Civil Engineer: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Civil Engineers earn a national median of $99,590/yr with 5% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Engineering and Technology, Design, Mathematics.
Median Salary
$99,590
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
5%
About as fast as average
Employed Nationally
355,410
2024 data
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Civil Engineer
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Civil Engineer candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Civil Engineer performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Civil Engineer roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 5% for Civil Engineer roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's about as fast as average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 355,410
- Projected Growth
- 5%
- Typical Education
- Bachelor's degree
Top Employers
Companies actively hiring for Civil Engineer roles, ranked by disclosure volume. Salaries reflect base pay from employer disclosure records.
| Company | Median Disclosed Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Stripe Inc | $100,500 | 4 |
Base salary only — excludes equity and bonuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Civil Engineer do?
- Civil Engineers apply expertise in Engineering and Technology, Design, Mathematics to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Mathematics, Complex Problem Solving.
- How much does a Civil Engineer make?
- The national median salary for a Civil Engineer is $99,590 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Civil Engineer a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Civil Engineer roles is projected to grow 5% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 355,410 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Civil Engineer?
- The typical entry-level education for a Civil Engineer is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Civil Engineers need?
- The most important skills for Civil Engineer roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Mathematics, Complex Problem Solving, Active Listening, Speaking, Systems Analysis, Time Management, Judgment and Decision Making, Writing. Key tools and technologies include: Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Revit, Bentley MicroStation, Microsoft Excel.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.