Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for civil engineers in the United States
Civil engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected civil engineer job growth rate is 7% from 2018-2028.
About 22,100 new jobs for civil engineers are projected over the next decade.
Civil engineer salaries have increased 6% for civil engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 108,233 civil engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 26,803 active civil engineer job openings in the US.
The average civil engineer salary is $70,950.
Are civil engineer jobs in demand?
Civil engineer job and salary trends over time
Civil engineer jobs over time
Civil engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 108,233 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 107,002 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 110,559 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 108,844 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 106,312 | 0.03% |
Average civil engineer salary over time
Civil engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $70,950 | $34.11 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $69,740 | $33.53 | +0.5% |
| 2023 | $69,404 | $33.37 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $67,906 | $32.65 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | $66,920 | $32.17 | +1.6% |
Civil engineer jobs by state
Most common states for civil engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 190 | 27% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 966 | 11% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 114 | 11% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 79 | 11% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 541 | 10% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 101 | 10% |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 525 | 9% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 376 | 9% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 623 | 8% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 48 | 8% |
| 11 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 483 | 7% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 204 | 7% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 140 | 7% |
| 14 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 94 | 7% |
| 15 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 54 | 7% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 42 | 7% |
| 17 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,375 | 6% |
| 18 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 395 | 6% |
| 19 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 321 | 6% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 79 | 6% |
Most common cities for civil engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lakewood | 11 | 7% | $67,878 |
| 2 | Ann Arbor | 8 | 7% | $60,051 |
| 3 | Savannah | 9 | 6% | $61,575 |
| 4 | Orlando | 15 | 5% | $67,504 |
| 5 | Denver | 29 | 4% | $67,873 |
| 6 | Des Moines | 8 | 4% | $62,764 |
| 7 | Boston | 18 | 3% | $76,037 |
| 8 | Sacramento | 15 | 3% | $97,531 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 13 | 3% | $61,451 |
| 10 | Tampa | 13 | 3% | $67,633 |
| 11 | Phoenix | 25 | 2% | $63,017 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 14 | 2% | $62,988 |
| 13 | Chicago | 23 | 1% | $67,706 |
| 14 | Jacksonville | 9 | 1% | $67,350 |
| 15 | San Diego | 9 | 1% | $85,923 |
| 16 | Washington | 9 | 1% | $74,429 |
| 17 | Baltimore | 8 | 1% | $66,695 |
| 18 | Los Angeles | 8 | 0% | $90,133 |
Civil Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of civil engineer experts
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Northeastern University
University of New Mexico
Ohio University
University of Texas at Tyler
North Dakota State University
Rockhurst University
University of Miami
George Fox University
The University of Texas at Arlington
Pace University
Alabama A&M University
University of Alabama at Huntsville
Weber State University
East Tennessee State University
Oregon State University
What general advice would you give to a Civil Engineer?
Kishor Shrestha Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, LEED Green Assoc.: Construction engineering is a promising profession to enter now due to various factors. There is a growing demand for public infrastructure projects globally, leading to increased opportunities. Advanced technology like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainable construction practices are transforming and creating new professions. This career offers competitive salaries and the chance to work on diverse projects, making it an attractive choice.
What Civil Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kishor Shrestha Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, LEED Green Assoc.: People like construction engineering's dynamic nature as it gives them the opportunity to work on challenging jobs and achieve noticeable results. They enjoy working with interdisciplinary teams and the feeling of achievement after completing a project successfully. However, some find the job demanding due to long hours, tense deadlines, and the need to understand various safety standards and regulations. Additionally, working outside in different weather conditions can be challenging.
What general advice would you give to a Civil Engineer?
Xiaowei Shi Ph.D.: Start by focusing on building a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of civil engineering. It’s crucial to stay curious and continuously learn, as the field is constantly evolving with new technologies and methodologies. Develop strong problem-solving skills and learn to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams since civil projects often require collaboration across different fields. Networking is key—attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with peers and experts in the field. Finally, be proactive in seeking opportunities that align with your interests and skills, whether in academia, government, or the private sector.
