Civil Engineering is a major that prepares students to work in multiple sectors, mainly related to the construction industry. The construction industry is one of the major industries worldwide and that is why civil engineers are always in high demand. The Civil Engineering major prepares to work on designing, estimation, planning, construction, management, maintenance, or supervision of the construction work. A building is not just erected anywhere, there is a lot of planning, acquiring funds to start projects, and multiple other states. Construction companies hire civil engineers to help them get funding by designing projects and working on the estimation that proves the project to be beneficial for the investors.

After funding has been acquired, civil engineers make sure that the project is executed according to the plan, and make sure that everything is used in the right way. They also survey the construction site to make sure that the place is suitable or to check the progress of the project. Even once a building has been completed, civil engineers inspect the building and clear it for sale or other purposes. It is a major that requires hard work, and dedication but provides some of the best salaries and some of the highly rewarding career choices. Below is a list of one of the top career choices after a civil engineering degree.

Top 15 Career Choices After a Civil Engineering Degree:

Here are the top 15 best and highest paying career choices after a Civil Engineering degree.

• Architect
• Engineering Project Manager
• Civil Engineer
• Construction Manager
• Environmental Engineer
• Landscape Architect
• Engineering Surveyor
• Urban/Town Planner
• Pipeline Engineer
• Patent Attorney
• Consultant Civil Engineer
• Site Engineer
• Mathematician
• Safety Control Engineer
• Cost Estimator

Below is the detail about each of these career choices in Civil Engineering.

1. Architect:

After a civil engineering degree, you can become an architect. The job of an architect is to create architecture or design a civil engineering project. They plan the development of a project, after that, they create multiple designs and select the one that is more sensible or feasible according to the conditions or the one that is approved by the investors. After that, they oversee the progress of the project to make sure everything is going according to their design and planning. Some architects also create their own companies; meanwhile, some are hired by large corporations that work in construction centers. They also provide consultation related to building design, planning, and estimation.

It is a job that you can get after a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering but civil engineers with a master’s degree are preferred for this role. Some companies also hire fresh graduates and train them so that they can work in their environment. It is one of the highest-paying career choices after a bachelor’s degree as it pays very well. Some of these jobs require experience that you can get by doing internships at these companies. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of an architect is $82,320, while the top earners can make more than $136,310. As of 2020, the total number of architectural engineers working in the United States is 126,700, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 3%. This is one of the slowest growth rates in engineering professions but still, it would produce 3,900 new jobs.

2. Engineering Manager:

Another high-paying job that you can get after a degree in civil engineering is the job of an engineering manager. This is a field job that not only requires knowledge of civil engineering but also project management. That is why people with some background in project management are preferred for this role. As it is one of the highest-paying jobs in engineering, there is always a lot of competition for this job. To increase the chances of your employment, you can take some training sessions, or courses in project management while studying your major of civil engineering.

You can get this job after a bachelor’s in civil engineering but if you have additional training or courses in project management or a master’s degree in civil engineering, the chances of your employment would increase significantly. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of an engineering manager is $149,530, while the top earners can make more than $208,000. As of 2020, the total number of engineering managers working in the United States is 197,800, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 4%. This is also a slow growth rate that would only produce 8,100 new jobs in the next few years.

3. Civil Engineer:

You can also become a civil engineer after completing your degree. This is also one of the highest-paying jobs after a bachelor’s degree. Some of these jobs can even offer a six-figure salary just after a bachelor’s degree. This job requires working on almost all of the stages of construction projects, starting from planning, designing, construction, inspection, and evaluation of the project. Civil Engineers are also hired by construction companies, or construction consultancy firms that provide services related to planning, cost estimation, or designing the project. Civil engineers mostly work from offices, but they also have to be on-site several times to check the progress and guide the technicians and construction managers about the further steps.

Civil Engineers also make sure that the building is being constructed according to the guidelines of the construction control authorities. They also work on making a building safer for its inhabitants. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a civil engineer is $88,570, while the top earners can make more than $144,810. Civil Engineers are also hired by federal and local governments to work on their projects apart from private sector firms. As of 2020, the total number of civil engineers working in the United States is 309,800, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 8%. This is an average fast growth rate predicting a lot of new jobs but with the competition.

