Structural Engineer
Also advertised as: Bridge Engineer, building engineer, Civil/Structural Engineer, commissioning engineer, design engineer, field installation engineer
Calculates and designs the structural frame that keeps buildings and bridges standing.
What the job involves
Structural engineers work out how loads move through a building or bridge and design the beams, columns and foundations to carry them safely. You produce calculations and drawings, then work closely with architects and contractors as the design develops. Site inspections check that what is built matches the design intent.
Typical responsibilities
- Calculate loads and design structural elements
- Produce structural drawings and specifications
- Review architectural designs for structural feasibility
- Inspect construction sites for compliance
- Investigate structural defects and failures
Common employers
- Structural design consultancies
- Construction contractors
- Local authorities
- Housing developers
- Bridge and infrastructure firms
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£27,000 – £33,000 a year
With experience
£42,000 – £65,000 a year
Typical hours
37-40 hours, with site visits during construction phases
Working environment
Office based with regular site inspections
Remote working
hybrid
Demand for this work
steady
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Structural analysis software
- Load calculations
- Building regulations knowledge
- CAD and BIM tools
- Technical report writing
Transferable skills you may already have
- Mathematical reasoning
- Reading technical drawings
- Attention to detail
Requirements employers ask for
- Structural analysis software
- Load calculations
- Building regulations knowledge
- CAD and BIM tools
- Technical report writing
- BEng or MEng in civil or structural engineering
- perform project management
- ensure compliance with construction project deadline
- project management
- perform scientific research
- work in a construction team
- perform risk analysis
- follow health and safety procedures in construction
- cost management
- quality standards
- troubleshoot
- oversee construction project
- construction methods
Useful but not essential
- Mathematical reasoning
- Reading technical drawings
- Attention to detail
- Chartered Engineer status (IStructE or ICE)
- heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration parts
- use a computer
- conduct performance tests
- use safety equipment in construction
- use CAD software
- domestic heating systems
- provide improvement strategies
- react to events in time-critical environments
Helpful qualifications
- Chartered Engineer status (IStructE or ICE)
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Structural Engineer (Degree, Level 6)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Mathematics
- Related subject: Physics
- Related subject: Design and technology
Where this career can lead
next
Senior Structural Engineer
next
Associate Engineer
next
Technical Director
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Chartership significantly boosts earning potential
- Work is visible in real buildings
- Consistent demand from construction sector
What people find hard
- Degree route takes several years
- Liability for safety-critical decisions
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a structural engineer?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. required
- How much does a structural engineer earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £27,000 to £33,000 a year, rising towards £65,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Mathematical reasoning, Reading technical drawings, Attention to detail.
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Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 16 September 2026.
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