How much does a civil engineer make?

In the U.S., experience, greater responsibility, and a PE license or specialty certification can help civil engineers move into senior roles. Pay also differs by employer or industry and by location.

Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems. Includes architectural, structural, traffic, and geotechnical engineers. Excludes “Hydrologists” (19-2043).

What's a typical day like?

A civil engineer may start at a desk, studying maps and using design software to plan a road or water system. Then they may visit a construction site, check progress and materials, and make sure the work follows the plans and safety rules.

In the U.S., earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, then take the FE exam near graduation; entry-level jobs do not require a license. To become a PE, most states require relevant work experience—often about four years—and passing the PE exam.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out.

At the bottom of the Grand Canyon, a suspension bridge was designed so every piece except its cables could be carried down a trail by mule.

The US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.