What does a Civil Engineer do?

Civil engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and buildings. You manage construction plans, ensure safety standards are met, and work with teams to deliver large-scale projects on time and within budget.

Civil Engineer: Main duties

Civil Engineers in the Engineering field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

  • Design civil engineering projects using CAD software and other engineering tools.
  • Conduct feasibility studies for proposed projects, analyzing materials, costs, and time requirements.
  • Ensure all projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations and environmental guidelines.
  • Supervise construction sites, ensuring projects adhere to design specifications and safety standards.
  • Work with architects, urban planners, construction managers, and other engineers to effectively plan and execute projects.
  • Manage the allocation of resources, including materials, labor, and time, to maximize efficiency.
  • Oversee the quality of construction and materials to ensure the durability and sustainability of projects.

Civil Engineer: Key Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field. PE license preferred.
  • Proficiency in CAD software and familiarity with industry-specific software like AutoCAD Civil 3D.
  • Strong analytical skills for complex problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reporting and team collaboration.
  • Experience in project management, including budgeting and timeline management.
  • Ability to lead project teams, including engineers and construction personnel.

Basic Skills and Requirements for Civil Engineers

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent in their working region.
  • Ongoing training and education to keep up with industry advancements and maintain licensing.
  • Advanced skills in computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering software.
  • Extensive experience with on-site management and compliance monitoring.
  • Ability to adapt to evolving construction technologies and environmental regulations.

Salary Expectations for Civil Engineers


Job Branch Avg. US Salary
Civil Engineer Engineering 103,650 USD

The average salary for a Civil Engineer in the U.S. is approximately $103,650 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Civil Engineers may receive a wide range of benefits.

Level Experience Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran20+ years$129,563
Senior11+ years$114,015
Experienced6-10 years$103,650
Mid Level3-5 years$93,285
Entry Level0-2 years$77,738

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Civil Engineer Salary Country Overview.

Career Path for Civil Engineers

Civil Engineers can progress to senior engineering positions, become project managers, or specialize in specific areas such as structural engineering, environmental engineering, or transportation engineering. They may also move into executive roles, such as a director of engineering.

Civil Engineer: Work Environment

Civil Engineers typically work in office settings but also frequently visit project sites. They may be required to travel to different locations and work long hours to monitor project progress or respond to project needs and emergencies.

Cityjobs.info provides not only a detailed Civil Engineer job description but also insights about salary data in different countries worldwide.


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