Civil engineers are professionals who have developed the expertise necessary to plan, supervise, maintain, implement, and design buildings and infrastructure projects. Civil engineers are typically associated with government projects and other engineering activities aimed at enhancing public spaces and overall public infrastructure.
Working as a civil engineer can be a very fulfilling career path, as professionals in this field earn highly impressive yearly salaries. A bachelor’s degree, combined with ongoing education, is necessary to become a successful civil engineer.
In the guide below, we provide an in-depth analysis of everything candidates need to consider when starting a career in civil engineering, including responsibilities, educational requirements, specializations, salary projections, and more.
What are a Civil Engineer’s Responsibilities?
The responsibilities of a civil engineer cover planning, supervision, design, and execution of infrastructure projects. While some professionals specialize even further within the field, generally every civil engineer has the expertise required to work on an array of projects ranging from bridges and roads to tunnels, water systems, and sewage systems.
Concerning specific day-to-day activities, candidates looking to enter into the profession can expect to perform the following duties:
- analyzing technical resources, including project data, survey reports, and project plans,
- analyzing and optimizing projects to fall within regulatory standards,
- making decisions concerning optimal project sites,
- analyzing results and determining foundation strength and building materials,
- utilizing software to visualize and plan critical systems, including structures, transportation, and hydraulic systems,
- managing maintenance, replacement, and repair of parts and the entire infrastructure.
It is also worth emphasizing that not all civil engineers are responsible for a project from start to finish. Some may focus their responsibilities on either the planning stage, the design and pre-construction stages, or the final stages of the project.
Civil Engineer Work Environment
Most civil engineers are employed in the field of engineering services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is different from those who work with state governments, local governments, construction of non-residential buildings, and the federal government.
Civil engineers who work in engineering services make up 49% of the more than 340,000 civil engineering jobs across the country. Those who work with state governments make up 11%, while those who work with local governments make up 10%.
Civil engineers in non-residential building construction and those working with the federal government comprise 7% and 3% of the total distribution, respectively. It is also common for candidates to work in a variety of locations and conditions, regardless of their employers.
It is common to find civil engineers working indoors and in office settings during the planning stages, and, of course, at construction sites during the implementation stages. Offices can also be set up on construction sites when necessary.
How to Become a Civil Engineer
The following steps are necessary to become a successful civil engineer.
Earning a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step to becoming a civil engineer is to have the right education. Usually, a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is needed.
Candidates with a degree in a related engineering field can make a pivot to civil engineering. During their training, they must have covered courses in mathematics, construction systems, physics, engineering mechanics, and other relevant subjects.
Of course, academic education in the classroom is important, but it must also be supplemented with extensive laboratory work and field practice. Candidates are highly encouraged to choose institutions that offer engineering programs accredited by ABET.
Licensing
Civil engineers are not expected to be licensed before they start working professionally in an entry-level capacity. Licensing only applies to those who offer direct services to the public.
In this case, candidates must have a professional engineer license. A Professional Engineer is able to supervise the work of other engineers, give approval on major design plans, and also offer direct services to the public.
In order to receive a state license as a civil engineer, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree (usually from an engineering program with accreditation from ABET). A passing score in the professional examination known as the Fundamentals of Engineering examination is also a common requirement.
Certification
While it is not legally compulsory for civil engineers to be certified, certification can be very important for career advancement and mobility. It demonstrates competence and experience while improving a candidate’s chances of impressing prospective employers and clients.
The American Society of Civil Engineers offers notable certifications for candidates across the country to consider.
Career Advancement
Even after completing all the above steps, civil engineers must continue to advance their careers by moving into more advanced supervisory and administrative positions. Graduate-level education, combined with certification, can help civil engineers advance to engineering management roles.
Specializations
Specialization opportunities for civil engineers can arise in various industries and work environments. As mentioned earlier, the majority of civil engineers are employed in engineering services; however, others may specialize in projects for state, local, or federal governments, as well as non-residential building construction.
Salary & Career Outlook
Civil engineers across the country can expect an annual average salary of at least $65,920. This is the figure specified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as pertinent to the lowest 10% in the state.
Of course, the majority of professionals will earn higher than this figure, most likely falling in the median category, where candidates take home an annual average salary of $99,590. The highest-paid civil engineers in the top 10% can earn more than $160,990 per year.
Categorized by industries and work environment, civil engineers who work with the federal government are the highest-paid, with an annual average salary of $114,210. Those who work with local governments end the year with an average salary of $108,790, and civil engineers in engineering services manage an annual average salary of $99,380.
Career Outlook
The career outlook of civil engineers, as specified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is very promising. The Bureau projects a 6% increase in the employment rate for the discipline nationwide.
This applies for the ten years between 2023 and 2033. More than 22,900 openings will arise every year. The reasons for the positive outlook include the need to replace aging workers, an expected increase in nationwide infrastructure investments, and the requirement for civil engineers to oversee renewable energy projects.
