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Job outlook for civil engineering managers in the United States
Are civil engineering manager jobs in demand?
Civil engineering manager job and salary trends over time
Civil engineering manager jobs over time
Civil engineering manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,388 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,373 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,418 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,396 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,364 | 0.00% |
Average civil engineering manager salary over time
Civil engineering manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $85,436 | $41.07 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $83,979 | $40.37 | +0.5% |
| 2023 | $83,574 | $40.18 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $81,770 | $39.31 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | $80,584 | $38.74 | +1.6% |
Civil engineering manager jobs by state
Most common states for civil engineering managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 303 | 44% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 165 | 22% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 155 | 21% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 827 | 20% |
| 5 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 215 | 20% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 196 | 20% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,443 | 19% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,308 | 19% |
| 9 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 200 | 19% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,522 | 18% |
| 11 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 102 | 18% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 947 | 17% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 542 | 17% |
| 14 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 227 | 17% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 893 | 15% |
| 16 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 262 | 15% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 761 | 14% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 504 | 14% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 192 | 14% |
| 20 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 123 | 14% |
Most common cities for civil engineering managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Des Plaines | 1 | 2% | $75,986 |
| 2 | Arlington Heights | 1 | 1% | $75,985 |
| 3 | Racine | 1 | 1% | $65,721 |
| 4 | Waukegan | 1 | 1% | $76,079 |
| 5 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $72,353 |
| 6 | Milwaukee | 1 | 0% | $65,815 |
| 7 | Oakland | 1 | 0% | $125,951 |
| 8 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $79,968 |
| 9 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $127,194 |
| 10 | San Bernardino | 1 | 0% | $110,961 |
| 11 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $109,179 |
Civil Engineering Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of civil engineering manager 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
University of Maryland - College Park
San Jose State University
Pace University
Alabama A&M University
University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown
Central Connecticut State University
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Boise State University
What general advice would you give to a Civil Engineering Manager?
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 general advice would you give to a Civil Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Manager?
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 will help Civil Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 general advice would you give to a Civil Engineering Manager?
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.
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 Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Esber Andiroglu PhD, PE, LEED AP: Be flexible; highlight that you are a team player with solid leadership skills; be self driven, resourceful and confident; share your vision for your new role stemming from the strengths and knowledge that you bring based on your training, education and prior work experience.
Ben Giudice Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Civil EngineeringGeorge Fox University
Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering
What skills will help Civil Engineering Managers 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 Civil Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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.
Donald Yeung
Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education, Affiliate Professor, Computer Science DepartmentUniversity of Maryland - College Park
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
What skills stand out on Civil Engineering Manager resumes?
Donald Yeung: A degree at a highly rated engineering school is always a plus. For example, the ECE dept at UMD has a good reputation among local employers as well as employers elsewhere, such as Silicon Valley. Many of our students go to companies in these areas, and so we have a reputation based on the quality of students that go out. I think employers know what they're getting. Beyond the school from which you receive your degree, your GPA is also important. How well you do in the program you come from is important, too, obviously. And employers also know about grade inflation or deflation at different schools, so they can calibrate any student's GPA against what experience they've had with previous students' records. Besides that, employers also look for experience outside of the degree program, so internships, research experiences, any significant project experience, etc., are also a real plus.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Civil Engineering Managers?
Donald Yeung: In terms of hard technical skills, I believe the courses students take along with their GPA in these courses is one level of demonstration. (As I mentioned above, employers know about our program probably down to specific courses, and so if someone gets an A+ in some notoriously challenging course, that's probably known and appreciated). Some employers will give technical interviews and require students to solve problems on their feet. But I think most employers will judge this based on a student's transcript.
Yasser Dessouky
Professor and ChairSan Jose State University
Industrial and Systems Engineering
What skills stand out on Civil Engineering Manager resumes?
Yasser Dessouky: Besides being very comfortable with various professional social-media platforms, the new engineering students must embrace developing their skills in artificial intelligence and data science techniques. Besides being an excellent team member, today's remote world requires engineers to have independent problem-solving skills for a career to thrive.
