Civil Engineers
Did You Know:*
- Employment is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations, although growth will vary by specialty; overall job opportunities for engineers are expected to be good.
- A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, but some research positions may require a graduate degree.
- Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates.
- Continuing education is critical for engineers in order to keep up with improvements in technology.
Industry Areas
- Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
- State Government (OES Designation)
- Local Government (OES Designation)
Day-to-Day Tasks*
- Manage and direct staff members and the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.
- Provide technical advice regarding design, construction, or program modifications and structural repairs to industrial and managerial personnel.
- Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.
Overall Kind of Work*
Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applicatio...
Work Environment*
Civilian
Most engineers work in office buildings, laboratories or industrial plants. Others may spend time outdoors at construction sites and oil and gas exploration and production sites, where they monito...
Military
Civil engineers work in offices when designing projects or reviewing reports. They work outdoors when overseeing survey or construction activities.
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 1.86% (0-20 Hours)
- 2.70% (21-34 Hours)
- 2.23% (35-39 Hours)
- 65.48% (40 Hours)
- 10.79% (41-49 Hours)
- 16.95% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Civil engineers (17-2051)
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People:
Things: 
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity: 
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure:
Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 67.47% (Private For-Profit)
- 1.70% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 16.37% (State and Local Govt)
- 6.91% (Federal Government)
- 7.55% (Self-Employed)
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
3,585 Civil Engineers in the military