21 Civil Branch Jobs That Pay 6-Figures

The civil engineering field offers a wide range of career opportunities with the potential for high earnings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for civil engineers was $88,050 in May 2021, with the top 10% earning over $135,380 per year.

Top-Paying Civil Engineering Jobs

1. Project Manager

Project managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of civil engineering projects. They are responsible for managing budgets, schedules, and teams, and they ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. The median annual salary for project managers in the civil engineering field is $116,340.

2. Senior Civil Engineer

Senior civil engineers provide technical leadership and guidance on civil engineering projects. They develop and review design plans, conduct inspections, and provide technical support to other engineers. The median annual salary for senior civil engineers is $101,590.

3. Structural Engineer

Structural engineers design and analyze the structural components of buildings, bridges, and other structures. They ensure that structures are safe and stable, and they work closely with architects and other engineers to develop design plans. The median annual salary for structural engineers is $97,770.

4. Transportation Engineer

Transportation engineers plan, design, and operate transportation systems, including highways, railroads, and airports. They work to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety. The median annual salary for transportation engineers is $94,730.

5. Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as water pollution, air pollution, and waste management. They work to protect human health and the environment. The median annual salary for environmental engineers is $92,510.

6. Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical engineers study the properties of soil and rock, and they design foundations and other structures that interact with the ground. They work to ensure that structures are stable and safe. The median annual salary for geotechnical engineers is $90,170.

7. Water Resources Engineer

Water resources engineers plan, design, and manage water systems, including dams, reservoirs, and water treatment plants. They work to ensure that there is a reliable supply of clean water for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes. The median annual salary for water resources engineers is $88,260.

8. Construction Manager

Construction managers oversee the construction of civil engineering projects, including buildings, bridges, and highways. They are responsible for managing budgets, schedules, and teams, and they ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. The median annual salary for construction managers is $96,050.

9. Land Surveyor

Land surveyors determine the boundaries of land parcels, and they create maps and other documents that show the location of buildings, roads, and other features. The median annual salary for land surveyors is $68,610.

10. Architectural Drafter

Architectural drafters create technical drawings and plans for buildings and other structures. They work closely with architects and engineers to develop design plans. The median annual salary for architectural drafters is $66,580.

Civil Engineering Jobs for Graduates

1. Civil Engineer I

Civil engineer I positions are entry-level positions for civil engineers. They typically assist senior engineers with design, analysis, and other tasks. The median annual salary for civil engineer I positions is $64,120.

2. Junior Structural Engineer

Junior structural engineers assist senior structural engineers with the design and analysis of structural components. They may also conduct inspections and perform other tasks. The median annual salary for junior structural engineers is $60,930.

3. Entry-Level Transportation Engineer

Entry-level transportation engineers assist senior transportation engineers with planning, design, and other tasks. They may also conduct traffic studies and perform other analysis. The median annual salary for entry-level transportation engineers is $56,580.

4. Environmental Engineer I

Environmental engineer I positions are entry-level positions for environmental engineers. They typically assist senior engineers with design, analysis, and other tasks. The median annual salary for environmental engineer I positions is $54,120.

5. Assistant Construction Manager

Assistant construction managers assist construction managers with the management of civil engineering projects. They may also supervise construction crews and perform other tasks. The median annual salary for assistant construction managers is $52,580.

Civil Engineering Jobs in the Public Sector

1. City Engineer

City engineers oversee the planning, design, and construction of public infrastructure within a city. They work closely with other city officials and residents to ensure that the city's infrastructure meets the needs of the community. The median annual salary for city engineers is $102,580.

2. County Engineer

County engineers oversee the planning, design, and construction of public infrastructure within a county. They work closely with other county officials and residents to ensure that the county's infrastructure meets the needs of the community. The median annual salary for county engineers is $97,580.

3. State Highway Engineer

State highway engineers oversee the planning, design, and construction of state highways. They work closely with other state officials and residents to ensure that the state's highways meet the needs of the community. The median annual salary for state highway engineers is $95,580.

4. Federal Highway Engineer

Federal highway engineers oversee the planning, design, and construction of federal highways. They work closely with other federal officials and residents to ensure that the nation's highways meet the needs of the community. The median annual salary for federal highway engineers is $94,580.

Civil Engineering Jobs in the Private Sector

1. Consulting Engineer

Consulting engineers provide engineering services to clients in the private sector. They may work on a variety of projects, including design, analysis, and construction management. The median annual salary for consulting engineers is $105,580.

2. Design Engineer

Design engineers develop and review design plans for civil engineering projects. They work closely with other engineers and architects to ensure that projects meet the needs of the client. The median annual salary for design engineers is $99,580.

3. Construction Engineer

Construction engineers oversee the construction of civil engineering projects. They work closely with contractors and other engineers to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. The median annual salary for construction engineers is $98,580.

4. Project Engineer

Project engineers manage civil engineering projects from start to finish. They work closely with clients, engineers, and contractors to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. The median annual salary for project engineers is $97,580.

How to Get a Civil Engineering Job

The first step to getting a civil engineering job is to earn a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited university. Once you have a degree, you can apply for entry-level positions in the public or private sector. You may also want to consider getting certified by the American Society of