BUILDING BIG: Who Builds Big?

Structural Engineering
Who Builds Big Index | Engineering Webography | Career Info Index

Structural engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction of facilities essential to modern life. They investigate the behavior and design of all kinds of structures, including dams, domes, tunnels, bridges, and skyscrapers, to make sure they are safe and sound for human use.

Meet a structural engineer: Matthys Levy, Diana Nishi

Education
Structural engineers must have a college degree in civil, mechanical, or structural engineering. Fewer than 70 colleges in the United States offer a major in structural engineering. These colleges require students to take courses in physics, mechanics, blueprint reading, architecture, math, and materials science. In addition to school, many states require that structural engineers pass a written test and have least two years of experience in the construction industry before working as a structural engineer.

Fast Facts
Number of people in profession: 12,500*
Percentage male: 95
Percentage female: 5
Average hours per week: 45
Average starting salary: $35,000
Average salary after five years: $45,000
Average salary after 10 to 15 years: $55,000

People You Will Work With
Architects, civil engineers, construction managers, government officials

* Based on a 1999 National Science Foundation survey

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