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Military Civil Engineers

Military Career

General Information

Description

Civil engineers plan, design, and oversee infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. They execute construction, operation, and repair of structures and facilities. Responsibilities of a civil engineer also include clearing and emplacing obstacles such as minefields. There are a variety of civil engineering disciplines, all of which play a rewarding role in military operations.

Explore this career outside the Military

Work Environment

Civil engineers work in offices when designing projects or reviewing reports. They work in the field when conducting needs assessments, or overseeing surveys and construction activities.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Architecture & Construction

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Civil Engineers in the Military

44,506

No Information for this section

Salary

Salary Information

Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$76,761

Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.

$22,646 - $276,140

What makes up a Military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Bachelor's degree 85%
  • Master's degree 9%
  • Post baccalaureate 4%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Associate's degree 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Military training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Civil engineers typically have a college degree in engineering. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. In addition, civil engineers receive specialized training, both on-the-job and in the classroom, to oversee military engineering projects. Job-specific training content may include: Contract managementPublic works (e.g., utilities)AdministrationMilitary-specific construction topics (e.g., breaching structures)

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Military training

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Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Civil engineers typically have a college degree in engineering. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. In addition, civil engineers receive specialized training, both on-the-job and in the classroom, to oversee military engineering projects. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Contract management
  • Public works (e.g., utilities)
  • Administration
  • Military-specific construction topics (e.g., breaching structures)

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

Knowledge

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Design
  • Building and Construction
  • Mathematics
  • Customer and Personal Service

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.