Structural Engineer
Shortage Now
States / territories with a shortage signal
Snapshot
Median salary
A$121,600
Full-time annual
People employed
9,000
Estimated workforce
Shortage signal
Shortage (national)
Categories identify where a shortage occurs; they are not a severity score.
What you actually do
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.
Alternative titles
Structural Design Engineer
Specialisations
Skills & main tasks
Official 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
Where people work
State / territory distribution
Highest education
Share of workers
Education & work pattern
Part-time
12%
Female rate
13%
Median age
36
2030 & 2035 employment outlook
to 2030
+12%
8,834 projected jobs
to 2035
+21%
16,010 projected jobs
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OSCA skill level 1
A classification attribute describing the occupation; it is not a personal eligibility or qualification decision.
Registration or licensing
Registration or licensing may be required.
Official VET pathways
Certificate IV in Timber Systems Design
Occupation ready
Certificate IV in Civil Construction
Progression pathway
Certificate IV in Civil Construction Design
Progression pathway
Diploma of Civil Construction Design
Progression pathway
Graduate Diploma of Engineering
Specialised training
Related study options
Bachelor
Compare university ROIReal jobs right now
Live signal from SEEK, Indeed & moreCurrent vacancy signal
QLD · May 2026
621
ACT · May 2026
36
VIC · May 2026
358
NT · May 2026
29
SA · May 2026
148
NSW · May 2026
642
Where could this career take you?
Compare state-level shortage signals, salary context, study options and visa information for Structural Engineer.
Regional demand
Largest employment base
#1 Melbourne - West
4,323 estimated employed
- 1
Melbourne - West
4,323 employed
VIC
+11.79%
year on year
- 2
Melbourne - Inner
4,044 employed
VIC
+5.15%
year on year
- 3
Melbourne - South East
3,382 employed
VIC
+18.54%
year on year
- 4
Melbourne - North West
2,822 employed
VIC
+14.72%
year on year
- 5
Perth - North West
2,542 employed
WA
-5.47%
year on year
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Ranked by current shortage signal and projected employment growth.
Workers in this occupation
6,485
Moved in from another occupation
665
Moved to another occupation
390
Recommendation score: shortage = 2 points, no shortage = 1 point, plus 1 point for each 10% of projected growth to 2035.
- 1
5
points
- 2
5
points
- 3
3
points
- 4
3
points
- 5
3
points
Data status
- Classification
- OSCA 243234
- Last updated
- Refresh pending
- Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia OSL · Jobs and Skills Australia DOM · ABS OSCA · OSCA 2024 — Jobs and Skills Australia
Labour-market data coverage
- Shortage signal and drivers: JSA Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO unit group where applicable).
- Work profile, state distribution and education: JSA Occupation Profiles (ANZSCO mapped).
- Regional employment: JSA NERO, June 2026.
- Career-move observations: JSA DOM, last available 2020–21. Observed Australian worker transitions are not personalised recommendations; many contractors and sole traders are excluded, as are transitions below 10 workers.
- Vacancy signal: JSA Internet Vacancy Index, 3-month average (ANZSCO unit group).
- Employment outlook: JSA employment projections (ANZSCO unit group).
- Training pathways: JSA Training Occupation Pathways.
Data confidence: estimate.