How to become civil engineerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$100,840
25th–75th pct. $79,930–$129,680
Top pay (est.)
$212,200
Top 10% $163,220
Pay in 5 years
$114,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$130,100est.
$111,900–$151,000
Outlook score
56/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
68%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+6.4%
23K openings / yr
How to become civil engineers
Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Civil Engineers
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentScheduling Work and ActivitiesProcessing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Important abilities
Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityMathematical Reasoning
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as civil engineers
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.