Mid-Level

Civil Engineer

Career Level
Junior
Mid
Senior
Director
VP
Executive
Work Personality
R
I
C
A
E
S
Realistichands-on, practical
Investigativeanalytical, curious
Based on Holland Code framework
Industries that often hire Civil Engineers
RetailProfessional Services · 57%Government · 23%Construction · 13%Administrative Services · 1%Manufacturing · 1%
Job markets for Civil Engineers
Employment concentration · ~400 areas
Based on employment in related occupations
Mapped SOC categories:
Engineering
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
Jump to:What it's likeCareer pathsBy the numbers
What it's like

What it's like to be a Civil Engineer

Content not yet generated for this role.
What people in this role value
Working ConditionsAbove avg
AchievementModerate
RecognitionModerate
IndependenceModerate
SupportModerate
RelationshipsLower
O*NET Work Values survey
✦ Editorial — written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.

Earning potential across this track
$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
Technology & Information$117K+15%
Professional Services$103K+1%
Energy & Utilities$87K-14%
Financial Services$86K-16%
Wholesale & Distribution$74K-28%
Compared to Engineering average across all industries
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Civil Engineers (SOC 17-2051.00, 17-2081.00, 17-3011.00), not just this title · BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Career Growth OptionsEngineering track →
Civil EngineerAir Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer)3D Printing Tech (Three Dimensional Printing Technician)ArchitectData Engineering ManagerEngineering Design ManagerCivil Engineering ManagerEngineering Project ManagerEngineering Program ManagerEngineering Group ManagerElectronics Engineering ManagerElectrical Engineering Manager+40 more
Exploring the Civil Engineer career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
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✦ Editorial — career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$44K–$162K
Salary Range
10th – 90th percentile
503K
U.S. Employment
+4.33%
10yr Growth
37K
Annual Openings

How this category is changing

$77K$74K$71K$68K$65K201920202021202220232024$65K$77K
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

SpeakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningActive ListeningWritingMonitoringCritical ThinkingSpeakingMathematicsComplex Problem Solving
O*NET OnLine · Bureau of Labor Statistics
Mapped SOC Codes
17-2051.0017-2081.0017-3011.00

Explore related roles

Other roles in the Engineering career track

midAir Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer)$102Kmid3D Printing Tech (Three Dimensional Printing Technician)$65KmidArchitect$97KmidData Engineering Manager$168KmidEngineering Design Manager$168KmidCivil Engineering Manager$168K
View all Engineering roles →

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS Employment Projections · O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.