What Civil Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Xiaowei Shi Ph.D.: To maximize your salary potential, focus on specializing in areas of transportation engineering that are in high demand and where skilled professionals are scarce. Areas like intelligent transportation systems, infrastructure resilience, and traffic management solutions are often well-funded and in need of expert knowledge. Gaining relevant certifications can also make you more competitive and justify a higher salary.
What will help Civil Engineers increase their earning potential?
Xiaowei Shi Ph.D.: In transportation engineering, skills in data analysis and software tools will become more necessary as the field integrates with technology. Familiarity with simulation software and traffic modeling tools will be highly valuable. Skills in emerging areas such as smart cities technology, autonomous vehicles, and sustainable infrastructure design will also be in high demand. Additionally, soft skills like communication, project management, and the ability to adapt to changing technologies and regulations will become increasingly crucial for advancing in this field.
What general advice would you give to a Civil Engineer?
Simeng Li Ph.D.: I would like to say the most important is to be proactive and take initiative in your work – show your enthusiasm and willingness to take on new challenges. Being proactive not only leads to opportunities for advancement, but also helps great mentors to notice you and makes them want to help you navigate through the complexities of the industry because your attitude reminds them of their younger selves. While improving your technical skills, keep polishing your soft skills for collaborating effectively at the present and leading projects in the near future.
What Civil Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Simeng Li Ph.D.: Most of the time, your salary is positively correlated with the value you can create for your employer. Therefore, make yourself marketable by obtaining your PE license as soon as possible and getting other certifications in your specialized area whenever possible. Stay updated with industry trends and continuously improve your skills and build your reputation. Lastly but most importantly, be comfortable with negotiating your salary for your new position or promotion. Articulate your value based on your skills, education, and experience.
What will help Civil Engineers increase their earning potential?
Simeng Li Ph.D.: I believe the ability to analyze large datasets and utilize AI for predicative modeling, optimization, and decision-making will be increasingly important. The field of civil engineering is continuously evolving, which also requires all of us stay curious and committed to learning new technologies and adapt to changing conditions. As sustainability becomes more critical, knowledge of green building practices, sustainable materials, and environmental impact assessments will also be vital. Civil engineers will need to integrate sustainable solutions into their projects to meet regulatory standards and societal expectations.
Serena Alexander Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Environmental Policy and EngineeringNortheastern University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Civil Engineer?
Serena Alexander Ph.D.: Be determined, patient, and resilient. Civil and environmental engineers often deal with projects that take time and persistent effort; unexpected obstacles might arise at any time. Your ability to deal with uncertainties and address challenges with determination is key to your success. You also must be patient—with your team, clients, contractors, governmental and community organizations. You cannot solve problems without critically listening to what all these players have to say about the project and its challenges. Lastly, if things do not go as planned, your ability to bounce back quickly and develop an effective, alternative plan is important.
What Civil Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Serena Alexander Ph.D.: Civil and environmental engineering is a vast field requiring a diverse set of skills depending on the sub-field. It is important to stay up to date with the technical skills required for your sub-field. There are also common skills that are important for all civil and environmental engineers. For example, analytical thinking to break down complex problems into manageable parts, and solving these smaller problems without losing sight of the larger problem is essential. Visualization and communications skills to describe the problem and the solution to a diverse audience is another important skill. Also, project management and leadership skills are key to your long-term success and advancement.
What will help Civil Engineers increase their earning potential?
Serena Alexander Ph.D.: Get your PE license, continue educating yourself about the new and innovative tools and techniques in your field, learn how to lead a team and deliver a project efficiently and effectively, and always negotiate. Never forget why you became an engineer in the first place; I doubt the salary was the main motivation. Most people become an engineer because they want to solve big problems. Strive to be the best problem-solver in your sub-field and your salary will increase to match your abilities and potentials.
What general advice would you give to a Civil Engineer?
Susan Halter PhD, PE, F.ASCE: Civil engineers can work in a variety of positions. Some civil engineers focus on designing solutions to solve some of our most critical problems, including providing clean drinking water and making sure our roads are safe for all users. Civil engineers who focus on design solutions typically work in collaborative groups with other engineers in an office setting. Civil engineers also work on making these designs a reality by managing complex construction projects. Civil engineers who focus on construction project management often work outside an office at the construction site. Civil engineers working in project management need good communication skills to work with the different partners on large, complex construction projects. Someone entering the field for the first time will typically work with a more experienced engineer on small aspects of larger projects. This could include small design tasks, visits to job sites, and answering requests for information from a construction project.