4. Construction Manager:

You can also become a construction manager after completing your education in civil engineering. The job of a construction manager is to manage the workflow of construction and to make sure that everything is done according to the plan and on time. Construction managers sometimes work with the project managers or under the supervision of project managers. This helps in the division of labor, which breaks down the entire project into multiple smaller tasks that are easier to complete and have a better success rate. This technique is controlled by construction managers that are hired by the companies to oversee the process of construction of each task and make sure that they are according to the architecture design of the project.

Construction managers are hired by government agencies and private construction firms. For example, the US federal government hires construction managers to work on their basis or buildings such as the construction of offices, roads, national highways, dams, and other large-scale projects.  According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a construction manager is $97,180, while the top earners can make more than $140,000. As of 2020, the total number of construction managers working in the United States is 448,000, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 11% which is faster than most. That means it would create more than 51,400 jobs in the next few years.

5. Environmental Engineer:

After completing your civil engineering degree, you can also become an environmental engineer. The job of an environmental engineer is to create projects that are more sustainable and do not harm the planet. As governments from around the world are looking forward to cutting down the emissions and taking measures for the safety of the planet and environment, this profession is gaining momentum. Environmental engineers are hired by NGOs, governments, and private firms that are working on environmental protection projects. They analyze the environmental problem and come up with a sustainable solution that will not only protect the environment but will cause no harm to the planet.

You can get this job after a civil engineering degree, but you will have to get some experience. You can get that experience by doing internships after your graduation. If you have a master’s degree or a doctorate, you will be preferred for this job. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of an environmental engineer is $92,120, while the top earners can make more than $150,000. As of 2020, the total number of environmental engineers working in the United States is 52,300, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 4%. According to this data, this profession would only create 1,900 jobs in the next few years. This is a very small number that indicates higher competition for each job position.

6. Landscape Architect:

Another high-paying occupation that you can choose after a civil engineering degree is the job of landscape architecture. It is a similar job to architecture but instead of designing residential and non-residential buildings, landscape architects are responsible for creating, designing, planning, constructing, and maintaining landscapes, such as theme parks, outdoor spaces, open houses, or non-traditional business spaces. Landscape architects are responsible for creating stadiums, sports grounds, national monuments, and other important landscape projects.

This is a job for highly skilled architectural engineers. That is why most people with a master’s degree are hired. But you can get the job of an intern, or a junior landscape architect. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a landscape architect is $70,630, while the top earners can make more than $130,000. As of 2020, the total number of landscape architects working in the United States is 23,700, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 0%. This growth data shows that this profession might not flourish in the next few years.

7. Engineering Surveyor:

The job of an engineering surveyor is to visit the site and survey. This is a job position that is more about finding the right location for a project. Once they visit the site of the project, they take useful measurements or will be used in the project later. Engineering surveyors also visit the project when it is under construction to evaluate the progress and check the safety and security measures. This is not a very high-paying job but it still provides a stable income. The job of an engineering surveyor is to collect as much data as possible about the ground, environment, or surroundings.

This data is used for various purposes apart from construction. For example, engineering surveyors’ data is used for map making and knowing the shape and contour of the earth’s surface in that area. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of an engineering surveyor is $65,590, while the top earners can make more than $100,000. As of 2020, the total number of engineering surveyors working in the United States is 46,000, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 2%. That means it would produce 700 new jobs.

8. Urban/Town Planner:

It is also one of the highest-paying jobs after a civil engineering degree. The job of an urban planner or a town planner is to create the layout of a town, city block, or urban area. Urban Planners are highly skilled civil engineers who know the soil type and environment of the area that they are planning about. With the help of this knowledge, they create a beautiful, efficient, and profitable design that appeals to both the public and investors. Urban Planners plan the cities and towns strategically according to the guidelines of the concerned authorities. They make sure that every part of the town is accessible and has sufficient safety measures.

This is also a job for skilled planners or civil engineers with a lot of experience. You can get this job after a bachelor’s degree if you have the right type of experience in this field. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of an Urban Planner is $75,950, while the top earners can make more than $120,000. As of 2020, the total number of Urban Planners working in the United States is 39,100, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 7% which is an average fast growth rate.

9. Pipeline Engineer:

After completing your education in the field of civil engineering you can also become a pipeline engineer. This is a job related to the transportation of oil, gas, and other natural resources that can be transported using pipelines. There are a lot of companies that are setting up pipelines all over the world for the transportation of fuels as it is more efficient and costs less comparatively. Pipeline transportation engineers can easily make a six-figure salary but most of these jobs require traveling a long distance to work on pipelines. Not only that, but you may also have to go abroad to check or oversee the work of pipelines.

