Civil Engineering Careers
Civil engineers help shape communities by designing and creating structures such as highways, airports, and dams. To prepare candidates for these careers, civil engineering programs require coursework, practice, and research in construction techniques and advanced math concepts.
Keep reading for more information on civil engineering programs and career opportunities. This guide also addresses license and certification options, as well as professional resources for field professionals.
Why Pursue a Degree in Civil Engineering?
Civil engineers plan and create structures that cater to public needs in a variety of areas, including transportation, coastal construction, and environmental engineering. Workers may design sustainable buildings; safer roads and bridges; and robust structures that provide utility and beauty.
Civil engineering careers, then, allow people to positively impact their communities while focusing on areas that interest them.
To succeed, civil engineers should be detail-oriented individuals with strong mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. They should also excel at team leadership and communication, since they must discuss plans with clients and guide workers on building processes.
Featured Online Engineering Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Civil Engineering Career Outlook
Salaries for careers with a civil engineering degree vary by location and industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), civil engineers earn a median income of $87,060 nationwide across all industries. Professionals in the oil and gas extraction industry, however, earn an average salary of $129,870, while civil engineers in California earn $110,480 annually.
These factors can also impact career availability. Specifically, architectural, engineering, and related services offer the highest employment levels for these professionals, and California, Texas, and New York host the most civil engineering jobs.
Experience also impacts income, as the following table illustrates. For civil, structural, and environmental engineers, salaries increase with experience. Experienced professionals with at least 10 years of experience often earn $30,000 more a year than entry-level individuals.
| Job Title | Entry-Level (0-12 months) | Early Career (1-4 Years) | Midcareer (5-9 Years) | Experienced (10-19 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $63,000 | $69,000 | $83,000 | $98,000 |
| Structural Engineer | $67,000 | $72,000 | $85,000 | $99,000 |
| Construction Manager | $62,000 | $71,000 | $83,000 | $92,000 |
Skills Gained With a Civil Engineering Degree
Civil engineering programs provide students with a deep understand of math and physics and how to apply them to building projects. Students will also learn to create plans, renderings, models, and blueprints to help visualize their designs. On top of that, they will develop a diverse set of professional and leadership skills to empower them to make decisions, build consensus, and manage projects. Those skills should include the following.
Problem-Solving
Problem-solving lies at the heart of all engineering. Civil engineers face a variety of challenges, such as how to most efficiently gather hydroelectric power from a river or how to build structures resistant to earthquakes. To address these issues, engineers must know how to examine problems, generate solutions, and evaluate the costs and benefits of various approaches.Project Management
Engineers often oversee the work of surveyors, planners, drafters, civil engineering technicians, construction managers, and laborers. Effective coordination of their project teams requires expertise in setting goals, creating work plans, and ensuring accountability. Civil engineers also need a variety of soft skills to motivate their employees and resolve conflicts.Mathematics
Most civil engineering programs feature extensive coursework in geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and applied statistics. Students may also need to take specialized coursework to prepare for certain civil engineering career paths. For example, an aspiring geotechnical engineer may need to study structural and soil mechanics in order to build foundations.Organization
Strong organizational skills help civil engineers balance their tasks and deadlines. These skills also help professionals effectively allocate resources and comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Many engineering students take classes in business administration and apply their learning through internships or other supervised field experiences.Communication
Because civil engineers often work on projects related to the public interest, they need to know how to communicate effectively with inexpert audiences, such as elected officials and citizen advocacy groups. They must also know how to communicate with expert colleagues, like architects and urban planners. Engineering students hone their communication skills through class discussions and group projects.
Civil Engineering Career Paths
Construction Engineering and Management
After graduating, students who concentrate in construction engineering and management often take on roles overseeing complex infrastructure projects. They may also manage public facilities, such as a sewer or wastewater system. Coursework in this area covers subjects like designing construction systems, capital-facility planning and financing, and managing civil infrastructure systems.Engineering Mechanics
Engineering mechanics deal with the response of solids and fluids to external pressures or loads. For example, engineering mechanics plays a key role in the design of oil and natural gas pipelines. Pursuing this concentration typically requires learners to take classes in the mechanics of fracture and fatigue, the advanced mechanics of solids, and uncertainty and risk in infrastructure systems.Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineers often develop solutions to environmental challenges, such as climate change or a lack of access to clean drinking water. Students who specialize in environmental engineering may study sustainable water treatment and reuse; groundwater-contaminant transport and remediation; and environmental, health, and safety concepts in construction processes.Forensic Structural Engineering
When bridges, tunnels, and other constructed facilities fail, forensic structural engineers work to identify the causes. They use this information for future designs and, if necessary, to help hold certain parties liable in civil or criminal court. Students in this subfield of civil engineering may explore topics like risk assessment, construction law, and the resolution of construction disputes.Geotechnical Engineering
Geotechnical engineering involves the study of the behavior and makeup of soils, primarily to assist in the development of structural foundations. Geotechnical engineers often work to ensure the safety and stability of buildings constructed in areas prone to natural disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes. Learners in this concentration take classes in earth-retaining structures, experimental soil mechanics, and the theory of vibrations.
