1. Home
  2. ACADEMICS
  3. CareerTraQ
  4. A-Z Index

Structural Engineer

Occupation Information table
Overview: Structural engineers study architectural design proposals for construction of buildings, bridges or other structures requiring analysis of loads carried & stress. They recommend structure size, shape and strength based on maximum load requirements.
Duties: They confer with clients or construction executives responsible for the construction of a building, bridge, airport, etc. in order to participate in design planning.

Design structural supports to meet the estimated load requirements in terms of peak period weights, vibration & other environmental stresses. May construct models for lab testing.

Determine sizes of structural members and their shape, strength and materials of construction. They use mathematical models and computers for calculation.

Oversee construction of the structure and inspect structural members for defects or damage before and after installation and may direct workers for the erection of specialized supports.
Degree(s): A.S. Engineering Science 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 5% to 8% percent from 2018 to 2028, which matches the average growth rate for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $40,000 to $45,000
Growth: Growth
Green: Green Career
Education Level: Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college (some are 5 years) is required to be considered for this occupation.
Additional Training/Education: A bachelor's degree in structural engineering is the usual training required for entry positions in this occupation. Courses in materials and civil engineering, architectural and environmental engineering, and computer-aided design and drafting are essential. Licensing or registration is required in all states.
Advancement Info: Beginning engineering graduates usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers and, in large companies, also may receive formal classroom or seminar-type training. As new engineers gain knowledge and experience, they are assigned more difficult projects with greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions. Engineers may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a staff or team of engineers and technicians. Some may eventually become engineering managers or enter other managerial or sales jobs.
Recommended Skills:
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Using mathematics and/or statistics to solve problems.
  • Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Using scientific methods to investigate and conduct experiments.
Recommended Values:
  • Having a level of income that will afford you with luxuries, and which will allow you to become financially independent.
  • Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.
  • Create new ideas, programs, things, or anything else not previously developed by another person.
  • Doing something where you can physically see the results of your work.
  • Having a job where you can spend a significant amount of time outside.
  • Having the ability to work with equipment or material things.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.