What Civil Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Susan Halter PhD, PE, F.ASCE: Civil engineers like knowing that they are helping society by solving critical problems and providing safe, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
What will help Civil Engineers increase their earning potential?
Susan Halter PhD, PE, F.ASCE: There is a critical need for infrastructure to address growth and to update older facilities. In addition, the U.S. government has committed significant funding for infrastructure improvement, which will require civil engineers to see it through.
What general advice would you give to a Civil Engineer?
Bhaven Naik PhD, PE, PTOE, RSP: Be prepared to keep learning! You can never stop learning. Also, keep your “doors” open to opportunities in new areas of work and also in new firms. Your first job/position should only be the beginning … stepping stone to the next! Learn to network with your peers and mentors through membership into various organizations (ASCE, ITE, etc.)
What Civil Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bhaven Naik PhD, PE, PTOE, RSP: Ability to analyze data … course in statistics will be very helpful. As well, the core classes in Civil Engineering are going to be very beneficial. As much as the new technology and all is quickly taking shape, there is going to be a need for the basics in the coming years.
What will help Civil Engineers increase their earning potential?
Bhaven Naik PhD, PE, PTOE, RSP: By being proactive … researching the current job salaries – ASCE have a great site for doing that. By continuous learning … getting licensure (PE, PTOE etc.) and also a Master’s degree (Civil or MBA).
Dr. Mena Souliman Ph.D., P.E., F.IRF.
Ronald D. Brazzel Endowed Professor of Civil EngineeringUniversity of Texas at Tyler
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Civil Engineer?
Dr. Mena Souliman Ph.D., P.E., F.IRF.: Civil engineering is a solid profession to enter for several reasons. First, there's a growing demand for infrastructure development globally, which creates job opportunities. Second, civil engineering offers a diverse range of career paths, from transportation to environmental engineering, providing flexibility and options for specialization. Additionally, advancements in technology are reshaping the field, offering opportunities for innovation and problem-solving. Lastly, civil engineers play a crucial role in addressing pressing issues like sustainability and resilience, making it a meaningful career choice for those who want to make a positive impact on society and the environment.
What Civil Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mena Souliman Ph.D., P.E., F.IRF.: Civil engineers handle a wide range of tasks daily, such as designing infrastructure, managing construction projects, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Someone entering the field might start with more hands-on work like site inspections, drafting plans, or assisting senior engineers in project management. Over time, they'll likely take on more responsibilities and eventually lead projects themselves.
What will help Civil Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mena Souliman Ph.D., P.E., F.IRF.: People often appreciate the variety of projects and the opportunity to solve real-world problems that come with being a civil engineer. Additionally, seeing tangible results, such as completed infrastructure projects, can be rewarding. However, challenges like dealing with bureaucratic processes, long hours during project deadlines, and the potential for work to be affected by external factors like weather or funding constraints can be sources of frustration. Overall, satisfaction in the field often depends on individual preferences and the specific work environment.
What general advice would you give to a Civil Engineer?
Mijia Yang: Sure, I can answer the questions you might have. Please send them my way and I will try to answer them the best I can.
What Civil Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mijia Yang: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What will help Civil Engineers increase their earning potential?
Mijia Yang: Attached please find my answers to the questions you asked. Hope they could benefit these students who want to purse the Civil Engineering field.
What general advice would you give to a Civil Engineer?
John Kevern Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, FACI, LEED AP: Strive to find a mentor(s) both within your company and outside of your company whose career path you would like to emulate. Become involved in a related professional organization. The American Society of Civil Engineering has professional chapters and younger member groups within the chapter. Participating in these groups helps to build a professional network and find mentors.
What Civil Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Kevern Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, FACI, LEED AP: Communicating effectively both written and verbally is and always is hugely important. This includes the ability to utilize AI successfully to write and check documents as a tool but not as a crutch.
What will help Civil Engineers increase their earning potential?
John Kevern Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, FACI, LEED AP: Have a good GPA (>3.0), had multiple internships, have significant leadership experience in related student organizations.
