Everything About Structural Engineering

By: PPI

February 24, 2025

Structural engineering is a critical discipline within civil engineering, focusing on designing, constructing, and maintaining structures that support or resist loads. From skyscrapers and bridges to homes and stadiums, structural engineers play a pivotal role in shaping the built environment while ensuring public safety.

Obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license is a significant milestone for structural engineers. The PE Exam demonstrates your expertise and unlocks opportunities for career advancement, enabling you to take on leadership roles and sign off on structural projects.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or preparing for the PE Civil Structural Exam, this guide will walk you through the essentials of structural engineering and provide insights on how to advance in this rewarding career.

What is structural engineering?
What does a structural engineer do?
How to become a structural engineer
How long does it take to become a structural engineer?
Structural engineering license requirements
Structural engineer salary
Resources for passing the PE Civil Structural Exam

What is structural engineering?

Structural engineering is a specialized field within civil engineering that focuses on the design, construction, and analysis of structures. These structures must safely withstand forces such as gravity and wind while maintaining stability. At its core, structural engineering ensures that buildings and infrastructure are safe, reliable, and sustainable.

The discipline applies principles of physics, mathematics, and material science to create structures that meet specific requirements, such as load-bearing capacity, aesthetic considerations, and environmental resilience. It encompasses a wide range of projects, including:

Buildings: from residential homes to skyscrapers, structural engineering ensures that all buildings are structurally sound and designed to last.
Bridges: Essential for transportation networks, bridges are engineered to endure dynamic loads, natural forces, and long-term wear.
Dams and Tunnels: These structures demand advanced engineering to manage water flow, pressure, and environmental challenges.
Stadiums and Public Venues: Large-scale projects that accommodate thousands of people require precise design to balance safety and functionality.
And so many more.

Structural engineering is integral to modern infrastructure, blending innovation with technical precision to create safe, efficient, and impactful designs that support communities worldwide.

What does a structural engineer do?

Structural engineers play an essential role in the design, construction, and maintenance of safe and functional structures. Their responsibilities go beyond basic calculations, encompassing a range of tasks that ensure a structure’s integrity and performance over its lifespan. Structural engineers are involved in:

Design and Planning: They develop detailed plans and models for structures, ensuring compliance with safety codes and performance standards. This involves working with architects and other professionals to integrate aesthetics with functionality.
Load and Stress Analysis: Using advanced tools and software, structural engineers analyze how different forces–such as gravity, wind, or seismic activity–will affect a structure. This helps them determine the materials and designs that will ensure durability and safety.
Inspections and Maintenance: Structural engineers evaluate the condition of existing structures, identifying potential problems and recommending repairs or reinforcements to maintain safety and compliance with updated codes.
Retrofitting and Renovation: In addition to new construction, structural engineers work on upgrading older buildings to meet modern safety standards, improve functionality, or preserve historical significance.
Problem-Solving: They address challenges related to materials, environmental factors, and unexpected site conditions, providing solutions that balance cost, safety, and practicality.

Structural engineers are integral to the creation and maintenance of infrastructure that supports communities, from ensuring that bridges are stable to designing buildings that can withstand earthquakes. Their expertise ensures that every structure–whether new or old–remains reliable and safe for its intended use.

How to become a structural engineer

Becoming a structural engineer requires formal education, hands-on experience, and licensure. This career path is both rewarding and challenging, offering opportunities to work on impactful projects that shape the built environment. This section outlines the key milestones and requirements for pursuing a career in structural engineering:

Earn a relevant degree

Earning a degree is the first step. Most professionals complete a bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering, with coursework focusing on mechanics, material science, and structural design. Advanced degrees, such as a master’s in structural engineering, provide additional specialization and enhance career prospects.

Practical experience

Hands-on experience is essential. Internships during college provide a foundation, while on-the-job training under a licensed engineer offers deeper insight into industry standards and practices.

The importance of licensure in structural engineering

Becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) involves passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, gaining relevant work experience (typically four years), and passing the PE Civil Structural Exam.

