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Senior civil engineer vs construction engineer

The differences between senior civil engineers and construction engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a senior civil engineer and a construction engineer. Additionally, a senior civil engineer has an average salary of $83,749, which is higher than the $74,680 average annual salary of a construction engineer.

The top three skills for a senior civil engineer include civil 3d, project management and CAD. The most important skills for a construction engineer are tractor trailer, construction sites, and cranes.

Senior civil engineer vs construction engineer overview

Senior Civil EngineerConstruction Engineer
Yearly salary$83,749$74,680
Hourly rate$40.26$35.90
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs38,16251,380
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4141
Years of experience66

What does a senior civil engineer do?

A senior civil engineer is primarily in charge of overseeing the development of public structures such as buildings, bridges, pipelines, and roads. They are responsible for spearheading the design and planning stages, setting goals and objectives, managing budgets and timelines, performing due diligence, inspecting construction sites, and documenting the procedures. Above all, as a senior civil engineer, it is essential to lead and serve as a role model to fellow engineers and contractors, all while implementing the construction site's safety policies and regulations.

What does a construction engineer do?

A Construction Engineer designs, coordinates, and supervises projects within the construction industry. They conduct surveys, analyze results, and supervise projects from the cradle to the grave.

Senior civil engineer vs construction engineer salary

Senior civil engineers and construction engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Senior Civil EngineerConstruction Engineer
Average salary$83,749$74,680
Salary rangeBetween $60,000 And $115,000Between $55,000 And $101,000
Highest paying CitySan Rafael, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyMicrosoftMeta
Best paying industryRetailEnergy

Differences between senior civil engineer and construction engineer education

There are a few differences between a senior civil engineer and a construction engineer in terms of educational background:

Senior Civil EngineerConstruction Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorCivil EngineeringCivil Engineering
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborNew York University

Senior civil engineer vs construction engineer demographics

Here are the differences between senior civil engineers' and construction engineers' demographics:

Senior Civil EngineerConstruction Engineer
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 88.9% Female, 11.1%Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 16.6% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 11.2% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between senior civil engineer and construction engineer duties and responsibilities

Senior civil engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage a geotechnical investigation that include determining boring locations and soliciting bids.
  • Analyze bridge structures for deficiencies following the AASHTO code using hand calculations and software.
  • Respond to RFI's and keep the daily logs and quantity book up to date.
  • Design bridges and other highway relate structures using PennDOT standards, and AASHTO policies and procedures.
  • Represent the client (MTA) during CPM schedule update reviews and contractor requests for change orders.
  • Evaluate contractor's procedure for execution, CPM's, breakdowns for payments and contractors certifications for payments.
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Construction engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage 3D BIM coordination, improving field production and reducing rework.
  • Manage all aspects of work packages which include subsea EPC's contractors (i.e.
  • Manage all trades installing formwork, concrete, interior finishes, built-up and rubber roofs, and EIFS.
  • Calculate sub-contractors weekly accomplish work for payroll.
  • Manage Geotechnical subcontractor daily testing logs and sampling activities.
  • Manage and/or participate in a variety of water and wastewater assist company principles as engineering consultants for numerous municipal clients.
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Senior civil engineer vs construction engineer skills

Common senior civil engineer skills
  • Civil 3D, 13%
  • Project Management, 11%
  • CAD, 5%
  • Construction Management, 5%
  • Geotechnical, 4%
  • Business Development, 4%
Common construction engineer skills
  • Tractor Trailer, 18%
  • Construction Sites, 16%
  • Cranes, 15%
  • Bulldozers, 11%
  • Grade Stakes, 8%
  • Combat, 8%

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