What will help Civil Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dwight Beadle: As a recent graduate, a new hire should 'seek first to understand then to be understood' (Stephen Covey). Graduates should go into their new job trying to soak up as much real-world knowledge as possible and ask a lot of questions. They should be good communicators. They should think ahead and go through processes before acting. When they encounter a problem, they should not be afraid to ask for help, but do so after having thought through a possible solution.
What general advice would you give to a Civil Engineer?
Joseph Reichenberger PE [CA AZ HI NM NV], BCEE, F.ASCE: The Civil Engineering profession is different then many professions as there are many sub-
disciplines to enter such as structures, environmental, water resources, land development, ports
and harbors, water and wastewater treatment, solid waste management, geotechnical (dams,
levees, foundations), transportation (light rail, heavy rail, airports, roads, multi-modal, etc.),
traffic, construction and others. Many civil engineers will change their sub-disciplines as their
interests change and the "market" changes. For example, there was no "Superfund" and
environmental clean-up in the early 1980s. This created the environmental mitigation sub-
discipline. So civil engineers do not have to remain stagnant.
Civil engineers can work in an office or be outdoors working in construction or a combination of
both. That is attractive. It is also an occupation where you serve the public and there are great
opportunities to using their creative skill to improve society and the environment with their
projects. Our projects are now emphasizing sustainability, which is attracting a lot of young
people into the profession.
I don't know anyone that dislikes civil engineering. I have been practicing for 60 years and enjoy
it. I still teach full time and take on a wide variety of consulting projects in the water, wastewater
and recycled water areas. If an individual does not like a particular subdiscipline, they can
change. Our education, mandated by our accrediting agency ABET, requires graduates to be
proficient in a minimum of 4 sub-disciplines; so graduates have the basic skills if they want to
change. Many, as they advance in their careers, start their own civil engineering consulting
company - work for themselves, or construction and land development companies. There are
many of these opportunities.
It is also a profession where you can branch out of civil engineering. Several of our graduates
have gone into law (patent, environmental, construction); we have had a few employed by the
large financial corporations like Ernst and Young.
What Civil Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joseph Reichenberger PE [CA AZ HI NM NV], BCEE, F.ASCE: Infrastructure is on the minds of governments and funding agencies have supported
infrastructure. The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed in November 2021,
authorized $1.2 trillion dollars for a variety of infrastructure projects.
From: https://home.treasury.gov/news/featured-stories/infrastructure-investment-in-the-united-states
Civil engineers are involved in most if not all of these types of projects. So the job market for
civil engineers for the near term is excellent.
Afifa Mushtaque in an article published 03102024 entitled "20 Highest Paying Countries for Civil
Engineers" https://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/20-highest-paying-countries-for-civil-engineers-
1271941/, stated the global civil engineering market is looking for major growth as $13.7 trillion
dollars is expected by 2030 and forecasts a compound annual growth rate of nearly 6% from
2023 to 2030.
Civil engineering has generally always been a good field for jobs. Civil engineering jobs tend to
follow the housing market so it is not all roses. There was a significant reduction in employment
for civil engineers, along with many others in the early 1980s and recently in the recession in
2010 or so. But the recovery has been substantial and continuing as stated above.
We are blessed with an influx of well prepared, young graduates with skills in the latest
technology replacing retiring civil engineers. Our typical class here at Loyola Marymount
University (LMU) typically has 30 to 40% women. It is a great profession for women and work
force is quite diverse.
What will help Civil Engineers increase their earning potential?
Joseph Reichenberger PE [CA AZ HI NM NV], BCEE, F.ASCE: It depends somewhat on the career path: private engineering consulting company, private
industry as facilities engineer, construction, education, or public sector.
If you work in construction you are on the job site typically, although you may be working in the
office preparing estimates and bids for the next potential project. If they are on the job site, they
are monitoring the construction activities, answering questions from subcontractors and material
suppliers, coordinating work etc. If you are working for an agency or consultant, you are
observing the construction, interpretating the plans, answering questions from the general
contractor, ensuring the construction meets the requirements of the plans and specifications as
the owner's on-site representative, and documenting job site activities in the event of a claim.
