Structural engineers focus on designing and constructing buildings and structures that are capable of withstanding the elements to which they might be exposed. These engineers will also improve the structural integrity of existing buildings. This can include earthquake-proofing a building or creating supportive infrastructure for buildings stationed in areas prone to mudslides, for example.
If you are looking to hire a freelance structural engineer, it is important to understand what they do and the amount of work, effort, and time that goes into their workflow. When you have a comprehensive understanding of what these engineers provide, you will understand their rates.
Why Hire a Structural Engineer?
Structural engineers tend to work for construction or engineering companies, where they will focus on the design structure. They are responsible for overseeing the overall construction of the structure and work on site. Most engineers specialize in a specific type of project and infrastructure, such as residential buildings or bridges.
Before we go over how much it costs to hire one, it’s important to understand when they need a structural engineer.
Structural Engineer Tasks and Obligations
There are numerous tasks and obligations that a structural engineer needs to address. Some of the most notable tasks include preparing reports, designs, and drawings, and calculating the loads and physical stresses. Additionally, they need to select the appropriate construction materials and provide technical advice to the construction team. They can also obtain planning and building regulations approval.
These engineers monitor and inspect the work undertaken by the contractors they are working with, administer contracts, manage projects, and inspect properties to check their overall conditions and foundations.
The Requirements for a Structural Engineer
Structural engineers are involved in the design of assets where structural integrity can impact the overall functionality and safety. Different structural engineering jobs exist and can have different costs, depending on the unique situation. Earthquake engineering, for example, is a specialization in engineering that focuses on how the structures of a building interact with the destabilization of an earthquake. This type of engineering focuses on factors that enable the structure’s base to move alongside the ground.
There are also civil engineers for large-scale infrastructures, including:
- Bridges
- Earthworks
- Foundations
- Dams
- Pipelines
- Power stations
- Railways
- Reservoirs
- And many more
Safety is the top priority when it comes to engineering these large-scale infrastructures. Structural engineers calculate the safest methods and materials to ensure these infrastructures align with local and state regulations while managing the various factors that could impact the structure. Some of these factors include temperature exposure, loading, and pressure impacts.
Structural engineers also specialize in mechanical structures. These can move instead of remaining rigid and need to withstand damage or structural shifts depending on the situation. There are also aerospace, nanoscale, and medical equipment structures.
Based on all of this, a structural engineer can excel in numerous fields and areas of interest.
Hiring a Structural Engineer
How much a structural engineer costs is dependent on various factors, from their specialty to the overall time requirement. Generally speaking, the average value per project is $520, with the low end at $200 and the high end at $1,445.
Typically, they will charge either by project or hourly, and some even charge by the square foot. For example, the charge per square foot can range between $0.25 and $2. Other structural engineers might take things one step further and charge a percentage of the total construction costs. Those who charge by the hour typically range from $20 per hour to $30, $40, or even $100, depending on their overall experience level and the difficulty of the task at hand.
With that in mind, freelancer platforms such as Guru can aid businesses and individuals looking for a structural engineer. You can easily see the rates, terms and conditions, and fees set forth by each engineer on Guru.
Picking the Right Structural Engineer for Your Project
We have gone over some of the most important aspects that anyone needs to know surrounding structural engineers, from their role to what areas they specialize in and the overall costs of hiring one. The salary level that structural engineers have will increase with their experience and qualifications; salaries can also differ according to where and for who they work.
In any case, all work requires a specialized skill set, such as in-depth knowledge of physics and mathematics. Each engineer needs to understand the properties of different materials, such as density, hardness, and other data types. Connect with your perfect structural engineer today on Guru!
