Civil Engineering
Civil engineering plans, designs and builds infrastructure: roads, bridges, tunnels, water and sewer systems, airports and buildings. Much of the work is public, so many civil engineers work for government or government contractors.
Where Civil Engineering can lead
A field of study is not one job. These are the occupations BLS tracks for this pathway, with median annual pay (May 2025) and projected change in employment (2025–35); total U.S. employment is projected to grow 3.5%.
| Occupation | Median pay | Outlook | Openings / year | Typical entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil engineers | $100,840 | +6% Faster than average |
22,700 | Bachelor's degree |
Median: half of workers earned more, half earned less. Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, checked 2026-10-07.
What civil engineers earn
Pay varies widely with experience, employer and location. BLS figures for May 2025.
Often new graduates
Half earned more, half less
Often senior or specialized roles
Median pay by industry
| Industry | Share of jobs | Median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering services | 51% | $100,620 |
| State government | 11% | $102,440 |
| Local government | 10% | $113,640 |
| Nonresidential building construction | 7% | $82,400 |
| Federal government | 3% | $117,790 |
Source: BLS, civil engineers (pay and work environment tabs).
Where the jobs are
The five states with the most jobs for civil engineers in May 2025, with local median and average (mean) pay. Pay is usually higher where living costs are higher.
| State | Jobs | Median pay | Mean pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 55,180 | $122,500 | $124,540 |
| Texas | 34,870 | $96,860 | $104,250 |
| Florida | 23,750 | $98,570 | $103,810 |
| New York | 17,500 | $103,760 | $117,880 |
| Pennsylvania | 15,870 | $97,850 | $100,750 |
BLS publishes estimates for all 50 states and DC for this occupation. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
What the work is really like
From O*NET, which surveys people working in the job. Most work full time and some work more than 40 hours a week; time is split between offices and construction sites, sometimes in a temporary onsite office.
Common tasks
- Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.
- Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.
- Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.
- Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.
What workers report
| Share of workers who… | Share |
|---|---|
| Use email every day | |
| Talk on the phone every day | |
| Have face-to-face discussions every day | |
| Work more than 40 hours a week |
Technology used on the job
Interests that fit this work (Holland codes): Realistic, Investigative, Conventional. Source: O*NET OnLine, 17-2051.00, checked 2026-10-07.
How to get there, step by step
A typical route. Many people reach the same job in different ways.
- Step 1
Math and science
Calculus, physics and chemistry.
- Step 2
Bachelor's degree
Civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
- Step 3
FE exam
Pass and become an Engineer in Training (EIT).
- Step 4
About 4 years
Qualifying work under licensed engineers.
- Goal
PE license
Needed to sign off and provide services directly to the public.
High school preparation
- Calculus and physics
- Chemistry or environmental science
- Drafting or CAD if offered
- Any project-management or team activities
Course suggestions are Margdarshan's guidance; what you can take depends on your school. See the high school guide for GPA, AP and dual enrollment.
Degrees and what you study
A bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. Graduate study, a PE license and experience help with moving into supervisory roles.
Education workers say their job requires (O*NET)
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | |
| Master's degree |
Costs and aid: see College & Money. Important qualities BLS lists for civil engineers: communication skills, decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, math skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills.
Professional Engineer (PE) license
Granted by state engineering licensing boards. Each state board sets its own application rules, fees and approval steps; many states require continuing education to renew.
Not always required: Many engineering jobs do not require a PE. BLS: a PE is required to offer services directly to the public (e.g. civil engineers signing off public projects); entry-level civil engineers do not need one. Computer hardware and most software/industry roles rarely require a PE.
Full step-by-step licensing route →Why demand is changing
BLS expects continued investment in U.S. infrastructure — bridges, roads, water systems and buildings — plus new waste treatment plants and water system upkeep.
Faster than average
Civil engineers
Average over the decade, including replacements
Studying from outside the U.S.? Education and immigration are separate pathways — see the international student guide.
Advice for getting in
Margdarshan's guidance, based on the data above.
- Plan for the PE: in civil engineering it is the normal route to senior and public-facing roles.
- Expect a mix of office and site work — O*NET reports daily phone calls and face-to-face meetings for most civil engineers.
- Government is a big employer: BLS lists state government (11%) and local government (10%) among the largest employers of civil engineers.
Frequently asked questions
Related career pathways
Where these facts come from
Official sources only, checked on the dates shown.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Civil engineers checked 2026-10-07
- O*NET OnLine: 17-2051.00 · U.S. Department of Labor checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates via the BLS Public Data API checked 2026-10-07
- FE exam · NCEES checked 2026-10-07
- PE exam · NCEES checked 2026-10-07
- What Programs Does ABET Accredit? · ABET checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Outlook Handbook · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics checked 2026-10-07