Engineering Professionals

How to become a Structural Engineer

Also called: Structural Design Engineer

Analyses, calculates and predicts the stability, strength and rigidity of built structures, tests the behaviour and durability of materials used in their construction, and designs and supervises the construction of all types of structures.

Main tasks

Calculates pressures, loads and stresses on structural foundations to ensure the safety of the construction
Studies and analyses the strength of building materials to select and advise on the suitable ones for the construction
Conducts structural inspections to evaluate the conditions and foundations, and assess the structural integrity
Uses computer models to simulate and predict the structure's behaviour under varying conditions, such as high winds, flooding or earthquakes
Researches and improves construction techniques and structural designs

Ways in

University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Timber Systems Design (FWP40420); Graduate Diploma of Engineering (MEM80122); Certificate IV in Civil Construction (RII40720); Certificate IV in Civil Construction Design (RII40820); Diploma of Civil Construction Design (RII50520)
Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Typical full-time pay: $115,284 a year
About 76,300 people work in this job group now, and about 92,300 are projected by 2035. (+21%)
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Structural Engineer?

Ways in include: Engineering degrees; Certificate IV in Timber Systems Design; Graduate Diploma of Engineering.

How much does a Structural Engineer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $115,284 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Structural Engineer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 21% by 2035, from about 76,300 to about 92,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Structural Engineer?

Usually. 93% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Structural Engineer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04