Structural Engineer Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Structural Engineers in Sydney earn a median salary of $122,500 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $97,500 and $160,000. That sits 29% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 20 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

◆ Specialist role Lower listing volume — 5th percentile in Sydney ↓ -1 listings vs last month
💰 Structural Engineer · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$97,500 – $160,000
Median: $122,500
May $125k
Jun $122k
↓ Trending down

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $97,500 – $125,784
Overall $97k–$160k Mid $97k–$125k $94k $108k $122k $136k $150k $164k
⚠ Low confidence 20 listings (-1 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation. Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10%  $97,500 Median  $122,500 $160,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Sydney structural engineer pay slipped this month, from $125,000 to $122,500, though the role still runs 29% above the city's $95k all-roles figure. Demand is the striking number: just 5% of tracked roles and 20 listings, the thinnest engineering market in the batch, and Sydney is the only city with enough listings to report. The band reaches $160k for those on major projects. Treat these figures as directional given the small sample.

Take Home Pay (based on median $122,500)

Weekly (net)
~$1,724
Monthly (net)
~$7,472
Annual (net)
~$89,658
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $136,587

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Structural Engineer in Sydney?
Structural engineer is a degree-qualified role, so the band starts near $97,500 rather than at graduate rates. The path in is a civil or structural engineering degree plus design experience, then owning structural analysis and documentation for projects. Chartered status (CPEng), proficiency in analysis software, and work on larger or more complex structures are what move pay up toward the $160k top.
Is $122,500 a good salary in Sydney?
Yes. At $122,500 the role earns 29% above Sydney's all-roles median and nets about $89,700, strong take-home even for an expensive city, and the high floor (near $97,500) reflects the degree barrier. For a qualified engineering role this is good pay, though the slight dip and very thin demand are worth watching. Chartered engineers on major projects sit toward the top.
How much does a Senior Structural Engineer make in Sydney?
The band reaches $160k, and getting there means chartered status (CPEng), lead-engineer responsibility on major structures, or a design-team-lead role. Ownership of complex structural design, sign-off responsibility, and mentoring junior engineers are what lift pay toward the top. The step beyond is a principal-engineer or engineering-manager position, or moving into Project Engineer and delivery roles that reach $160k.

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.