You can get this job after a bachelor’s or master’s degree but having some experience is required. You can get experience by working as an intern or a junior engineer. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a pipeline transportation engineer is $137,330, while the top earners can make more than 208,000. As of 2020, the total number of pipeline transportation engineers working in the United States is 28,500, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 8%. According to this data, it would produce about 2200 new jobs.

10. Patent Attorney:

You can also become a patent attorney after completing a degree in civil engineering. The job of a patent attorney is to help engineers file patent applications related to engineering projects, techniques, designs, and inventions. Apart from helping, patent attorneys file these applications on the behalf of a client as well. This is a job that requires knowledge of rules and regulations related to filing applications for patents. This is an attorney job position that means you will also have to hold a law degree. There is a 3 year-long law degree for those who want to become a patent attorney after civil engineering. You will have to complete both of these degrees to become an attorney.

To become a patent attorney, you will need some experience that you can get by working as an intern in a law firm. You will be fighting in court for the right of a patent for your clients. That is why you need the technical knowledge of the product, or innovation, and also the law. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a patent attorney is $126,930, while the top earners can make more than $208,000. As of 2020, the total number of patent attorneys working in the United States is 804,200, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 9%. This means it would create 71,500 jobs in the future.

11. Consultant Civil Engineer:

Construction companies that do not want to hire an engineer or want to seek outside help in a project, hire consultant civil engineers. The job of a consultant civil engineer is also similar to the normal civil engineer but it also includes consultation. You will be advising your clients about their projects. For example, companies that are looking for a government grant for a project, hire consultant civil engineers to create a plan that will help them get that grant or investment from investors. It is also a very high-paying career choice after a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in civil engineering.

This is also a job for those with higher qualifications in civil engineering. You can start as an intern or a junior consultant and can later be promoted to this position. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a consultant civil engineer is $82,320, while the top earners can make more than $136,310. As of 2020, the total number of consultant civil engineers working in the United States is 126,700, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 3%. According to this data, this profession would produce more than 8000 jobs.

12. Site Engineer:

After completing your education in civil engineering, you can become a site engineer. The job of a site engineer is to oversee and instruct the work that is going on. The site engineers work for all types of construction work, be it road construction, a bridge, or a railway track, or any other type of construction work. Site engineers are responsible for making sure that the plans for construction and deadlines are met successfully. They create strategies for work and provide the materials required for construction. Site engineers are hired by government agencies, private contractors, construction agencies, and firms that are in the construction business.

Site engineers should have completed a bachelor’s degree and must have some experience of working on site. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a site engineer is $88,570, while the top earners can make more than $144,810. As of 2020, the total number of civil engineers working in the United States is 309,800, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 8% which is average. According to this data, this profession will create more than 36000 new jobs between 2020 and 2030.

13. Mathematician:

You can also become a mathematician after completing your education in the field of civil engineering. This might look like an odd job for a civil engineer but it is not. As civil engineering students study advanced mathematics, and statistics, this enables them to become a mathematician or a statistician. They are hired for their skills in mathematics, and statistics by government agencies, and private companies. Mathematicians and statisticians work on complex data and convert it into useful and meaningful statistics. For example, taking the data of an entire stock and converting it into an understandable chart.

You may have to continue studying mathematics or statistics in the future to become a mathematician or a statistician. This job also requires a very high level of understanding of mathematics, and statistics. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a mathematician is $93,290, while the top earners can make more than $150,000. As of 2020, the total number of mathematicians working in the United States is 44,800, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 33% which is faster than most other professions.

14. Safety Control Engineer:

You can also become a building safety control engineer after completing your civil engineering degree. This is a job that requires knowledge of technologies, and construction processes to ensure that these technologies are used most efficiently. Safety control engineers are hired by construction companies to ensure the safety of their buildings. They are also hired by the government to inspect the buildings and check if they are safer for residents or not.

This job also requires some background in safety and control engineering for buildings. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a safety and control engineer is $94,240, while the top earners can make more than $140,000. As of 2020, the total number of civil engineers working in the United States is 24,100, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 6%. Based on the results of this data, it is predicted that this profession will produce 1500 new jobs over the next decade.

