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Best Paying Civil Engineering Jobs

Updated on February 15, 2024
Author Frank Gogol
Written by
Frank Gogol
Author Frank Gogol
Written by
Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

See all posts Frank Gogol

Civil engineering is a cornerstone profession that contributes significantly to the infrastructure we rely on daily. This field offers a diverse range of career paths, each with its own set of responsibilities, challenges, and rewards. As the demand for innovative infrastructure solutions continues to grow, so does the opportunity for civil engineers to find lucrative positions in the industry. In this blog, we explore some of the best-paying jobs within civil engineering, detailing job titles, average salaries, descriptions, and educational requirements.

Construction Manager

  • Average Salary: $90,000 to $160,000 per year
  • Job Description: Construction managers oversee construction projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.
  • Responsibilities: Planning, coordinating, budgeting, and supervising construction projects from development to completion.
  • Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field.

Architect

  • Average Salary: $80,000 to $130,000 annually
  • Job Description: Architects design buildings and other structures, focusing on aesthetics, safety, and functionality.
  • Responsibilities: Developing building designs, creating construction documents, and overseeing the construction process to ensure the vision is realized.
  • Required Education: Professional degree in architecture and licensure, which typically involves completing an internship and passing the Architect Registration Examination.

Engineering Manager

  • Average Salary: Varies widely depending on the sector and experience.
  • Job Description: Engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in architectural and engineering companies.
  • Responsibilities: Overseeing projects, managing engineering teams, and ensuring that plans are implemented efficiently.
  • Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering and significant experience in the field, often supplemented by a master’s degree in engineering management.

Structural Engineer

  • Average Salary: Varies based on location and experience, typically from $60,000 to over $100,000.
  • Job Description: Structural engineers focus on the design and physical integrity of buildings and other large structures, ensuring they are safe and capable of withstanding various forces.
  • Responsibilities: Analyzing and designing structures, ensuring they meet safety and physical integrity standards.
  • Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering, with many opting for a master’s degree or higher.

Geotechnical Engineer

  • Average Salary: Typically ranges between $65,000 and $100,000 annually.
  • Job Description: Geotechnical engineers assess and design foundations, slopes, and other earth-supported structures.
  • Responsibilities: Conducting soil and rock analysis, designing foundations, and developing projects that interact with the ground.
  • Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a focus on geotechnical courses.

Water Resources Engineer

  • Average Salary: Ranges from $60,000 to $100,000, depending on experience and location.
  • Job Description: Water resources engineers manage water-based projects, such as sewage treatment facilities, flood defense systems, and water supply networks.
  • Responsibilities: Designing and managing the construction and maintenance of water management facilities and systems.
  • Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a focus on water resources engineering.

Environmental Engineer

  • Average Salary: $60,000 to $110,000 per year
  • Job Description: Environmental engineers use principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to solve environmental problems.
  • Responsibilities: Addressing issues related to waste disposal, pollution, public health, and environmental sustainability.
  • Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field such as civil, chemical, or mechanical engineering.

Transportation Engineer

  • Average Salary: Typically between $60,000 and $90,000 annually.
  • Job Description: Transportation engineers plan, design, and oversee construction and maintenance of transportation systems, including roads, bridges, and traffic management systems.
  • Responsibilities: Designing and implementing transportation systems, ensuring safety and efficiency.
  • Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a specialization in transportation engineering.

Urban and Regional Planner

  • Average Salary: Varies, but generally ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually.
  • Job Description: Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities.
  • Responsibilities: Developing plans and programs for land use, creating communities, and accommodating growth.
  • Required Education: Master’s degree in urban or regional planning, public administration, or related field.

Civil Engineering Technologist

  • Average Salary: $55,000 to $80,000 per year
  • Job Description: Civil engineering technologists assist civil engineers in planning and designing infrastructure projects.
  • Responsibilities: Supporting the design and construction of infrastructure, conducting field tests, and managing project documentation.
  • Required Education: Associate degree or higher incivil engineering technology or a related field.

Final Thoughts

The civil engineering field is vast and offers a plethora of high-paying career opportunities. Each role not only demands a specific set of skills and educational background but also contributes uniquely to society’s infrastructure. From the planning and design of towering structures to the management of water resources, civil engineers ensure our environment is sustainable, efficient, and safe. As technology advances and the world’s infrastructure needs grow, the demand for skilled civil engineers in these top-paying jobs is likely to continue rising.

Other Jobs in Industrial and Manufacturing Sectors

Sources

The average salaries and job descriptions were informed by data and information from the following sources:

These resources provide comprehensive insights into various civil engineering roles, their responsibilities, required education, and potential earnings.

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Author Frank Gogol

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
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