Civil Engineer | Job Growth | Net Pay | Career Skills

As a Civil Engineer, one is tasked with designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure that supports our communities, including roads, bridges, buildings, and water and sewage systems. They use their knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering principles to design and create these structures and to ensure that they are safe, efficient, and sustainable.

Civil Engineers must possess strong hands-on skills, such as the ability to use tools and technologies to diagnose and troubleshoot problems and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. They must also be comfortable with working outdoors, as they may spend time at construction sites, inspecting the progress of projects and ensuring that they are being built to their specifications.

Working as a Civil Engineer offers the opportunity to use one’s hands-on skills and technical knowledge to create and maintain the infrastructure that supports our communities. This career is well-suited for individuals with a strong interest in working with their hands, using tools and technologies to create tangible results, and working with concrete, real-world problems and solutions.

Strong Interest Inventory® (SII) Realistic Theme Code Civil Engineer Career

Write-up describing the Strong Interest Inventory Realistic Theme Code Civil Engineer’s careers as well as Civil Engineer salary, career growth, and more.

Civil Engineers use a wide range of tools, technologies, services, and machinery in their daily work. They rely on computer software programs, such as computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM), to create and analyze their designs and to communicate their ideas to clients and contractors.

Civil Engineers also use surveying equipment and geographic information systems (GIS) to gather data about the land and to plan and design their projects. They use construction equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, and backhoes, to build their designs. They also use testing equipment, such as soil testing equipment and concrete testing equipment, to validate their designs and to ensure that materials and systems meet industry standards.

To become a Civil Engineer, one must pursue a comprehensive education and training program. This typically begins with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field. The degree program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and engineering principles, as well as hands-on experience using computer software, surveying equipment, and other tools and technologies used in the field.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, many Civil Engineers choose to pursue additional education and training, such as a master’s degree or professional certification, to enhance their skills and knowledge and to advance their careers.

Once they have completed their education and training, Civil Engineers must also obtain a license from the state in which they plan to practice. This requires passing a rigorous exam that tests their knowledge of engineering principles, ethics, and safety.

The salary outlook for Civil Engineers can vary based on multiple factors, including their location, years of experience, and level of education. On average, Civil Engineers can expect to earn an annual salary between $70,000 and $120,000, with the possibility for higher earnings for those who have advanced degrees or professional licensure. Those who work for government agencies or consulting firms may also earn higher salaries than those who work for construction companies or other types of employers.

Below are some employment trends for Civil Engineers: