How to Become a Civil Engineer
Design, build, and supervise infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and water systems. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $100,840 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$100,840/yr
Typical range
$68,240 to $163,220
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
23,600
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Structural Analysis
- AutoCAD
- Project Management
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Mathematics
Helpful certifications
- PE (Professional Engineer)
- FE (Fundamentals of Engineering)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
35/100
Work-life balance
62/100
Stress level
42/100
Satisfaction
74/100
Related careers
- Computer Hardware Engineer$161,740 median
- Petroleum Engineer$144,910 median
- Aerospace Engineer$134,960 median
- Nuclear Engineer$133,970 median
- Chemical Engineer$125,040 median
- Electrical Engineer$120,630 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Civil Engineer make?
The median pay for a Civil Engineer is $100,840 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The typical range runs from $68,240 to $163,220, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Civil Engineer?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management.
Is Civil Engineer a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 23,600 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Civil Engineer use most?
Common skills for this role are Structural Analysis, AutoCAD, Project Management, Geotechnical Engineering, and Mathematics.
Planning to become a Civil Engineer?
Save this career to your PlanexAI path and track the majors, courses, and milestones that lead to it.
Not sure this is right for you?
Take our free 2-minute quiz to match your interests to majors and careers.
Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.