Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for resident engineers in the United States
Resident engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected resident engineer job growth rate is 7% from 2018-2028.
About 22,100 new jobs for resident engineers are projected over the next decade.
Resident engineer salaries have increased 6% for resident engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 27,216 resident engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 31,388 active resident engineer job openings in the US.
The average resident engineer salary is $96,425.
Are resident engineer jobs in demand?
Resident engineer job and salary trends over time
Resident engineer jobs over time
Resident engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 27,216 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 26,907 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 27,801 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 27,370 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 26,733 | 0.01% |
Average resident engineer salary over time
Resident engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $96,425 | $46.36 | +1.7% |
| 2025 | $94,782 | $45.57 | +0.5% |
| 2024 | $94,324 | $45.35 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $92,288 | $44.37 | +1.5% |
| 2022 | $90,949 | $43.73 | +1.6% |
Resident engineer jobs by state
Most common states for resident engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 196 | 28% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 842 | 15% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 978 | 12% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 577 | 10% |
| 5 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 110 | 10% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 631 | 9% |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 547 | 9% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 387 | 9% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 60 | 8% |
| 10 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 46 | 8% |
| 11 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 492 | 7% |
| 12 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 208 | 7% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 139 | 7% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 41 | 7% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,464 | 6% |
| 16 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 675 | 6% |
| 17 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 366 | 6% |
| 18 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 197 | 6% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 95 | 6% |
| 20 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 74 | 6% |
Most common cities for resident engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | 1 | 4% | $95,405 |
| 2 | Santa Barbara | 3 | 3% | $121,232 |
| 3 | Walnut Creek | 2 | 3% | $133,045 |
| 4 | Oakland | 5 | 1% | $133,074 |
| 5 | Sacramento | 5 | 1% | $133,180 |
| 6 | Irvine | 3 | 1% | $117,614 |
| 7 | Antioch | 1 | 1% | $132,861 |
| 8 | Farmington Hills | 1 | 1% | $77,280 |
| 9 | Chicago | 7 | 0% | $84,563 |
| 10 | San Diego | 5 | 0% | $116,032 |
| 11 | San Francisco | 4 | 0% | $133,341 |
| 12 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $86,680 |
| 13 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $95,479 |
| 14 | San Jose | 2 | 0% | $131,842 |
| 15 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $83,613 |
| 16 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $93,662 |
| 17 | El Paso | 1 | 0% | $91,944 |
| 18 | Fresno | 1 | 0% | $128,369 |
Resident Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of resident engineer experts
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Northeastern University
Ohio University
University of Texas at Tyler
North Dakota State University
Rockhurst University
Clemson University
University of Miami
George Fox University
The University of Texas at Arlington
Pace University
Bowling Green State University
Weber State University
Western Carolina University
University of Michigan
Central Connecticut State University
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
What general advice would you give to a Resident 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 will help Resident Engineers increase their earning potential?
Kishor Shrestha Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, LEED Green Assoc.: A construction engineer is usually responsible for managing multiple facets of a construction project, such as estimating, scheduling, and supervision. Every day, they may check project blueprints, work with contractors/ subcontractors, visit the site, fix technical problems, and assure that works are done safely, promptly, and within the allotted budget.
What general advice would you give to a Resident 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.
Serena Alexander Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Environmental Policy and EngineeringNortheastern University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Resident 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 will help Resident 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 will help Resident 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 Resident 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 general advice would you give to a Resident 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 will help Resident Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dhaval Gajjar: Like – Challenging, diverse, impact in the community, working with different types of people, can use any STEM related skills Dislike – Sometimes long hours to finish projects.
What will help Resident 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 Resident 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
Ben Giudice Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Civil EngineeringGeorge Fox University
Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering
What soft skills should all Resident 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 Resident 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 Resident 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 Resident 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 hard/technical skills are most important for Resident 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.
Alan Atalah Ph.D.
ProfessorBowling Green State University
College of Technology Architecture and Applied Engineering
What skills will help Resident Engineers earn the most?
Alan Atalah Ph.D.: In the short run, the a/c technical and hard skills are crucial to enhance their chances of getting a decent job. In the long run, the a/c soft skills are crucial for adding value to their employers and their customers (owners), subcontractors, vendors, consultants, etc. I would also add the managerial and leadership abilities; they are two different sets of skills.
What will help Resident 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.
What's a day at work look like for a Resident Engineer?
Dr. Hugh Jack Ph.D.: The pandemic has permanently added remote working to professional tools. This will mean that the amount of travel might decrease and the time out of the office might increase. Being able to reduce the need to commute will improve the quality of life.
Brian Denton Ph.D.
Professor and Department ChairUniversity of Michigan
Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering
What soft skills should all Resident Engineers possess?
Brian Denton Ph.D.: Communications, both written and verbal, are always important. So is leadership training, teamwork, and resilience. We expose our students to all of these topics, often referring to them as "essential skills" to make it clear how important they are.
Dr. Bin (Brenda) Zhou Ph.D.
ProfessorCentral Connecticut State University
Department of Engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Resident Engineer 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.
Hani Alzraiee Ph.D., P. Eng., PMP.
Assistant Professor, Construction Engineering Co-Director of Granite Heavy Civil MinorCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Civil & Environmental Engineering
What experience really stands out on Resident Engineer resumes?
Hani Alzraiee Ph.D., P. Eng., PMP.: I advise students to look for summer internship opportunities. This will help them learn about the sector and establish connections with professionals in the field. Many of my students reported to me that they have received job offers after completing a summer internship from the same organization. Also, knowing how to use the tools and the software used by the industry is something that can make a resume stand out. Investing in soft skills and community volunteering can improve graduate opportunities in the job market.
What experience really stands out on Resident Engineer 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.