Licensure is a critical aspect of a structural engineer’s career. It provides the authority to certify designs, sign off on projects, and assume responsibility for public safety. A licensed engineer can:

Lead projects and teams.
Certify plans for government and commercial approval.
Advance to leadership roles in firms and organizations.

Additionally, licensed engineers often earn higher salaries and enjoy broader career opportunities.

Continuing education, certification, and advancing in structural engineering

To stay competitive, structural engineers often pursue advanced certifications or specialize further through courses on seismic design, advanced materials, or other emerging areas. Maintaining licensure also requires ongoing professional development to remain informed about industry changes.

Structural engineering is a dynamic field with ample growth opportunities. As professionals gain experience and expertise, they can explore roles such as project managers, consultants, or specialized engineers focusing on areas like seismic retrofitting or sustainable design.

With the right combination of education, experience, and dedication, structural engineers contribute to projects that define communities and ensure the safety and resilience of the built environment.

How long does it take to become a structural engineer?

The journey to becoming a structural engineer varies depending on educational choices, experience, and licensure requirements in your state. On average, the process takes approximately 8 to 10 years. Here is an overview of the timeline:

Education (4-6 Years): Completing a bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering is the first step and typically takes four years. For those pursuing a master’s degree to specialize or enhance career opportunities, an additional one to two years may be required.
Work Experience (4+ Years): After graduation, aspiring structural engineers must gain practical experience under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). This period, often called the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) phase, usually lasts four years and provides the hands-on knowledge needed for licensure.
Licensure (1 Year): To earn the PE license, candidates must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, complete the required work experience, and pass the PE Civil Structural Exam. Preparing for these exams can take several months to a year, depending on individual readiness and study time.

Factors that may affect the timeline include:

Educational Path: Pursuing advanced degrees or part-time studies can extend the timeline.
Work Experience: Some individuals may take longer to gain the required experience based on project availability or career interruptions.
State Requirements: Licensure criteria can vary from state to state, potentially impacting the overall timeframe.

Structural engineering license requirements

Earning a structural engineering license demonstrates expertise, enhances career opportunities, and ensures public safety. Licensure requires meeting education, experience, and exam requirements:

A degree in civil or structural engineering from an accredited program, with coursework in structural analysis, design principles, and material mechanics.
At least four years of supervised work under a licensed PE, gaining practical industry skills.
Passing the PE Civil Structural (SE) Exam, a rigorous, four-part test covering load analysis, seismic forces, and building codes.
The breadth sections are two six-hour exams with 55 questions (45 scored, 10 pretest), available year-round.
The depth sections are 5.5-hour exams with 60 questions (40 scored, 20 pretest), offered biannually in bridges or buildings.
Continuing education through workshops, advanced courses, and industry innovations to maintain licensure.

Structural engineering salary

Structural engineers earn competitive salaries, with pay varying based on experience, location, and industry:

Entry-Level Salaries: Engineers just starting out typically earn $60,000 to $70,000 annually.
Experienced Professionals: Mid-career engineers can expect between $85,000 and $110,000, especially with licensure.
Senior Engineers: Those in leadership or consulting roles often exceed $120,000 annually, particularly in specialized fields.

Resources for passing the PE Civil Structural Exam

Preparing for the PE Civil Structural Exam requires focused study and reliable materials. PPI offers industry-leading resources tailored to the unique challenges of this exam, helping candidates build the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.

Choose from these programs to get started on your path to becoming a structural engineer:

Live Online Courses: This comprehensive prep course offers live virtual classes led by expert instructors, interactive Q&A sessions, and structured learning schedules. Ideal for those seeking real-time support and a collaborative environment.
OnDemand Courses: Designed for flexibility, this bundle provides access to pre-recorded lectures, quizzes, and practice exams that can be accessed anytime, making it perfect for self-paced learners.
Self-Study: Learning Hub: Tailored for independent learners, this bundle includes study guides, reference materials, and practice questions to help you build a strong foundation and review at your own pace.

These resources are aligned with current NCEES specifications and are essential for effectively preparing for the PE Civil Structural Exam. Whether you prefer live instruction, flexible on-demand access, or self-guided study, PPI offers the tools to help you succeed.