If you want to get a job in civil engineering, earning a civil engineering degree is the most logical first step in realizing this dream. As a qualified civil engineering graduate, you can find work in construction, transportation, communication, and management in the public sector. You could also work in the private sector for companies that produce, store, and distribute electricity, gas, and water.
Many civil engineers have the goal of creating a positive impact on their communities. If you’re trying to figure out which career path within civil engineering is right for you, this guide will provide you with information to make a confident choice.
What Is a Civil Engineering Major?
A civil engineering program teaches you how to design bridges, highways, airports, dams, tunnels, and water supply systems. Civil engineers play an important role in communities because they are responsible for developing the infrastructure for towns, cities, and states.
A civil engineering major will teach geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. A civil engineering major combines maths, physics, and engineering mechanics to solve specific, real-world challenges.
How to Become a Civil Engineer: Civil Engineering Education Options
Civil engineers utilize theories and models to forecast how a design will perform. Like all engineering careers, the journey usually begins with earning a degree in civil engineering or a related field. Here are a few educational pathways that can set you up for a career in civil engineering to consider as you begin your journey.
Civil Engineering Associate Degree
An Associate Degree in Civil Engineering will give students the basic theoretical and technical knowledge and transferable skills they need to succeed as a civil engineer. These include math skills, project management skills, and budgeting skills.
Civil engineering associate degree programs typically last two years and applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible. Here are a few examples of the best civil engineering associate degree programs.
Best Associate Degree Programs in Civil Engineering
- Civil Engineering Technology Associate Degree | Gateway Technical College
- Associate of Applied Sciences in Civil Engineering Technology | SUNY Broome Community College
- Associate of Applied Sciences in Civil Engineering Technology | Jones County Junior College
- Associate in Engineering | Johnston Community College
- Associate of Applied Sciences in Civil Engineering Technology | Tidewater Community College
Civil Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s degrees in engineering are typically the minimum educational requirement needed to find entry-level work in the field. Students in these four-year degree programs develop their technical knowledge by taking civil engineering courses such as math, engineering, statistics, fluid dynamics, and architectural design. Students participate in lectures, internships or co-ops, and on-the-job training.
Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs institutions in Civil Engineering
- Civil Engineering Track | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | Stanford University
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | University of California, Berkeley
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | Georgia Institute of Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | The University of Texas at Austin
Civil Engineering Master’s Degree
For professional engineers with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, earning a graduate degree in civil engineering is the next step. Graduate school is a good choice for students looking to explore advanced engineering topics and gain extensive knowledge in the principles of engineering.
A Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering can help you gain promotions and higher salaries. You will have the opportunity to network with classmates, teachers, and professionals while honing your skills. Although an advanced degree isn’t necessarily required to work in engineering, it will help you stand out from the crowd.
Best Master’s Degree Programs in Civil Engineering
- Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering | Carnegie Mellon University
- Master of Civil and Environmental Engineering | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Master of Science in Civil Engineering | Purdue University
- Master of Science in Civil Engineering | University of Michigan
Civil Engineering Career Overview: Is a Civil Engineering Career Worth It?
Civil Engineer Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of civil engineers should increase at a rate of eight percent from 2020 to 2030. About 25,000 civil engineering job opportunities are expected to be created each year on average over the next nine years.
Civil Engineer Salaries
According to BLS, the median salary for civil engineers was $88,570 in May 2020. The bottom 10 percent of earners earned less than $56,160, while the top 10 percent earned more than $144,810. Civil engineering jobs vary depending on region and the type of engineering job you are looking at. Oil and gas extraction professionals make an average annual salary of $129,870.
Best Jobs for Civil Engineering Majors: What Can You Do with a Civil Engineer Degree?
Civil engineers work in a wide range of environments and industries. As a qualified civil engineer, you can work in construction, transportation, communications infrastructure, business, management, or finance. There are several different jobs you can apply for once you have a civil engineering degree.
Best Jobs for Civil Engineering Associate Degree Majors
| Job title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Land Surveyor | SUNY Broome Community College | $102,000 |
| Mapping Technician | Johnston Community College | $101,000 |
| Civil Engineering Technician | Gateway Technical College | $82,000 |
| Design Technician | Tidewater Community College | $68,000 |
Land Surveyor
Average salary: $67,122
Job outlook: 2%
Surveyors measure property boundaries and acquire data on the shape of the landscape for engineering, mapmaking, and construction projects. They mark and document the exact measurements of property boundaries to prevent and resolve disputes.
Mapping Technician
Average salary: $55,955
Job outlook: 4%
Mapping technicians analyze the surface of the earth to collect geographical data and measurements for map-making. They produce maps showing boundaries, water locations, elevations, and other land characteristics. They also work with surveyors, cartographers, and photogrammetrists.