15. Cost Estimator:

After completing your degree in civil engineering, you can work as a cost estimator. Cost estimators can work online as freelancers and also as office workers. The job of a cost estimator is to consult with project engineers and know about the details of the project. After that, cost estimators utilize multiple techniques for calculating the cost of a project. This cost estimation helps in all types of projects.

This job also requires knowledge of market prices, and the ability to perform complex mathematical calculations. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a cost estimator is $66,610, while the top earners can make more than $100,000. As of 2020, the total number of civil engineers working in the United States is 199,400, and the growth rate of this profession for the next ten years is 1%. This data shows that this profession will show almost no growth between 2020 to 2030.

Benefits and Salaries for Civil Engineering-Related Jobs:

Job Position	Requirements	Number of Jobs	Job outlook	Median Income
Architect	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	126,700	3%	$82,320
Engineering Project Manager	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	197,800	4%	$149,530
Civil Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	309,800	8%	$88,570
Construction Manager	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	448,000	11%	$97,180
Environmental Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	52,300	4%	$92,120
Landscape Architect	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	23,700	0%	$70,630
Engineering Surveyor	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	46,000	2%	$65,590
Urban/Town Planner	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	39,100	7%	$75,950
Pipeline Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	28,500	8%	$137,330
Patent Attorney	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	804,200	9%	$126,930
Consultant Civil Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	309,800	8%	$88,570
Site Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	309.800	8%	$88,570
Mathematician	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	44,800	33%	$93,290
Safety Control Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	24,100	6%	$94,240
Cost Estimator	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	199,400	1%	$66,610

Note 🙁 Bachelors for the job and Masters for further promotion) data source Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Types of Civil Engineering Degrees:

Here is the list of the top three degrees that you can do with a Civil Engineering major.

1.   Associate’s Degree:

An Associate’s degree in Civil Engineering is a short degree that prepares you for multiple tasks related to civil engineering and construction. You will not be hired as a civil engineer but as a helper, or assistant, or technician after this degree. You can do this after completing high school. It can take 2 to 3 years to complete and can cost between $12,000 to $20,000.

2.   Bachelor’s Degree:

This is a professional degree in civil engineering, which will make you a civil engineer. You can work on any of the jobs mentioned above. This degree can take more than four years to complete. You will have to study and complete 120 credit hours of coursework. This degree can cost you between $80,000 to $200,000 in total.

3.   Master’s Degree:

If you further want to continue your studies to improve your knowledge in civil engineering, the next degree after a bachelor’s is the master’s degree in civil engineering. It’s an advanced study program that can also take 2 to 3 years to complete. This degree can cost you between $40,000 to $60,000. But after this degree, you will become eligible for almost any type of civil engineering-related job.

4.   Ph.D. or Doctorate:

This is a specialization degree in civil engineering. You will select a field of study, and a topic for your research. You can select any branch of civil engineering for this degree. It can take more than 5 years to complete and can cost between $100,000 to $200,000 in total. After this degree, you will become eligible for jobs that require advanced knowledge or a doctorate in civil engineering disciplines.

Skills You Will Learn From Civil Engineering Degree:

• Mathematical skills
• Ability to rationalize, or think logically
• Problem-solving skills
• IT and Scientific research skills
• Engineering skills especially in construction

Conclusion:

A civil engineering degree is related to the construction industry, and civil engineers are hired by the federal and state governments, and private firms to plan, design, oversee, and execute construction plans for buildings, railway tracks, roads, and other construction projects. This is a job that requires a lot of knowledge of mathematics, geology, engineering, IT, and other related fields. After completing the education, civil engineers can get many high-paying jobs that not only provide better salaries but also other benefits as well. So, if you are planning on doing a degree in civil engineering, you are making the right choice.

FAQs:

Question: What are civil engineering major subjects?

Answer: In civil engineering major, you will study several advanced subjects including mathematics and statistics for engineers, materials and construction engineering, fluid mechanics, mechanics of solids, geotechnical engineering, hydrology, architectural design, and others.

Question: What jobs can I get after a civil engineering degree?

Answer: You can get many high-paying jobs including the job of a civil engineer, site engineer, construction manager, project manager, consultant engineer, cost estimation engineer, and others.

Question: What are civil engineering admission requirements?

Answer: Civil engineering majors have higher requirements for admission as compared to other subjects. This is because this subject requires students who can understand mathematics, engineering, and other advanced topics and who can give proper time to study and pass. So, if you are planning on getting admission in civil engineering, make sure that you perform better at school and in your engineering admission tests.