If you work for a consulting engineering firm, as an entry level engineer, you will be given
assignments to develop layouts and plans using computer drawing programs, making
calculations, reviewing documents submitted by contractors for equipment used on a project
under construction, performing computer modeling of structures or water systems, or highway
systems. As you gain more experience you will be mentoring entry level engineers in addition to
doing more advanced design work eventually moving into project, department, and office
management. At that stage you are doing more management and less engineering. But your job
moves to developing clients and securing "new" work. The work can be fast paced and you are
expected to be a self-starter and always learning. There are usually no formal training
programs, though many larger companies provide formal training for managers. Promotions are
"ad hoc" depending on an individual's skills.
Working for a public agency is not too much different. Promotions are done through exams and
formal interviews for open positions. Also the form of communication, particularly with the
"outside" is very formal through "chain of command." It can be frustrating at times. Many
agencies have formal rotational training programs for entry level staff.
Esber Andiroglu PhD, PE, LEED AP
Associate Professor of Practice, Dept. of Civil & Architectural Engineering, Director of Construction Management ProgramsUniversity of Miami
Architectural Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Civil Engineer?
Esber Andiroglu PhD, PE, LEED AP: Interdisciplinary and transformative design and construction approaches; integration of emerging technological innovations into practice; integration of software tools into everyday problem solving; solid knowledge about smart systems and AI applications; good understanding and ability to use data analytics
What Civil Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Esber Andiroglu PhD, PE, LEED AP: Keep an open mind and think interdisciplinary; reflect back on knowledge you gained during academic years when investigating problems for applied solutions. You will continue to learn and grow with every project you undertake; make best of it. Participate in relevant societies and industry focused seminars, conferences, etc. as opportunities arise.
What will help Civil Engineers increase their earning potential?
Esber Andiroglu PhD, PE, LEED AP: Interdisciplinary and transformative design and construction approaches; integration of emerging technological innovations into practice; integration of software tools into everyday problem solving; solid knowledge about smart systems and AI applications; good understanding and ability to use data analytics
Ben Giudice Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Civil EngineeringGeorge Fox University
Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering
What soft skills should all Civil Engineers possess?
Ben Giudice Ph.D.: Soft skills are vital in civil engineering, and the ones that are most important at the early stages of people's careers include both written and oral communication. Writing memos and reports, emails, talking to people in the field or on the phone - all of these are incredibly important to civil engineering.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Civil Engineers?
Ben Giudice Ph.D.: Specific technical skills that are important will vary widely by what the employer is looking for. Civil engineering is an incredibly broad field with many specialties and subspecialties. Having technical skills like specific software capabilities in the area of civil engineering one is proposing to enter is definitely a plus. Moreso than specific technical skills, it is important to highlight any kind of project work that has been completed, whether those be major projects as part of the coursework, a senior capstone project, or extracurricular projects of relevance that have been completed.
What skills will help Civil Engineers earn the most?
Ben Giudice Ph.D.: Top earners in civil engineering are those that can effectively manage projects and people. At the early stages of the career, gaining project experience is vital, and the quicker one can demonstrate the ability to manage projects, the quicker earnings should rise. Project management involves understanding scope and client requirements, but also tracking resources and schedules, and having the intuition and experience to plan and intervene effectively when and where it is needed.
What general advice would you give to a Civil Engineer?
Ben Giudice Ph.D.: Civil engineers collect and organize data - this could be traffic counts, survey data including elevations, distances, and locations of natural and manmade objects, water quality data, soil characteristics, historical precipitation data - then use that data to design infrastructure or improvements to existing infrastructure to improve public safety, public health, support the economy, provide housing, and so forth. This design can be in the form of performing calculations, developing spreadsheets, developing CAD drawings, using modeling software, and following established codes and standards. Sometimes experiments or pilot projects and studies are designed and conducted. During construction, engineers ensure that the construction is following their specifications. Entry-level civil engineers often work on drawings, data collection and compilation, construction inspection, and in general support more experienced engineers with whatever they need assistance with. As they grow in experience, they take more responsibility in leading projects including the decision making and design.
What Civil Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ben Giudice Ph.D.: If you like working with people and serving your community, being a civil engineer can be very rewarding. You can also contribute to a healthier environment by developing more environmentally friendly designs. There is a wide variety of different kinds of work that civil engineers do, as it is a very broad discipline. Because of this, it is likely that something within civil engineering will excite and interest you. I haven't known anyone who was a civil engineer that disliked it! Compared with other engineering disciplines, the pay is not quite as high on average, but there are generally more opportunities available on a more consistent basis, and there are jobs available everywhere in the world nearly all the time.
