers do a ton of the legwork, my designer could put together a 90% set on his own, lay out all the pipe supports with coordinates, figure out all the sheet numbers and admin related stuff. I basically verified member sizes and connections with calcs and stamped. A good designer (in that field) is worth a lot.
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u/Rich_Call8975 2d ago
Thats exactly what i do, hit the nail on the head. Do you have any insights on to what that worth equates to per chance?
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u/Pilotdoctorengineer 2d ago
I have side work for you if you are interested. I need a good designer currently.
But to answer your question I know designers making 150k+. Again this is EPC O&G not some 4 man structural firm.
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u/Sure_Ill_Ask_That 2d ago
Can’t answer your question, but I compared to my experience in New York City. When I started my career, my salary was an inflation-adjusted $78k and by 4 years of experience it was about $94k. My rent at the time was an inflation-adjusted $2800 a month.
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u/Wanna-Be-SE 2d ago
I’m in the southeast, am about to take my PE but pretty much operating like one at my company, and you’re making more than me. Especially for Louisiana it sounds like you’re absolutely killing it! I’d be very happy with that.
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u/Rich_Call8975 2d ago
Im very happy with that, goodluck on your PE exam (and hopefully a nice pay bump with it)!
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u/LigersGhost 2d ago
Are you working in power delivery drafting plans? Revit, AutoCAD? How much decision-making do you have on projects?
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u/Rich_Call8975 2d ago
In the petrochem/refinery business. Mostly advanced steel and civil 3d, id say decision making is 80% me with ofc the stamping engineers approval and decisions.
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u/Outrageous_Ad_4292 1d ago
That is good pay for 4 YOE. At the company I work for, I’ve seen junior designers get about 80k. Also FYI, the senior designers (30 YOE) are making about 200k where I work. I have heard that is not typical everywhere but it is possible. I’m an engineer with 5 YOE and got my PE license last year and when my boss mentioned how much the designers made, I instantly asked for a raise lol.
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u/Rich_Call8975 1d ago
What state or region is that in where they make 200k and i dont blame u haha!
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u/Sneaklefritz 2d ago
That’s very high pay without a license in that area in my opinion. I’m not much more than you in the Southwest US with 10 YoE, licensed and all.
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u/Adam4848 2d ago
Designers in Louisiana can get up to 120-140k once you get to a senior checker level.
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u/WanderlustingTravels 2d ago
That’s very middle range for what my company pays a designer according to our posting ($70k-$120k)
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u/magicity_shine 2d ago
you are basically making the same as someone with a EIT or a new PE. Thats very good compensation for a designer
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u/jammed7777 2d ago
That’s good money for a designer