How to Start Your Career in Civil Engineering
While individuals with an associate degree may qualify for some entry-level positions, most civil engineering careers call for at least a bachelor’s or master’s. For this reason, candidates should expect to earn at least a four-year degree, though advanced positions often call for graduate education. Careers may also mandate licenses, certifications, and/or field experiences.
A great place for candidates to start is by researching requirements for their career goals and choosing programs that match those criteria.
Associate Degree in Civil Engineering
Associate degrees in civil engineering typically take two years to complete and require 60-70 credits. Mandatory courses focus on civil engineering fundamentals, like fluid and soil mechanics, as well as computer-aided design software. Programs also emphasize advanced math and science concepts, such as differential equations, pre-calculus, and chemistry, as well as business-focused courses like project management.
Students also complete general education courses, including English and history classes, as well as electives. Many of these programs are designed to prepare students to transfer into a bachelor’s program, although they may also qualify individuals for positions as drafters and technicians.
Admission usually calls for a high school diploma (or the equivalent) and ACT or SAT scores. Other application materials may include recommendation letters, statements of purpose, and FAFSA results.
What Can You Do With an Associate in Civil Engineering?
Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
Full-time students usually take four years to earn an engineering bachelor’s degree. However, some schools offer five-year plans that culminate in both a bachelor’s and a master’s.
These bachelor’s degrees include 120-140 credits. Classes explore engineering concepts like construction materials, surveying, and structural analysis. Degree-seekers also complete advanced math and science coursework, such as calculus, physics, and matrix algebra, as well as general education and elective courses.
Departments may allow students to earn credits through internships or independent study projects. Institutions may also offer minor or concentration options in areas like transportation, water resources, and biomedical engineering.
To apply, learners generally need a high school diploma (or the equivalent), ACT or SAT scores, and prerequisite coursework in science, math, and engineering. Requirements may also include a minimum 2.5 GPA and letters of recommendation.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering?
Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering
Master’s programs often require 30-40 credits and take about two years to complete. Departments usually allow learners to concentrate in an engineering area, such as urban infrastructure systems, structural/earthquake engineering, or hydrology and water resources.
Graduate degrees are often field-specific and do not require as much general education coursework. These programs may culminate in a thesis or an engineering project. Professionals can pursue almost any civil engineering career with a master’s, including management positions.
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s from a program with accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Departments may require a minimum 3.0 GPA, writing samples, resumes, and GRE scores.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Civil Engineering?
Doctoral Degree in Civil Engineering
Doctoral degrees usually require 50-75 credits and take five or more years to complete. These research-intensive programs culminate in a dissertation and an oral defense.
Students generally work with advisors to build an individualized curriculum that relates to their career goals. The specialized curriculum usually fits within a specialty area, like traffic engineering, water resources, or environmental engineering. These programs often include advanced math, mechanics, and statistics coursework.
Some departments may require students to declare a minor or expect them to publish scholarly articles before graduation. These degrees prepare graduates for senior-level positions and careers in academia and research.
Applicants may need an ABET-accredited bachelor’s or master’s, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and GRE scores. Institutions may also require qualifying exams and writing samples for admission.
What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Civil Engineering?
How to Advance Your Career in Civil Engineering
To advance in civil engineering careers, professionals can pursue certifications and advanced degrees that reflect their specialization and areas of interest. To become an urban and regional planner, for instance, individuals can pursue a master’s related to city planning, and environmental engineers can earn certification from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists.
Engineers can also look for training and workshop opportunities, connect with professional organizations, and complete continuing education (CE) experiences to develop knowledge to qualify for advanced positions. They may also contribute to the field by presenting at professional events and publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals.
These experiences, and more, are covered in more detail in the following sections.
Certifications and/or Licensure
Engineers often start to pursue a professional engineering license by completing a program that is accredited by ABET. Depending on the specific license, other requirements may include completing years of fieldwork and/or passing exams such as the Professional Engineering Exam or the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.
