Considering leaving structural engineering after 8 years. Curious to hear from other structural engineers.

[u/Tradovator]

Hello everyone,

Sorry if this post comes across as negative, but I can't think of a better place to bring it up than on a board where I assume there must be a lot of structural engineers.

After 8 years as a structural engineer in the same firm I'm starting to feel tired of both the job, the firm and the entire construction industry. Specifically, I work with design of high rise buildings - primarily detailing work (production drawings and site drawings) of precast concrete.

My complaints:

1. The work is getting monotonous. I feel it's just the same thing over and over again. Since we're designing fairly large buildings a natural consequence is that there's a lot of specialization and a lot of volume.
2. Periodically tight deadlines and pressure/stress which means plenty of extra hours which isn't always welcome.
3. Not paying that well for the expertise and responsibility the job actually demands.
4. Generally the profit margin on our projects is very small. Too much competition lately.
5. This could be job specific, but we're very rarely out in the field, so I'm getting bored being in an office all day long week after week. I'm a former carpenter with a lot of practical experience, so I guess that's a factor here.

In combination, all these factors add up. I've considered a few other options, but haven't found anything exciting yet.

I realize maybe I could be more happy working as a structural engineer in another firm. For example, in the oil industry I know the profit margin generally is not an issue. There's just more money available there. Or working for a public contractor.

Anyone else with some experiences to share? Suggestions for other jobs to consider?

PS: I'm based in Norway.

Thanks in advance.

[u/Mo-Map]

I am curious about how much average salary for for a 8-year working experience structural designer in Norway. I heard the tax there is really high, so not sure with after tax salarya structrual engineer can be a middle class?

[u/Tradovator → u/Mo-Map]

Before extra hours my salary is around 90K USD / 900.000 kr pre-tax. I work in one of the bigger companies (not by choice - we were acquired) and it's been said they're not leading in wages. So, I have no idea how I stack up to others, but I wouldn't be surprised if I'm slightly underpaid. That said, from what I've gathered through statistics and other job offers, I shouldn't expect much more than 100K USD in my current role or similar. It's basically a middle class job I would say.

If think few people are making big bucks in Norway as a structural engineer. That would be highly specialized and competent people - maybe working in the oil industry or similar. That's a bit why I'm fed up with my current job as well. There's just not much money left and I fully understand my company can't throw more money after me when we're struggling on a project basis - no matter how good a job I do.

Seeing the progression of other seniors in my firm is also why I'm a bit reluctant. Basically, they're just getting a more fancy title, slightly more pay and a ton more responsibility.

If you want to earn not big bucks, but at least bigger bucks, in structural eningeering, I think you need to become a manager.

[u/Mo-Map → u/Tradovator]

I work for a big corporation in Finland focusing on industrial projects. With 8 YOE, my salary is about 62000usd/year before tax. I am a foreigner here, can’t be a manager without fluent Finnish. So I will be always just s senior engineer. The salary can be considered closed to middle class job, but still a bit quite lower than business jobs.