Civil Engineer Career Guide

What is a civil engineer?

Civil engineers are the brains behind the construction of bridges, roads, water systems, and tall buildings. They use math and science to make sure these structures are built right and are safe to use. They are really important for both city and countryside development.

Duties and responsibilities

Civil engineers design big projects such as highways, bridges, airports, and systems that treat and carry water. They check that their plans will work by considering everything from local laws and safety rules to how the ground and weather might affect the structures. They use special computer programs to draw up detailed plans that solve these challenges.

During the building process, they make sure everything goes according to plan. They manage teams, order materials, check the quality of work, and update the public on the project’s progress. They also work with other experts like architects and government officials to ensure everything is done right.

Work environment

Civil engineers split their time between the office and construction sites. In the office, they use computer software to design projects and sort out details like budget and scheduling. They also meet with clients and team members to discuss projects.

But they’re not always at a desk. They often go to construction sites to check on things, solve problems, and ensure the building matches their designs. These sites can be anywhere, from the middle of a city to a remote area.

Typical work hours

Most civil engineers work regular hours, Monday through Friday, but they start early to match construction times. They might work extra hours or on weekends if a project is close to its deadline or there are surprise issues. They also travel to different project sites, which can change their daily schedule depending on where and what they’re working on.

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How to become a civil engineer

Becoming a civil engineer involves learning lots of cool stuff about how things are built and making sure they’re safe for everyone. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Finish high school

First off, you need to graduate high school. Pay extra attention to math and science classes because what you learn there is the foundation for everything you’ll do in civil engineering.

Step 2: Go to college

Next, you’ll want to go to college and get a degree in civil engineering. This is where you’ll learn all the technical details about building structures and maintaining them. Some colleges even let you focus on specific types of engineering, like how to build safer bridges or better roads.

Step 3: Get an internship

While you’re in college, try to get an internship. It’s like a trial run where you work with professional engineers and see how everything you’ve learned in class works in real life. Plus, it’s a great way to make connections and learn from the experts.

Step 4: Get licensed

After college, you’ll need to get a Professional Engineering (PE) license to show you can handle big projects on your own. This usually means passing some tough tests and getting some real-world experience under your belt.

Step 5: Gain work experience

Working in the field is the best way to learn. You’ll get to apply what you learned in school and during your internship and learn new things from other engineers. This experience is super important if you want to move up in your career.

Step 6: Keep learning

The world of civil engineering always changes as we find new and better ways to build things. Staying updated through more classes or special certifications is a good idea. This keeps you sharp and ready for new challenges.

Step 7: Apply for jobs

With a degree, a license, and some experience, you’re ready to start applying for jobs. Make sure your resume talks about your best projects and everything you’ve learned. And don’t forget to talk to people you know in the industry; sometimes, they hear about jobs before anyone else.

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How much do civil engineers make?

Salaries for civil engineers can vary considerably. Generally, areas with a high cost of living pay higher wages, as do areas with high construction activity. Education and certification can materially impact their earnings. Advanced degrees and a PE license can substantially boost income potential.

Experience is another crucial consideration. As these engineers progress in their careers, their salaries tend to increase along with their experience and skills. The industry they work in and the company’s size also plays a significant role. Larger companies or industries with a high capital expenditure typically pay more.

Commissions and bonuses also contribute to the overall compensation package, usually tied to project completion or company performance.

Highest paying industries

• Oil and Gas: $122,840
• Federal Government: $120,830
• Commercial Construction: $118,320
• Scientific Research: $117,260
• Instruments Manufacturing: $115,820

Browse civil engineer salary data by market

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Types of civil engineers

Civil engineers come in different types, each specializing in a unique aspect of construction and design. Here’s a look at some of the main types:

• Structural engineer: These engineers focus on building strong and durable structures like buildings and bridges. They need to understand different materials like steel and concrete to make sure everything they build is safe and will last a long time.
• Transportation engineer: These engineers ensure people and goods can move around easily and safely. They design and manage everything related to transportation—from roads and bridges to railways and airports.
• Environmental engineer: Environmental engineers work on projects that protect the Earth. They handle issues like waste management and pollution, making sure that our environment is clean and healthy.
• Geotechnical engineer: These engineers work with earth materials, like soil and rocks. They’re important when building tunnels and dams and help determine whether areas might be at risk for landslides or earthquakes.
• Water resource engineer: Water resource engineers guarantee we have the water we need and that it’s managed well. They work on systems that bring water to our homes and take it away when we’re done, and they also help protect places from flooding.
• Construction engineer: Construction engineers are like the managers of building projects. They make sure that what’s designed on paper is built correctly in the real world and oversee the planning, budgeting, and construction of various projects.