Licenses are not always required for entry-level positions, but can help with attaining leadership and management careers. Certain states and professions do require specialized licenses, however. In New Jersey, for example, urban and regional planners must hold a license, which requires candidates to complete fieldwork and pass an exam.
Certifications can also help professionals obtain engineering-related careers at all levels. Drafters, for instance, can earn certification through ADDA, while civil engineering technicians can pursue credentials through NICET. Health and safety engineer certifications are available through organizations like the American Board of Industrial Hygiene and the American Society of Safety Professionals.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) also offers certifications in areas such as geotechnical and water resources engineering.
Continuing Education
CE experiences help professionals stay up to date on field trends, policies, and issues. They may also be required for license or certification renewal. Professional organizations often provide CE opportunities through webinars, training, and conferences. ASCE, for instance, offers webinars related to field ethics and geotechnical engineering.
Professionals can also complete online classes to bolster their knowledge. As an example, the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) offers free classes on topics like engineering ethics, risk management, and electric transmission. ASCE also delivers courses that last up to 12 weeks and explore concepts like bidding and safety management.
Fellowships and published articles may also count for CE credit, as can experiences teaching or delivering civil engineering presentations. Professionals can also pursue higher degrees, academic certificates, or new certifications.
The best CE options depend on an individual’s professional goals. To earn senior civil engineer positions, for example, professionals should consider earning a graduate degree. Professionals who intend to work in health and safety engineering, however, may be better off pursuing certifications like the certified systems engineering professional credential.
Next Steps
Trends and regulations for civil engineering careers change over time, and professionals must stay current. To do this, workers should consider connecting with professional organizations. These groups publish scholarly articles; host networking events; maintain job boards; and offer training, workshops, and webinars on innotivate ideas.
These organizations may deliver conferences and presentations at local, national, and international events. Conferences explore the latest civil engineering ideas, challenges, and technologies. Attendees at these events can also share professional ideas with one another. This communication extends professional networks and can lead to information about available careers in civil engineering.
Professionals can also pursue certifications or complete CE experiences to stay abreast of new ideas. Other options include following experts in civil engineering on social media — like Twitter and Facebook — for insights on their strategies.
How to Switch Your Career to Civil Engineering
Professionals from other fields often need at least a bachelor’s in engineering before they can pursue civil engineering careers. However, advanced engineering positions may call for higher degrees. For instance, nuclear engineers may need a master’s.
Professionals switching from careers related to civil engineering may be able to join the field without going back to school. Hydrologists, for example, can hold a degree in engineering, geosciences, or earth science, so long as their program included a hydrology concentration.
Previous academic and professional experience can benefit workers, even if they do need to earn another degree to find a civil engineering career. Experience in business, for example, can prepare candidates for leadership positions, while law degrees help engineers understand legislation and policy related to project construction. Software experience can also help professionals use computer-aided design and drafting software while working on engineering projects.
Where Can You Work With A Civil Engineering Degree?
Industries
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
This industry includes the roughly 116,000 private firms that provide services in the field of architecture, landscape architecture, drafting, engineering, building inspection, land planning, and mapping.
- Average Salary: $96,400
State Government, Excluding Schools and Hospitals
Nearly 36,000 civil engineering work for state government agencies. For example, they may work with a state’s department of transportation overseeing the construction of new bridges and highways.
- Average Salary: $91,870
Local Government, Excluding Schools and Hospitals
Another 32,920 civil engineers work for local government agencies. These professionals often serve in public works departments, designing and building sewage treatment facilities, public parks, and municipal power grids.
- Average Salary: $103,120
Nonresidential Building Construction
Civil engineers in this industry plan and supervise the construction of commercial and industrial buildings, such as warehouses, factories, and power plants. They may also lead the development of public sector buildings, such as police stations and firehouses.
- Average Salary: $83,560
Federal Executive Branch
The federal government employs 9,870 civil engineers. These workers may liaise with state-level officials and engineers on the expansion of interstate highways, ensure that infrastructure projects comply with federal regulations, and oversee construction on federal lands.
- Average Salary: $101,450
Locations
Rhode Island offers the highest average pay for civil engineers, where workers make $119,260 annually. Other high-paying areas include Louisiana, California, Alaska, and Colorado, where the average pay surpasses $103,000. California employs the most civil engineers of any other state, with nearly 45,000. Other areas with high levels of employment include Texas, New York, and Florida.
