TL;DR: Is $70k–$75k reasonable for an entry-level structural engineer in LA with an M.S. background, no internship experience, and temporary work authorization?
Hi everyone, I’m trying to get a realistic market check for an entry-level structural engineering offer in Southern California.
My background:
• M.S. in Structural Engineering from a California university, graduating in 2026
• B.S. in Civil Engineering from a well-known university outside the U.S.
• Passed FE and PE Civil Structural exam, but not licensed yet since I still need qualifying experience
• No internship or full-time industry experience yet
• Academic project experience in steel, concrete, timber, foundations, seismic design, ETABS, AutoCAD, Python/MATLAB
• International student on F-1 OPT, STEM OPT eligible
• Available to start in fall 2026
The offer:
• Small structural engineering firm in the LA area
• Entry-level structural engineering position
• Salary: $70k–$75k range
• Full-time position
• Basic benefits, including health insurance, vacation/sick leave, and 401(k) eligibility
My questions:
Is $70k–$75k normal, low, or reasonable for an entry-level structural engineer in the LA area with no internship experience?
How much does F-1 OPT / future sponsorship need affect offers in this field?
Is a small structural firm a reasonable first job if my main goal is to build practical design experience?
Would you keep interviewing after accepting something like this as a backup, or treat it as a solid first step?
I know structural engineering generally pays less than tech and some other engineering fields. I’m mainly trying to figure out whether this offer is fair for the current market, or if I’m undervaluing myself.
Thanks!