James Albrecht
Professor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security, retired NYPD Captain/Commanding OfficerPace University
Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Civil Engineering Managers?
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 Engineering Managers 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 soft skills should all Civil Engineering Managers 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 skills will help Civil Engineering Managers 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Civil Engineering Managers?
Brian L Houston: The immediate impact is a migration of job openings closer to graduation. I believe this arises from the inherent uncertainty due to Covid-related project delays and cancellations. In my observation, it seems full-time jobs for December graduates are diminished, although job openings for May graduates appear to be on pace, albeit slightly delayed from previous years.
I believe the only enduring impact on graduates will be the same as many other professions, that of "work-at-home" models. I think many professions are realizing there are significant savings in overhead by allowing employees to transition to either a partial or complete work-at-home scenario. For design professionals, this is an easy transition, and provides a great opportunity for work/life balancing. For construction professionals, especially those who travel frequently, this seems like a natural progression. The opportunity for companies to reduce overhead by enacting these types of models is almost too tempting to ignore. With the advent of faster, more reliable internet connections, and live-streaming meeting platforms 9such as Zoom), the efficacy of the work-at-home model is even more viable.
What's a good job out of college for Civil Engineering Managers?
Brian L Houston: Any Civil Engineering position related to design, testing or field control (project management, etc..) seems worthwhile. The best answer would be any job that allows a graduate to advance in their professional development, while affording them the opportunity to increase productivity and reduce risk for their employer.
What will help Civil Engineering Managers increase their earning potential?
Brian L Houston: Graduates can ensure this by focusing on basic tenets of engineering best practices, including, but not limited to: communication, methodical approach to problem soving, attenton to detail, technical competence, and a desire for continual improvement.
Dr. Bin (Brenda) Zhou Ph.D.
ProfessorCentral Connecticut State University
Department of Engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Civil Engineering Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Bin (Brenda) Zhou Ph.D.: Given the uncertainties that we are facing, companies are cautious about hiring full-time employees; some even put internship positions on hold. It will be challenging for college students to gain civil engineering-related experiences and difficult for new graduates with little experience to find a job. However, some fields are doing reasonably well during the pandemic, such as construction and precast concrete.
What experience really stands out on Civil Engineering Manager resumes?
Shannon Bartelt-Hunt Ph.D.: Experiences that stand out on resumes are things that showcase their expertise and potential to demonstrate leadership. This can be through internships, extracurricular activities, or research. It's essential to show impacts - what you accomplished through your actions.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Civil Engineering Managers?
Dr. Bret Lingwall Ph.D.: No. The pandemic was timed with a recession, creating a low market for new graduates right now. However, like all economic downturns, the pandemic will pass, and the private sector will recover. The good news for civil engineers is that the public sector is broadly poised to continue making significant infrastructure investments. This means that the jobs market will be resilient in civil engineering. When you take the long view, difficult times happen every decade or so. The market always recovers and graduates continuously adapt. You have to think of the pandemic as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
What experience really stands out on Civil Engineering Manager resumes?
Dr. Bret Lingwall Ph.D.: Two quality internships. That said, excellent training is undergraduate research opportunities at your institution. These undergrad research experiences allow the professors to get to know you very well. In that way, employers have much more confidence in recommendations or references from faculty. Prospective employers see undergraduate research as an opportunity to learn special skills. Make sure that the unique gifts that you know are highlighted.
Whether obtained in the classroom, internship, or undergrad research, special skills are a considerable separator. Microsoft word is not a particular skill; it is a minimum that EVERYONE should be able to do. Computer-Aided Drafting is a skill. Even better is 3D point cloud manipulation or other 3D modeling skill. Laboratory skills are attractive. Field engineering skills are in high demand. Numerical modeling or advanced design skills on a resume catch the eye. Employers need to know what you can do for them. How will you make them money? Special skills!
What experience really stands out on Civil Engineering Manager resumes?
Nick Hudyma PhD PE: Internship and coop experiences have always stood out on resumes. I believe students should augment their resumes with a civil engineering portfolio. When students showcase their academic work, especially analysis and design projects, to potential employers, they will have a much more engaging conversation during their interviews.