Civil Engineering Careers

Civil engineers work to see their plans turn into massive roads, bridges, and structures. Wherever large-scale construction can be found, civil engineers are likely to be involved. The daily tasks of a civil engineermight involve:

• Designing a new highway system
• Supervising construction of an international airport
• Updating a sewage system to meet government regulations
• Creating a new earthquake system for bridges

Job Responsibilities

Civil engineering careers employ the largest number of workers in all engineering fields in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the type of tasks a civil engineer might do will likely depend on his or her prior training. Design and supervisory positions are typical, and civil engineers are sometimes expected to move from place to place to work on larger projects.

The major specialties for a civil engineer are:

• Structural
• Water Resources
• Construction
• Environmental
• Transportation
• Geotechnical

Depending on education and other factors, civil engineering careers can include supervisory or administrative positions, and can involve research, construction, or teaching.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following starting salary offers for civil engineering careers based on education completed:

• Bachelor's degree: $43,679
• Master's degree: $48,050
• PhD: $59,625

Additionally, the BLS reports total average earnings of $64,230 for civil engineers. Though no degree or certificate program can guarantee a particular career or salary, the difference an education makes can be significant for hiring managers who prefer or require prior education or training.