what is a civil engineer?

A civil engineer is a type of engineer who assists with infrastructure. Like other engineers, your job is to plan, design, construct, or operate certain systems and structures. The key thing that makes you stand out from other engineers is that you focus on infrastructure. Your specialization is creating items that the general public uses in day-to-day life. Roads, bridges, and water channels are some of the most common types of infrastructure that you work on. Other potential infrastructures that you'll manage include airports, dams, power plants, and sewage systems.

Common examples of things that civil engineers do include:

• analyze a land survey to find the most effective spot for a new retention pond

• calculate all potential costs for a project and present the budget to a supervisor

• complete and submit official permits and documentation for proposed projects

• design the shape of a new bridge and find the right materials to support estimated traffic weights

• lead a team of construction workers and coordinate a new project

• retrofit an existing power plant to work with solar power panels

• using software and algorithms to create a timing schedule for traffic lights

Would working as a civil engineer suit your interest in math and organization? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a civil engineer role.

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average civil engineer salary

Being a civil engineer comes with a higher-than-average salary. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median pay for a civil engineer is $88,050 or $42.33 per hour. This is slightly below the average wage for all engineers, but it's still significantly higher than the national average wage. Civil engineers have quite a bit of variation in their salaries. Some make around $60,000, while others make around $133,000.

factors that affect pay

Civil engineers make more in areas where their skills are essential for public safety. They're often very in demand in coastal regions or areas with extreme weather.

The other thing that impacts your pay is the field you work in. Civil engineers often make above-average wages when they work for the government. You also earn more when you work on big projects or projects that require specialized knowledge. Healthcare, oil and gas, and mining all pay very well.

Wondering what you can earn as a civil engineer? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary page! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a civil engineer is.

smiling male, construction site in the background
smiling male, construction site in the background
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types of civil engineer

Because infrastructure is so complex, most civil engineers choose to specialize in one specific part of civil engineering. Here are some examples of common types of civil engineers:

  • structural engineering: A structural civil engineer helps to build and maintain buildings or other large structures like dams.
  • environmental engineering: These engineers do things like conduct soil assessments, create storm water prevention plans, and manage other parts of the environment.
  • transportation engineering: Transportation engineers deal with roads, cars, highway ramps, and more.
  • water resource engineering: These engineers help to manage waterways and route water and wastewater safely.
  • surveying: These engineers survey land to prepare for projects or provide documentation.
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working as a civil engineer

Being a civil engineer is an engaging, challenging job with a lot of different responsibilities. If you love math, planning, and helping to literally change the world, civil engineering is a choice field.

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civil engineer skills and education

Being a civil engineer isn't something you could pick up on the job. Instead, all civil engineers will need a lot of training before they begin. Expect to spend at least a few years studying and learning before you can get any civil engineer jobs. There are three basic qualifications you'll want to consider getting if you want to become a civil engineer.

two smiling males looking at mobile device
two smiling males looking at mobile device
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FAQs about working as a civil engineer

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about civil engineers.

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