Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using numbers, measurements, formulas, quantitative reasoning, and mathematical concepts.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Civil engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field to enter the occupation. They typically need a state-issued license if they provide services directly to the public. PayThe median annual wage for civil engineers was $100,840 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 22,700 openings for civil engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for civil engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of civil engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about civil engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for civil engineers was $100,840 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 22,700 openings for civil engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for civil engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of civil engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about civil engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 22,700 openings for civil engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for civil engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of civil engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about civil engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects.
Work Environment
Civil engineers work in a variety of locations and conditions, commonly splitting their time between an office setting and construction sites. Most civil engineers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Civil Engineer
Civil engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field to enter the occupation. They typically need a state-issued license if they provide services directly to the public.
Pay
The median annual wage for civil engineers was $100,840 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 22,700 openings for civil engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for civil engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of civil engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about civil engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Civil engineers work in a variety of locations and conditions, commonly splitting their time between an office setting and construction sites. Most civil engineers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Civil Engineer
Civil engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field to enter the occupation. They typically need a state-issued license if they provide services directly to the public.
Pay
The median annual wage for civil engineers was $100,840 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 22,700 openings for civil engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for civil engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of civil engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about civil engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for civil engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of civil engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about civil engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about civil engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.