How to become a civil engineer

Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What civil engineers do

• 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.
• Plan and design transportation or hydraulic systems or structures, using computer-assisted design or drawing tools.
• Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, program modifications, or structural repairs.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Mathematics
• Critical Thinking
• Science
• Writing
• Active Learning

Is civil engineer a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 98% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• California $122,500
• Alaska $114,730
• Washington $110,000
• Massachusetts $106,730
• Louisiana $105,380

Civil Engineers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.