**Structural Engineer Career Path**
## Introduction
Structural engineers play a crucial role in the design and construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures. They ensure the safety and stability of these structures, and they work closely with architects, contractors, and other professionals to bring projects to life.
The structural engineer career path is a challenging and rewarding one. It offers the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from small residential buildings to large commercial and industrial structures. Structural engineers can also specialize in a particular area, such as bridge design or seismic engineering.
## Education and Training
The first step to becoming a structural engineer is to earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. This degree program will provide you with the foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering that you need to be successful in this field.
In addition to your coursework, you will also need to complete a number of internships and projects. These experiences will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world projects.
After you have graduated from college, you will need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
Once you have passed the FE exam, you will be able to work as an engineer-in-training (EIT). This is a temporary license that allows you to gain experience under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer (PE).
After you have worked as an EIT for a number of years, you will be eligible to take the PE exam. This exam is more challenging than the FE exam, and it covers a broader range of topics.
Once you have passed the PE exam, you will be licensed to practice structural engineering. This license will allow you to work independently and to design and oversee the construction of structures.
## Job Outlook
The job outlook for structural engineers is expected to be good over the next few years. The demand for new construction is expected to increase, and this will lead to a corresponding increase in the demand for structural engineers.
Structural engineers can work in a variety of settings, including:
* Architectural firms
* Engineering firms
* Construction companies
* Government agencies
## Salary
The salary of a structural engineer can vary depending on their experience, education, and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for structural engineers was $87,060 in May 2020. The top 10% of earners made more than $142,780, and the bottom 10% earned less than $54,670.
## Career Advancement
There are a number of different ways to advance your career as a structural engineer. You can:
* Get promoted to a higher-level position within your current company
* Start your own engineering firm
* Teach at a college or university
* Work for a government agency
## Conclusion
The structural engineer career path is a challenging and rewarding one. It offers the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, to make a difference in the world, and to earn a good salary. If you are interested in a career in structural engineering, I encourage you to learn more about the field and to consider pursuing a degree in civil engineering.
## Additional Resources
* [American Society of Civil Engineers](https://www.asce.org/)
* [National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying](https://ncees.org/)
* [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/)
