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Civil Engineer Career Information, Training and Education
Civil engineers plan infrastructure projects including roads, sewer facilities, dams, bridges, and tunnels. During project preparation, they must determine project expenses, designs, and durability. Civil engineering is a branch of engineering that has been around awhile.
Civil engineers frequently supervise projects and workers. Many work as city engineers or construction supervisors, or they teach engineering classes, conduct research, or prepare project blueprints. Civil engineers can also specialize in structural design, construction, and transportation infrastructure.
Civil engineers often work in regions with large manufacturing and business districts. They can be frequently seen at construction sites, and occasionally they work in rural areas. 40 hour weeks are common for engineers while some must travel to different sites or cities.
How do you prepare for this career?
To obtain an entry level job as an engineer, candidates, in most cases, must complete an engineering bachelor's program. However, candidates with physical science and math degrees will qualify for certain jobs. Before they work on public infrastructure projects, civil engineers are required to become licensed in the state where they intend to work. Those applying for licenses must pass a test and accumulate 4 years of applicable experience. Engineers beginning their careers usually work alongside one with more experience. Engineers desiring to teach are usually required to complete a Ph.D. program in engineering.
Those gaining entry into engineering programs usually have very good grades in science, math, English, and computer science courses. After entering a program, certain schools prepare students for advanced degrees while some prepare students for the workforce. Students should become familiar with program details before making a commitment.
How much will I earn?
Civil engineers with salaries in the 50th percentile made between $54,520-86,260 annually during 2008. The lower 10th percentile made $44,810 or less while the upper 10th percentile made $104,420 or more annually.
A survey conducted in 2007 discovered that graduates with civil engineering bachelor’s degrees usually began their careers earning $48,509 annually. Those possessing master’s degrees began their careers at $48,280 while those with Ph.D.s began at $62,275 annually.
How many jobs are there?
During 2008, 256,000 civil engineers held jobs throughout the United States. Nearly 50 percent were employed by firms that specialized in architecture, construction, and engineering. Most civil engineers developed new designs for infrastructure projects. About 30 percent of these professionals worked for government agencies, but the majority were employed by construction companies.
What is the future outlook for this career?
Job growth for civil engineers is projected to increase at a greater rate than job growth in other industries at least until 2016 since they will be involved with construction and infrastructure projects to meet the needs of a growing population. Additionally, outdated roads and buildings will need to be renovated or replaced in the upcoming future.
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