Civil Engineer

About the job

Civil engineers design, maintain, and supervise large projects and systems, including roadways, airports, tunnels, commercial buildings, bridges, and water systems.

What do civil engineers do?

Civil engineers normally begin projects by analyzing site plans, similar to maps, and other data in order to plan projects accordingly.

becoming a civil engineer

All the other details

Civil engineering is one of the most diverse fields in the construction industry.

Types of civil engineers

Construction engineers manage construction projects, ensuring that they are scheduled and built in accordance with plans and specifications
Geotechnical engineers make sure that foundations are structurally solid.
Structural engineers design and assess major projects such as buildings, bridges, or dams in order to ensure their strength and durability.
Transportation engineers plan, design, operate, and
maintain everyday transportation systems

Education

The starting point for any career in civil engineering is to earn a bachelor’s degree from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited school in civil engineering or a related field. Upon graduation, an engineer can pursue licensing, the Professional Engineer (PE) designation, or continue on to earn a master or doctorate degree. Licensing is required for anyone who works in the public realm for projects such as designing bridges, roadways, and public places. Licensing varies from state to state and often requires several years of practice and successfully passing state licensing examinations. To become a Professional Engineer, a graduate must first pass the Fundamentals of Engineering examination and become an Engineer-in-Training (EIT). EITs typically work for a minimum of 5 years under the supervision of a licensed or Professional Engineer, and then they must pass the Professional Engineer examination.

How much do I get paid?

The average starting salary is $84,770 but will vary depending on experience and training.