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Resources for Civil Engineering Majors
Professional resources help engineers stay current on policy changes, trends, and other issues that relate to the field. These resources include scholarly journals, magazines, and books that address engineering concepts. Professional organizations also offer events, certifications, and training experiences. Students and professionals can also access open courseware from colleges and universities. Keep reading to learn more information on these options.
Professional Organizations
American Society of Civil Engineers
Along with offering professional certifications, ASCE hosts networking events and research conferences, publishes both scholarly journals and a magazine for practitioners, and provides professional resources on subjects like the changing climate and forensic engineering. The organization also administers a mentorship program, maintains a jobs board, and conducts an annual survey on civil engineering salaries.
National Society of Professional Engineers
NSPE oversees both the Fundamentals of Engineering and the Principles Exam and Practice of Engineering Exam — two of the four requirements for an engineering license in most states. The association also offers exam preparation services for licensure candidates, continuing education opportunities to help professional engineers maintain their license, and scholarships for engineering students.
American Society for Engineering Education
Originally founded in 1893, ASEE promotes excellence and innovation in engineering education. In addition to disseminating news and research through academic journals, books, and blogs, the organization provides a wealth of resources for educators in K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. ASEE also advertises job opportunities for engineering professors, postdoctoral researchers, and higher education administrators.
International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering
IABSE specifically serves the professional interests of structural engineers. Members can attend events around the globe, access a variety of online learning resources, and stay abreast of news updates and job openings. The association also encourages collaboration through affinity groups in areas like the design of bridges against fire hazards and artificial intelligence in structural engineering.
American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
AAEES primarily provides board certification to environmental engineering scholars and professionals. The academy also hosts resources and events that cater to engineering students, including an overview of potential career paths in the field, a lecture series on college campuses across the country, and a listing of ABET-accredited degree programs.
Open Courseware
Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Stanford University
This course is offered by the Standard School of Engineering and builds leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Specifically, students learn how to gain customers and adapt to new trends. Engineers in self-employed or managerial positions can benefit from this course.
Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers - Stanford University
This class, which is delivered through the edX platform, lasts nine weeks and explores the definition and uses of quantum mechanics. Learners study topics like Schrodinger’s wave equation, measurements, and the hydrogen atom as they relate to quantum mechanics and engineering practices. Students should have knowledge of engineering and physical science before taking this course.
Ethics for Engineers - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Learners explore ethical practices in engineering by considering case studies and studying ideas from notable figures. Students also examine the importance of understanding people — both independently and in groups — when building engineering structures.
Urban Transportation Planning - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
This class addresses methods for designing and creating urban transportation systems that last. The course uses Boston as an example and emphasizes policy and technical skills for building urban structures.
Introducing Engineering - The Open University
This course covers introductory engineering, scientific, and mathematical concepts for engineering design and creation. The class emphasizes decision-making in the field.
Publications
Civil Engineering Journal
This peer-reviewed journal examines civil engineering through a cross-disciplinary lens, exploring engineering projects to give readers insights on new engineering techniques. Readers can also study topics like climate change, engineering issues that pause construction, and the durability of construction materials. The Salehan Institute of Higher Education started publishing this open-access journal in 2015 and offers 12 issues each year.
International Journal of Civil Engineering
Readers explore practical and theoretical concepts that are relevant to all aspects of civil engineering. For instance, issues may address geotechnics, structures, and construction management for engineering projects, while also touching on earthquakes and water resources as they relate to engineering.
Journal of Civil Engineering and Management
This open-access journal covers engineering topics like building materials, fire protection, and construction safety. Articles incorporate ideas from different fields of engineering, including urban and geotechnical engineering. Designers, manufacturers, and researchers are the target readership for this peer-reviewed publication.
Civil Engineering Magazine
ASCE has published this magazine since 1930. Topics include policies, trends, and current concerns related to engineering projects. Over 140,000 engineers read this digital and print journal.
Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part A: Systems
This journal from ASCE covers the design, construction, and upkeep of various transportation structures. For example, articles in this monthly publication may examine bridge construction or technology used to regulate highway traffic.
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
ASCE publishes this monthly journal, which emphasizes decision-making related to water resources. Articles address topics such as innovative technologies and strategies for adapting to changes in climate and population. The publication also offers case studies and encourages research-based practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. U.S. News & World Report ranks civil engineer as the second best engineering career and reports less than 1% unemployment for the position. Civil engineering careers generally require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. According to the BLS, civil engineers earn a median annual salary of $89,940.
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