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Top skills for civil engineers

To be a successful civil engineer, there are certain skills you really need to nail down. Here’s what tops the list:

• Great at math and science: Civil engineering is all about using math and science to solve problems. You need to be sharp in subjects like physics and geometry to design safe and efficient structures like bridges and buildings.
• Attention to detail: Being precise is super important, as a small mistake can lead to big problems, like buildings not being safe. So, paying close attention to every little detail in your plans and calculations is crucial.
• Project management: These engineers often manage large projects. Good project management skills help you handle various tasks, keep projects running smoothly, and adapt to any changes along the way.
• Strong communication: Since civil engineers work on projects that affect lots of people, they need to be able to explain technical details in a way everyone can understand. Whether talking to a team or explaining a project to the public, communicating clearly is key.
• Problem-solving: Problems can pop up at any time in civil engineering projects. Being able to think quickly and come up with effective solutions is a must. 

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Civil engineer career path

Starting out

After you get some basic experience in civil engineering, you might move into a project engineering role. Here, you’ll have more responsibility, like overseeing projects, working with teams, and talking to clients.

Moving up

From there, you can aim to become a project manager or even a senior project manager. These roles involve leading entire projects from start to finish. They require extra skills in managing time, budgets, and people, and often need additional project management training. These positions usually mean better pay and more complex challenges.

Specializing

If there’s a specific part of civil engineering that you really like, such as designing buildings (structural engineering), focusing on environmental impacts (environmental engineering), or working on transportation systems (transportation engineering), you can specialize in that area. This might mean taking extra courses and getting certifications. 

Academia

If you love learning and teaching, you might go into academia. This means working at a university, doing research, and teaching students. Going this route typically requires advanced degrees like a master’s or a Ph.D.

Starting your own business

With lots of experience and some business savvy, you might decide to start your own engineering consultancy. This is for those who want to be their own boss, take on independent projects, and offer expert advice. It’s a big step that mixes engineering skills with a lot of knowledge about running a business.

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Similar job titles

• Construction Project Manager
• Architectural Project Manager
• Surveyor
• Electrical Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Geotechnical Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Chemical Engineer
• Project Engineer

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Civil engineer position trends and outlook

The world of civil engineering is evolving rapidly, with several trends influencing the future of the industry:

• Technological advancements: Technology is transforming civil engineering. For example, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is making the design and construction processes more efficient and cost-effective, and drones are becoming essential for land surveying.
• Focus on sustainability: With growing concerns about climate change, there’s a shift toward using eco-friendly materials and green building practices. These changes are helping reduce environmental impacts while offering cost-effective and durable solutions.
• Infrastructure revitalization: As cities grow and infrastructure ages, there’s a big push to update and improve existing structures and systems. This need for revitalization is driving a wave of new projects, creating lots of job opportunities for these engineers.

Employment projections

The demand for civil engineers is expected to grow by 7% through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is fueled by the need to rebuild, repair, and upgrade bridges, roads, and airports. These trends point to an exciting future for civil engineers, with plenty of opportunities to engage in innovative projects and significantly impact society’s physical landscape.

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Civil engineer career tips

Understand the big picture

It’s important to see beyond the technical details. Understand how your projects fit into larger goals and how they impact society. This helps you communicate better with everyone, from clients to community members.

Focus on client relationships

Strong relationships with clients are essential. Be sure to listen to their needs and turn their ideas into actionable plans. Good communication and being proactive with solutions are crucial.

Keep up with technology

Technology changes fast, and staying updated is key. Learn about new tools and methods that make your work more efficient. Keeping up with these changes can set you apart in the field.

Sharpen your project management skills

Being good at managing projects is critical in civil engineering. It involves coordinating teams, managing resources, and meeting deadlines. Continuously improve these skills to keep your projects running smoothly.

Build your network

A strong professional network can open up many opportunities. It’s a great way to find mentorship, collaboration, and even job opportunities. Get involved with organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

Commit to continuous learning

The field of civil engineering is always evolving. Stay ahead by:

• Taking advanced courses in areas like project management
• Joining training programs for new software or technologies
• Attending industry seminars and webinars
• Reading up on the latest industry trends and research

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FAQs