Tekla Structures: The Complete Guide for Structural Engineers in India

While most civil engineers have heard of REVIT and AutoCAD, Tekla Structures remains one of the best-kept secrets in the Indian construction industry — and those who know it are commanding salaries that leave their peers behind.

What is Tekla Structures?

Tekla Structures, developed by Trimble, is the world's most advanced structural BIM software. Unlike general-purpose BIM tools, Tekla is built specifically for structural engineering and detailing — handling everything from conceptual design to fabrication-level drawings for steel, concrete, precast and composite structures.

Where REVIT gives you a building model, Tekla gives you a fabrication-ready structural model — every bolt, weld, connection, rebar and anchor bolt modelled with millimetre precision.

Who Uses Tekla in India?

Tekla is the software of choice for:

• Steel fabricators — Tata Steel, SAIL, JSW, Jindal and their fabrication partners
• Precast concrete manufacturers — for automated production data
• Large EPC contractors — L&T, Gammon, NCC for industrial and infrastructure projects
• Structural consultancies — for high-rise buildings, industrial structures and bridges
• International projects — any project requiring LOD 400–500 structural BIM

Tekla vs REVIT vs STAAD Pro — Which Does What?

The ideal structural engineer knows STAAD Pro or ETABS for analysis and Tekla for detailed modelling and drawings. This combination is extremely rare and extremely well compensated.

What Can You Do With Tekla Structures?

• Model complete steel structures with accurate connection details
• Create rebar models for reinforced concrete with bar bending schedules
• Design precast concrete elements with lifting inserts and production data
• Generate CNC data for automated steel fabrication
• Produce shop drawings, general arrangement drawings and erection drawings
• Perform clash detection and model coordination
• Export to IFC for open BIM workflows

Career Opportunities in Tekla Structures

Tekla-trained engineers in India are scarce — and scarcity equals opportunity:

• Tekla Detailer — ₹3.5–7 LPA entry, rapidly growing
• Structural BIM Engineer — ₹8–18 LPA with 2–4 years experience
• Tekla Freelancer — ₹8,000–₹80,000 per project from international clients
• International opportunities — UAE, UK, Singapore, Australia all have strong Tekla demand

Can a Fresh Graduate Learn Tekla?

Yes — but you need the right foundation. Before learning Tekla, you should have a basic understanding of structural engineering principles, connection design, and ideally some exposure to 3D modelling (AutoCAD 3D or REVIT helps).

With proper structured training covering real project workflows, a fresh graduate can become a productive Tekla operator within 6–8 weeks.

The International Opportunity You Are Missing

One of the biggest untapped opportunities for Indian engineers is Tekla freelancing for international clients. Structural detailing firms in the UK, USA, Australia and UAE regularly outsource Tekla modelling work to Indian freelancers.

Rates range from $15–$50 per hour depending on experience and complexity. A skilled Tekla freelancer working part-time can earn ₹30,000–₹1,00,000 per month from international projects — in addition to their regular job.