Civil Engineer
O*NET-SOC: 17-2051.00
Plans, designs, and oversees the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, dams, water systems, and buildings, ensuring structural integrity, safety, and regulatory compliance.
About this Role
Civil engineers plan, design, and oversee the construction of the infrastructure that communities depend on, including roads, bridges, water systems, buildings, and flood-control structures. A typical day splits between the office and the field: mornings might involve reviewing design drawings on a computer, running calculations to make sure a structure can handle expected loads, and responding to questions from contractors about construction details, while afternoons often mean visiting a job site to inspect progress, check that work matches the plans, and solve problems that arise when real-world conditions differ from what was expected.
A Day in the Life
7:00 AM
Site inspection
Walk the job site, check that concrete forms are properly aligned, and note any issues that need attention before work continues.
8:30 AM
Coordination meeting
Meet with the general contractor and subcontractors to discuss schedule risks and resolve any conflicts between different trades.
10:00 AM
Design modeling
Update road and utility layouts in design software, adjusting alignments where underground pipes or cables conflict with the plan.
12:00 PM
Lunch and contractor questions
Eat lunch while responding to questions from the construction team about steel reinforcement details or material specifications.
1:00 PM
Drainage analysis
Run calculations in modeling software to determine the right size for a retention pond or drainage channel to handle expected water flow.
3:00 PM
Permit submittal
Finalize drawings and documentation needed for stormwater or environmental permit approval from the local agency.
4:30 PM
Change order evaluation
Estimate the cost of an unexpected site condition - such as hitting rock during excavation - and prepare a change order for the client.
6:00 PM
Wrap-up reports
Log daily observations from the site visit, then email updates to the project team and stakeholders.
Tools & Technologies
CAD & Design
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Autodesk Revit
- Bentley MicroStation
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Development Tools
- C
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- Verilog
Project Management
- Microsoft Project
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
- The Gordian Group PROGEN Online
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Email
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Exchange
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $79K and $128K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $66K |
| 25th | $79K |
| 50th (Median) | $100K |
| 75th | $128K |
| 90th | $161K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
Professional Engineer (PE)
NCEES
License after FE exam, experience, and PE exam; required for signing plans.
Recommended
Engineer in Training (EIT)
NCEES
Post-FE exam credential toward PE licensure.
Helpful
Board Certification in Civil Engineering
ASCE
Advanced credential beyond PE for specialty expertise.
Professional Memberships
American Society of Civil Engineers Membership
ASCE
Offers standards, PDHs, and networking for civil professionals.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Hybrid (Remote + Office)
- Work Setting
- Mixed indoor / outdoor
- Physical Activity
- Mostly sedentary
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (44)
- Time ManagementGood Match
- WritingModerate Match
- Active LearningModerate Match
- MonitoringModerate Match
- Active ListeningStrong Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Civil Engineer a good career?
Civil Engineer can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $100K and job outlook is stable (5% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Civil Engineer?
The typical education requirement for a Civil Engineer is a Bachelor's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer?
Becoming a Civil Engineer typically requires about 4 years of undergraduate study. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Civil Engineer?
The work-life balance for a Civil Engineer is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Civil Engineer?
The job outlook for Civil Engineer is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 5% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.