Civil Engineer Salary

Civil engineering is one of the oldest of the engineering professions. Civil engineers are responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of infrastructure systems, highways, bridges, dams, water supply and sewage systems, airports, tunnels, and other projects. As current infrastructure needs replacement, there will be increasing demand for civil engineers. Areas of specialty may include environmental, highway systems, architectural, structural, marine, and geo-technical. Requiring at least a bachelor degree, civil engineers are well paid, with average salaries of above $70,000.

Civil engineering professionals are usually based in metropolitan centers, near the hubs of government, industry, and commerce. Job projects frequently involve travel and field work. Using the principles of civil engineering, they must take into accounts such variables as the materials involved in construction of the projects and local conditions including earthquakes, hurricanes, and climate and geologic variables.

Salary Overview

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics from May 2009, the median salary for civil engineers is $76,590 or $36.82 per hour. In the lower 10th percentile, the annual salary is $49,620 and below, and in the top 10th percentile it is above $118,320.

Salary is based on education level with a bachelor degree being the minimum requirement. A 2009 survey indicated that an average entry-level position for a civil engineer with a bachelor degree is $52,000. Having a master degree or doctorate will increase the beginning salary. As experience is gained in the position, promotions to supervisory levels will have accompanying increases in salaries.

Salaries vary depending on the agency or company that the civil engineer is employed by. According to the BLS, the highest annual mean salaries are in the oil and gas extraction industries and other pipeline transportation industries with mean salaries at $107,430. The natural gas pipeline transportation industry has a mean salary of $96,690. Civil engineers working for state governments average $75,870, while federal positions average $88,040. Regional salaries vary with the District of Columbia, California, Texas, New Jersey, and Louisiana having the highest mean wages.

Training and Education Requirements

A minimum of a bachelor degree is required for entry-level civil engineering positions. Engineering programs at four year colleges require a strong basis in mathematics and science. Physics, geology, engineering science, and chemistry, along with supporting mathematics emphasizing geometry, statistics, trigonometry, and calculus are part of the core curriculum. The real-world application of the sciences and math will be used to solve specific problems related to commerce, industry, and infrastructure.

In addition to science and math, a strong emphasis on written and oral communication and technical writing is required. Engineers generally work on a team, deal with clients, and the public, requiring excellence in interpersonal communication skills, technical reports, and project presentation. Computer abilities are essential, with familiarity in drafting and schematics necessary. Consideration should be given to whether the graduate will immediately enter the workforce or continue in post-graduate studies.