Design, build, and supervise infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and water systems.
Pay
$65,920
Lower reported wage
$99,590
Median
$160,990
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.
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Make this your goal
Build a personalized Roadmap Plan with CLEP savings and school matches.
Complete a civil engineering or related bachelor’s program with math, physics, design, and laboratory work; compare accreditation.
Build practical experience through internships or cooperative education and begin work on design or construction projects.
If you plan to approve plans or offer engineering services to the public, check your state’s PE pathway: accredited degree, FE exam, experience, and PE exam.
Entry-level civil engineers do not need a PE license. Licensure is typically required to provide engineering services directly to the public or approve plans; state rules vary.[1]
Search CareerOneStop by occupation and state, then confirm the rules with the issuing agency. Coverage is incomplete; an empty result does not mean no license is required.
A typical degree route; verify program accreditation and practical experience opportunities for the roles you want.[1]
Daily life
What you would do
Design and evaluate roads, bridges, buildings, water systems, or other infrastructure; review plans and oversee construction against specifications.[1]
Where you could work
Civil engineers split time between offices and construction sites, working for engineering firms, governments, and builders.[1]
Hours and flexibility
Most work full time; project leaders may work extra hours near deadlines or construction milestones.[1]
Physical and emotional demands
Site visits may involve outdoor conditions, while design work demands sustained analysis and responsibility for safety and cost.[1]
How you could advance
With experience, some engineers earn a PE license, specialize in structures or transport, or move into project and public-works leadership.[1]
These are possible directions. Promotion timing and pay depend on the role and employer.
Questions to ask yourself and an employer
Would I enjoy balancing design, cost, safety, and real-world construction constraints?
Do I prefer office design, site oversight, or public infrastructure work?
