Understanding Structural Engineer Pay in Australia
Structural engineers analyse and design structures to ensure they are safe and durable. If you're researching a structural engineer salary in Australia, you'll find that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a specific median figure for this occupation. That's because structural engineers are classified under the 6-digit ANZSCO code 233214, and the ABS only releases median weekly earnings for broader 4-digit groups. The closest available benchmark is the average weekly earnings for the Professional, Scientific & Technical Services industry, which employs many structural engineers.
According to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, full-time adult ordinary time earnings in that industry are $2,389.60 per week. Multiplied by 52, that's about $124,259 per year before tax. This is an average, not a median, and it includes all roles in the industry—from junior engineers to senior consultants. For a more occupation-specific view, the Jobs and Skills Australia profile for structural engineers notes that median weekly earnings are not available, but 88% of structural engineers work full time, and the average full-time hours are 43 per week.
How Structural Engineer Pay Translates to Weekly and Hourly Rates
Using the industry average of $2,389.60 per week, the hourly rate based on a 38-hour week (the standard used for the national minimum wage) is about $62.88. However, because structural engineers often work longer hours, the effective hourly rate may be lower. For example, at 43 hours per week, the hourly rate drops to about $55.57. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, so structural engineers are paid well above that floor.
How Structural Engineer Salaries Compare Across Australia
Salaries for structural engineers vary by state and territory, reflecting differences in local economies and demand. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026 provides state-level full-time averages for all occupations. While industry-specific state data is not published, you can use these as a rough guide:
- New South Wales: $109,658 per year
- Victoria: $106,137
- Queensland: $106,064
- South Australia: $102,450
- Western Australia: $115,825
- Tasmania: $96,008
- Northern Territory: $103,173
- Australian Capital Territory: $119,090
Structural engineers in Western Australia and the ACT may earn above the national industry average due to mining and public sector demand. For a detailed comparison of state averages, see our States and territories page.
Structural Engineer Salary vs National Benchmarks
To put the industry average in context, here are key national benchmarks from the ABS and Fair Work:
- National full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings: $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year)
- National full-time median earnings: about $90,532 per year
- All-employees median earnings: about $74,100 per year
- National minimum wage (from 1 July 2026): $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, $52,255 per year on 38 hours
The Professional, Scientific & Technical Services average of $124,259 is well above all these benchmarks. However, remember that this is an average across the entire industry, not a guarantee for any individual structural engineer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers can earn significantly more.
Tax on a Structural Engineer Salary
For the 2026–27 financial year, resident tax rates are:
- Nil up to $18,200
- 15% from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30% from $45,001 to $135,000
- 37% from $135,001 to $190,000
- 45% above $190,000
Plus a 2% Medicare levy (before any reductions). On an industry-average salary of $124,259, the tax would be approximately $29,467 plus Medicare, leaving about $92,000 after tax. Use our Place a salary on the line tool to see your own take-home pay.
Factors That Influence Structural Engineer Pay
Several factors affect individual salaries:
- Experience: Junior engineers earn less; senior engineers with chartership can command higher rates.
- Location: Major cities and resource-rich states tend to pay more.
- Sector: Public sector roles may offer stability but lower pay; private consulting and construction often pay higher.
- Qualifications: A postgraduate degree or chartered status (e.g., CPEng) can boost earnings.
For more on how salaries are measured, see How the figures are set.
Where to Find More Information
If you're looking for occupation-specific medians, the ABS publishes data for broader groups like Civil Engineering Professionals (ANZSCO 2332). That group includes structural engineers, but the median is not broken down further. For industry comparisons, visit our Industry medians page. And to see how your own salary stacks up, try the Place a salary on the line calculator.