What will help Civil Engineers increase their earning potential?
Ben Giudice Ph.D.: There is a huge demand for civil engineers across the nation. All of the junior civil engineering students at George Fox University this year had internships for the summer lined up by the end of March. Every senior either had a job offer signed by the end of March, or had multiple offers they were still weighing. The need for civil engineers will never go away, as society will always need qualified civil engineers to support all aspects of civilization. You can also work nearly anywhere in the world, as practically wherever there are people, there is a need for civil engineering.
What soft skills should all Civil Engineers possess?
Bijan Shapoorian: Effective interaction and communication with project stakeholders.
James Albrecht
Professor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security, retired NYPD Captain/Commanding OfficerPace University
Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Department
What skills stand out on Civil Engineer resumes?
James Albrecht: Obviously, civil engineers have to possess a comprehensive and advanced understanding of architecture, physics, mathematics, engineering, and drafting skills, but 9-11 and even climate change have added other concerns to the field of civil engineering. Engineers now have to consider the need for safeguarding against terrorist events, natural disasters, rioting, and other man-made occurrences. As such, target hardening options must be considered, particularly when building in highly trafficked urban areas, when designing or renovating government buildings and public infrastructure, in tourist destinations, and in a hurricane, tornado, or other inclement weather prone zones. If one plans to work on projects in these areas or regions, it would be practical and realistic to take courses in critical infrastructure and safeguard national infrastructure offered by the Federal Emergency Management Administration, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and other public-private organizations.
What soft skills should all Civil Engineers possess?
James Albrecht: Never underestimate having effective "people skills." You must be able to listen, communicate and express yourself in a competent and empathetic manner. Asking questions for more specific insight into project objectives and posing your own questions that delineate target hardening options to clients and potential customers will add the necessary human touch, not only to the field of civil engineering but to any profession.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Civil Engineers?
James Albrecht: There are basic phenomena that all civil engineers have to understand and fully comprehend. These are the skills that you will learn in detail in books in college or at your training site. But a top-tier civil engineer must not only be acutely familiar with the project objectives but also must be exceptionally aware of the environment in which the building or structure has been or will be placed. As such, one must be cognizant of potential hazards posed by climate or people. There may be expressed concerns or mandates about building in hurricane, tornado or flooding prone areas, but a civil engineer must take into consideration population density, proximity to a high-value person, structure, or historic site (e.g., City Hall, electric company, Liberty Bell, etc.), and potential for mass casualty or extreme damage if attacked by radical elements or rioters. Unfortunately, this is the world that we live in today.
What skills will help Civil Engineers earn the most?
James Albrecht: Clearly possessing a thorough and exceptional understanding of the basic skills needed in civil engineering is extremely critical. In addition, by expressing concerns or describing options for target hardening, you will also show your client that you have their safety and welfare in mind. Conducting a historical assessment of weather, sensational incidents, area crime rate, population density, and peak daily usage, and combining that with an evaluation of nearby sites that may be appealing to tourists or that routinely draw large crowds, e.g., nearby subway or bus station, should cause a client to be impressed with your comprehensive understanding and analysis of project-related issues. Undoubtedly, any "people skills" you can bring to the table that highlights your empathetic nature will surely inspire a customer or potential client.
Pooja Preetha Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorAlabama A&M University
Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering
What skills stand out on Civil Engineer resumes?
Pooja Preetha Ph.D.: According to my previous experiences, they are a combination of soft skills like creative thinking, problem-solving and hard skills like strong math and project management with the knowledge of tools like AutoCAD and GIS.
What soft skills should all Civil Engineers possess?
Pooja Preetha Ph.D.: I would say communication skills, creativity, the ability to mold yourself and work under pressure, keeping the cool at any condition, a few leadership initiatives, and being fast-paced.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Civil Engineers?
Pooja Preetha Ph.D.: Hard skills serve as the most important, in my opinion. If you are technically sound, have reasonable computer skills and good Microsoft office suite adaptability, and have strong presentation skills, you should be able to make it.
