Civil Engineer Salary, Outlook & Career Guide

What Does a Civil Engineer Do?

Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects. They work on the physical structures that form the foundation of modern society—from roads and bridges to water systems and skyscrapers.

On a typical day, civil engineers might analyze survey reports and blueprints, use CAD software to design transportation systems, prepare cost estimates, manage construction teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and oversee quality control. They split time between office work and onsite supervision.

Key responsibilities include:

Analyzing plans, maps, and data to design infrastructure projects
Using CAD software to create detailed designs for structures and systems
Testing soil and materials to ensure structural integrity
Preparing cost estimates for equipment, materials, and labor
Managing construction or repair of buildings and infrastructure
Ensuring projects comply with building codes and safety regulations
Collaborating with architects, construction managers, and urban planners

Education & Requirements

Typical Education: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field required. Programs include coursework in math, physics, engineering mechanics, and construction systems.
Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license required for public-facing work (requires FE exam, 4+ years experience, PE exam). State-specific requirements vary.
Key Skills: Math (calculus, trigonometry), CAD software, project management, communication, decision-making, problem-solving, organizational skills.
Experience: Entry-level roles don't require prior experience. Co-op or internship experience preferred and provides competitive advantage.

Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data):

Median Annual Salary: $99,590 ($47.88/hour)
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $65,920
Experienced (90th percentile): $160,990
Top-Paying Industries: Federal government ($114,210), Local government ($108,790), Engineering services ($99,380)
Lower-Paying Sectors: Nonresidential construction ($80,980), State government ($98,850)

Job Outlook & Growth

Employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth translates to approximately 18,500 new jobs over the decade, with about 23,600 total openings annually when including replacement needs.

Growth drivers include:

Infrastructure investment: Continued funding for upgrading roads, bridges, water systems, and buildings
Population growth: Need for new residential and commercial construction
Aging infrastructure: Maintenance and replacement of deteriorating structures nationwide
Environmental projects: Waste treatment plants and water system improvements to reduce loss

Note: Public infrastructure projects depend on federal, state, and local government funding, so employment may fluctuate with budget availability.

How to Break Into This Field

Education: Earn a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited civil engineering program. Coursework includes math, physics, engineering mechanics, and construction systems. Participate in co-op or internship programs for practical experience.
Entry-Level Roles: Start as junior civil engineer, assistant engineer, or project engineer working under experienced professionals at engineering firms or government agencies.
Build Skills: Gain proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D), learn project management basics, study building codes and regulations. Work toward FE exam (first step to PE license).
Network: Join the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), attend industry conferences, connect with alumni, participate in student chapters during college.
Apply Strategically: Target engineering services firms (52% of jobs), state/local government agencies, construction companies. Use LinkedIn, Indeed, and ASCE job boards.

Career Path & Advancement

Typical progression: Junior engineer → Civil engineer → Senior engineer → Project manager or Engineering manager → City engineer or Public works director.

Civil engineers with PE licenses can advance to supervisory or administrative positions overseeing entire projects or departments. Some specialize in construction, geotechnical, structural, or transportation engineering. Graduate degrees plus PE license and experience can lead to senior technical roles or engineering management positions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

High salary with median near $100K and strong earning potential
Meaningful work – build infrastructure that serves communities
Strong job growth faster than national average
Diverse specializations – structural, transportation, environmental, more
Job stability – large field (368K+ jobs) with steady demand

Cons

Licensure required for advancement (PE exam is challenging)
Long hours – may exceed 40 hours/week to meet project deadlines
Site work required – outdoor work in variable weather conditions
High responsibility – public safety depends on design accuracy
Budget dependency – public sector jobs tied to government funding cycles

Related Careers

If you're interested in Civil Engineer, you might also consider:

Construction Manager – Oversee construction projects from start to finish ($106,980 median)
Architect – Design buildings and structures ($96,690 median)
Environmental Engineer – Develop solutions to environmental problems ($104,170 median)
Urban Planner – Plan land use for cities and communities ($83,720 median)
Surveyor – Make precise measurements for property boundaries ($72,740 median)

Data Source

All salary and employment data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data reflects May 2024 estimates and 2024-2034 projections.

Civil Engineer Career Guide