Civil Engineering Technician
Average salary: $57,531
Job outlook: 2%
Civil engineering technicians help engineers create new products and find solutions to engineering problems. They assist engineers with technical tasks such as performing analysis, gathering information and statistics, and solving mechanical issues.
Design Technician
Average salary: $48,671
Job outlook: 2%
A design technician is responsible for designing products and finding solutions to engineering problems. They often work as mechanical, electric, or civil engineers. They also assist engineers in data collection, experimenting and drafting, and revising reports.
Best Jobs for Civil Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Majors
| Job title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Engineer | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $123,000 |
| Structural Engineer | Georgia Institute of Technology | $100,000 |
| Design Engineer | The University of Texas at Austin | $100,000 |
| Environmental Engineer | Stanford University | $99,000 |
| Geotechnical Engineer | The University of California, Berkeley | $93,000 |
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Marine Engineer
Average salary: $80,894
Job outlook: 4%
Professionals in this branch of engineering employ their skills to design, construct, and maintain marine infrastructures, dams, ships, submarines, boats, and aircraft carriers. They inspect the equipment, monitor repairs, and prepare technical reports on marine facilities.
Structural Engineer
Average salary: $70,402
Job outlook: 8%*
Structural engineers make blueprints and design specifications for different structural works to be completed. They manage several aspects of the construction process to ensure that projects satisfy environmental requirements and regulatory guidelines.
Design Engineer
Average salary: $69,015
Job outlook: 8%*
Design engineers develop schematics, blueprints, and prototypes for new products, infrastructure, and equipment. They work in teams of civil and mechanical engineers to create prototypes to improve production efficiency.
Environmental Engineer
Average salary: $66,545
Job outlook: 4%
Environmental engineers provide solutions to environmental issues by applying chemistry, biology, and soil science theories. Environmental engineering involves pollution control, recycling, sewage treatment, waste disposal, and public health projects. They perform ecological studies, create environmental investigation reports, develop environmental protection practices.
Geotechnical Engineer
Average salary: $67,157
Job outlook: 8%*
Geotechnical engineers study soil and rock and how they can be applied in new construction works. Geotechnical engineering involves designing, analyzing, and constructing significant infrastructures like walls, roads, tunnels, building foundations, and dams.
Best Jobs for Civil Engineering Master’s Degree Majors
| Job title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | Carnegie Mellon University | $150,000 |
| Construction Manager | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $126,000 |
| Civil Engineer | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $100,000 |
| Project Engineer | University of Michigan | $99,000 |
| Urban and Regional Planner | Purdue University | $87,000 |
Architectural and Engineering Manager
Average salary: $118,978
Job outlook: 4%
Engineering managers play a vital role in large engineering companies. They oversee and manage staff, set cost estimates for projects, train new employees, and ensure the seamless operation of tasks.
Construction Manager
Average salary: $97,180
Job outlook: 11%
Construction managers supervise, coordinate, and plan construction projects, such as public buildings, commercial structures, and industrial infrastructure. They employ construction management practices to ensure that projects meet specifications, are completed on time, and are within budget.
Civil Engineer
Average salary: $67,930
Job outlook: 8%
Civil engineers design, build, supervise, and construct infrastructure projects such as roads, buildings, transportation systems, airports, tunnels, and systems for water supply. Civil engineers have the technical skills to oversee surveying operations to guide construction projects.
Project Engineer
Average salary: $70,112
Job outlook: 8%*
Project engineers oversee and manage engineering projects. They prepare, schedule, and coordinate assigned projects to meet clients’ requirements and needs. They liaise with the project manager to provide technical support and assistance.
Urban and Regional Planner
Average salary: $56,978
Job outlook: 7%
Urban planners develop land-use solutions that meet the population’s needs and improve the physical facilities in towns, cities, and significant land areas. They administer government policies guiding land use.
*Based on job outlook data on Civil Engineers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Three Final Tips to Get a Job in Civil Engineering
- Research the different available educational pathways. If you’ve decided to be a civil engineer, the next step should be figuring out how to pursue your education. Start researching which degree you would like to pursue.
- Choose the appropriate course and school. Look for an accredited school that matches your budget. It can be hugely beneficial to earn a bachelor’s degree from a school that has been accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers or the American Society of Civil Engineers.
- Get some relevant work experience. Gaining practical work experience is immensely valuable when you start your job search. Some schools offer the chance to receive on-the-job training, but you may have to find an internship or low-level position on your own to cover this requirement.
Civil engineers can work in the private sector or for the federal government. Other than the careers listed above, civil engineering majors can also specialize in earthquake engineering, construction engineering, transportation engineering, structural engineering, and more.
With the right civil engineering skills, your choices are endless. If you’re naturally curious and have an interest in the construction industry, then a career in civil engineering is a good step for your future career.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