What skills will help Civil Engineers earn the most?
Pooja Preetha Ph.D.: Good decision making and identify the specific path/job that boosts your earning curve noticeably is the main thing to look at. Besides, good technical training, writing, and added accolades always catalyze the chances to get promoted sooner and earn more.
Michael Anderson
Department chairUniversity of Alabama at Huntsville
Department of civil and environmental engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Civil Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Michael Anderson: The biggest trend is employers want motivated employees. Given the pandemic and the inability to work in typical office settings, employers need employees that have the self-motivation to work remotely.
How have salaries changed over time for Civil Engineers?
Michael Anderson: They have risen. Civil Engineering salaries for entry-level positions have almost doubled in the last 25 years.
What will help Civil Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. A. Tye Gardner Ph.D.: Getting a master's degree goes a long way to making candidates stand out and improving earnings. My recommendation is to tailor your MS degree to the specific field you're interested in working in, because employers really want to see candidates that are passionate about the field, and very few people survive a graduate degree without at least a little passion. Available salary data indicates that if you choose an affordable program (let's just say Weber State University), it takes only a few years to pay off the added cost, increases starting salaries, and dramatically improves long-term earning potential. Moreover, you can find electrical engineers with MBAs at C-level positions all over the country. It turns out being an EE makes you a good candidate for business leadership.
Jared Wilson
Assistant Professor and Faculty CoordinatorEast Tennessee State University
Surveying and Mapping
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Civil Engineers?
Jared Wilson: The information I have been provided is positive when the outlook is concerning the workload that is being performed by the professional industry. Land surveying, and subsequently, land surveyors, have been deemed essential; thus, work is still being performed. The profession, as a whole, is driven highly by the status of the economy, and in the current economic state, the current workload is in demand. Thus, graduates should be able to find gainful employment regardless of the impact COVID-19 has. As with all professions, adaptation is necessary, and the profession is adapting well.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Civil Engineers to find work opportunities?
Jared Wilson: Within the field of land surveying and related employment opportunities, work is available. However, in my experience, work may not be in the exact location a person wishes to live. So, a move may be necessary, or potentially traveling to where the work is located. Should a graduate, or person for that matter, want to work, work is available.
What experience really stands out on Civil Engineer resumes?
David Blunck Ph.D.: Students who set themselves apart go above and beyond what is required for courses to apply their engineering understanding. Examples of this include conducting undergraduate research with faculty members, active involvement in students clubs that design and build products (e.g., cars, items for green energy, etc.), internships with engineering companies, where students provide meaningful contributions, or perhaps personal projects that result in designing or building something (e.g., design and create their products). Holding and contributing to significant leadership positions in student clubs can be an excellent way for students to differentiate themselves.
Finally, students who can demonstrate a passion and commitment for a particular aspect of engineering through a common thread of extracurricular engagement will stand out. For example, I recently reviewed the resume of a student who is passionate about the aerospace field. They had been involved in multiple extracurricular aspects of building rockets, had held leadership positions, worked in the profession, and provided specific examples of their impact/contribution. I would gladly hire this person because their passion will elevate colleagues' performance; they have demonstrated a commitment to the field and will have more skills than many of their peers.
How do you envision technology impacting Civil Engineers in the next 5 years?
David Blunck Ph.D.: The emergence of 3-D printing is revolutionizing the field of mechanical engineering. Engineers can design parts that are much less expensive and have much more outstanding performance. As engineers, we have known for many years how to improve products' performance, but we have been limited by the ability to manufacture components. This barrier is being removed and enabling us to realize things that we only dreamed of creating a few years ago.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Civil Engineers?
David Blunck Ph.D.: I certainly expect that there to be an enduring impact, for better and worse. I hope that graduates will be better equipped to use technology in communicating and working in teams. I expect graduates to be more resilient and be more adept at working remotely and using engineering tools. This will ultimately enable more distributed teams of engineers to work together across the globe. I also see the pandemic as helping more virtual learning opportunities for graduates (e.g., certificates) and future engineering students (e.g., more online degrees). For worse, I worry that students may not gain hands-on experience that can help design and build products. Moreover, recent graduates may not be as experienced in conducting experiments or collecting data.