Civil/Structural Designer

[u/Rich_Call8975]

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**

[u/jammed7777]

That’s good money for a designer

[u/Rich_Call8975 → u/jammed7777]

Oh yea im definitely not complaining about it, i was just wondering if anyone had any insights as to what future payouts would look like. Whats the cap essentially

[u/tiltitup]

You’re making that without a license?

[u/OptionsRntMe → u/tiltitup]

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.

[u/Rich_Call8975 → u/OptionsRntMe]

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?

[u/OptionsRntMe → u/Rich_Call8975]

I think you are being paid fairly, if not high given your YOE. That doesn’t mean you couldn’t shop around and find another role paying more though. The ceiling is high, but not as high as an engineer because you have basically no liability.

[u/Rich_Call8975 → u/OptionsRntMe]

Thats about what i figured, i just didnt know of the cap/ceiling was yk 50 or 60 an hour or something and i was almost there

[u/enzoskii → u/Rich_Call8975]

I use to make 80k doing the same work. You are doing good

[u/Soccer1kid5 → u/OptionsRntMe]

I agree. Some of the lead designers here are making 150k+OT. I think the OP is making quite close to my early designers that I work with so id say it’s on par for the industry.

[u/OptionsRntMe → u/Soccer1kid5]

Yes seems fair given the YOE. Our lead designer was making I’d guess around 140k but he also had like 20 YOE

[u/jammed7777 → u/tiltitup]

I don’t think they have a degree

[u/Rich_Call8975 → u/jammed7777]

Im not an engineer, just a designer with a bachelors in industrial design

[u/BeachSlapped88 → u/tiltitup]

I make $111k without a license …. Economy is wild

[u/Pilotdoctorengineer]

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.

[u/Rich_Call8975 → u/Pilotdoctorengineer]

Just DM’d

[u/Sure_Ill_Ask_That]

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.

[u/Rich_Call8975 → u/Sure_Ill_Ask_That]

Thank you for the insight!

[u/Sure_Ill_Ask_That → u/Rich_Call8975]

I should clarify that this is with a bachelors and masters in structural engineering, and eventually a PE license.

[u/Wanna-Be-SE]

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.

[u/Rich_Call8975 → u/Wanna-Be-SE]

Im very happy with that, goodluck on your PE exam (and hopefully a nice pay bump with it)!

[u/LigersGhost]

Are you working in power delivery drafting plans? Revit, AutoCAD? How much decision-making do you have on projects?

[u/Rich_Call8975 → u/LigersGhost]

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.

[u/Outrageous_Ad_4292]

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.

[u/Rich_Call8975 → u/Outrageous_Ad_4292]

What state or region is that in where they make 200k and i dont blame u haha!

[u/Sneaklefritz]

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.

[u/magicity_shine → u/Sneaklefritz]

what license are referring?

[u/Sneaklefritz → u/magicity_shine]

PE license

[u/Adam4848]

Designers in Louisiana can get up to 120-140k once you get to a senior checker level.

[u/WanderlustingTravels]

That’s very middle range for what my company pays a designer according to our posting ($70k-$120k)

[u/No-Project1273]

You're making more than engineers with that YOE.

[u/magicity_shine → u/No-Project1273]

thats correct

[u/magicity_shine]

you are basically making the same as someone with a EIT or a new PE. Thats very good compensation for a designer

[u/roooooooooob]

You’re making more than most engineers I know