Structural Eng salary
Structural Eng salary
(OP)
Similar to another post about wastewater eng salary. I live in Southern California, but I went to school in another state where I recieved my B.S. in Civil eng. I had about 6 months of experience as an intern at a structural company before I applied for my current job and that was 8 months ago.
My boss started me at $16.00/hr for 3-4 weeks until I was up to speed, so to speak. After that he said that we would talk salary. When the time came he told me that he could only pay me $37,500 / year or $18.00/hr. Now this is a small structural company so I am learning a lot. He hired me as an independent contractor, therefore I get no overtime, no medical, or paid time off.
I realize I should not start out making $60k but I think I am under paid. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
My boss started me at $16.00/hr for 3-4 weeks until I was up to speed, so to speak. After that he said that we would talk salary. When the time came he told me that he could only pay me $37,500 / year or $18.00/hr. Now this is a small structural company so I am learning a lot. He hired me as an independent contractor, therefore I get no overtime, no medical, or paid time off.
I realize I should not start out making $60k but I think I am under paid. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks





RE: Structural Eng salary
I do not know you're work ethic or how indpendent you are in the workplace, but never the less, 37.5k/year seems low even with benefits. The fact that you get no overtime, medical or PTO makes this deal especially bad in my eyes. It reminds me of when I worked in the restaurant business. If you're an independent contractor, they should pay you like one. Do your homework, talk to your boss about your goals and aspirations within the company. If you can't see eye to eye, at least you tried and won't have to feel bad about working somewhere else should the opportunity arise.
Do you know how much your time is billed per hour?
Good luck.
RE: Structural Eng salary
http://swz
puts the low at $48K, if you crank in a "fair" reputation school, the range narrows to $53K to $58K, for entry-level civil engineer.
TTFN
RE: Structural Eng salary
You could find another job, if you want. Then, if I were you, I would try to leave on the best terms possible and leave open the possibility of working for an extra year for someone else who will give you a higher training wage, and at least some health insurance! When it comes to qualifying for the PE, you are the the mercy of your references.
(Remember, 2 years to qualify for the PE in California--experience Back East counts, and if you have learned a lot of practical skills along the way, you might be able to write your own ticket with another firm.)
RE: Structural Eng salary
RE: Structural Eng salary
You are probably one of the lowest paid engineers in the USA. From my experience, if you start out low you will always be paid low, unless the firm is a real good one that is profitable and values its staff. In my opinion, you should get a new job ASAP. I seriously doubt that the firm that you are working for is anything other than a "low baller" who does the projects that no good firm wants.
RE: Structural Eng salary
RE: Structural Eng salary
SEAOC used to publish a comprehensive salary survey in the past but I haven't seen any recent ones published.
Being hired as an independent contractor with your hourly rate is a warning sign. Entry level engineers usually get hired as a regular employees with benefits. More experienced engineers with other obligations (own company, etc) are the usual independent contractors who help out the overflow at higher than normal rates.
RE: Structural Eng salary
If you aren't getting anything, go somewhere else. There's no need to get four years experience in garbage and have nothing to show for it.
RE: Structural Eng salary
RE: Structural Eng salary
Even a doctor may get less in SoCal than in other, less desirable locations. And it's a pretty dramatic difference; ~$150K vs ~$250K for family practice.
TTFN
RE: Structural Eng salary
You are SERIOUSLY underpaid. I made that much after one year of experience and I got medical, dental and vision coverage, free life insurance ($150,000), 3% match to my 401k, 8 1/2 holidays, and two weeks vacation. AND THAT WAS IN 1995!!!
I agree with cousink that you must leave on good terms because, as he says, your references do count when you get your P.E.
Good luck!
RE: Structural Eng salary
RE: Structural Eng salary
RE: Structural Eng salary
TTFN
RE: Structural Eng salary
RE: Structural Eng salary
If you find another design job with better pay, then yes leave that job. If I were you, I would keep my mouth shut and learn as much as I can for at least 1 year and start looking for another job or ask for a big raise.
RE: Structural Eng salary
but i think field work is incredibly important for a design engineer. everything we do is on a set of drawings, and until we see it in place....it doesn't carry the levity that it should.
my boss threw me in as the lead on a threshold job and i had to see the entire building built from the ground up before i could even begin to smell the computer programs. and that experience was probably the most important experience that i've ever had. much more so than just sitting behind the desk running numbers because at the end of the day, you won't develop your natural intuition from looking at a calculation pad.
RE: Structural Eng salary
RE: Structural Eng salary
I would agree that you should consider asking for an adjustment to at least pay you equal to what other local companies are paying, and even if you get what you are asking get your resume out there.
If you want to make more $$ the best way to do it is by switching jobs, but get as much as you can when you get your initial offer to cover a 2%-4% raise a year until you are ready to switch jobs again.
Good luck.
RE: Structural Eng salary
RE: Structural Eng salary
I would keep your eyes open for something better, and definitley leave on good terms! Future potential employers may be calling your current employer, and you don't want a bad rap.
RE: Structural Eng salary
My personal feeling is $27-$30 per hour. Please feel free to tell me if this is ridiculous. That's the kind of imput I'm searching for.
RE: Structural Eng salary
RE: Structural Eng salary
I agree with the fact that it might be easier to wait until after the test to change, but i'm been wanting to leave this job for two years. I couldn't because I needed PE/SE signoffs. I can't get out quick enough now.
RE: Structural Eng salary
RE: Structural Eng salary
I'm not too far away though (75 miles from Busch) I will probably commute for a short time while moving etc.
RE: Structural Eng salary