Top 7 civil engineering jobs that will pay you well

For a fresh graduate, the most important question is what can they do with their recent educational qualification. You can either choose to study further or get a job and gain valuable work experience. But before you do that, you need to have some idea about the kind of opportunities that are out there. As a civil engineering graduate, most jobs would require you to be directly involved with the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, damns, etc. However, there are other areas of specialization that you can explore. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of civil engineering jobs and what they pay. Take a look!

What does a civil engineering job entail?

Civil engineers are responsible for the design, construction management, and repair of public works like roads, bridges, hospitals, and tunnels, among other things. They can be hired privately by companies, or work for the government, for jobs directly or indirectly involved with construction.

Civil engineers may also be required to check for safety inspections, while other times, they may just be involved in design and approval. Civil engineers also work in the construction and maintenance of airports, railways, waterworks, and energy generation infrastructure.

1. Surveyor 

This is an entry-level job that involves carrying out site measurements to help determine building or construction details. Surveyors help governmental institutions acquire accurate property lines. They also help construction companies prepare a plot map before any construction begins. As a surveyor, you will need to note down and keep precise records of measurements because they typically go into a public record.

Expected Average Salary: USD 38,600 per annum

2. CAD Engineers

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is a type of software for all kinds of engineering applications and design. CAD technicians review drawings or plans to ensure they meet the safety specifications. These civil engineers work on 2D or 3D models of the construction project. You may require a background in design, architecture, or drafting for this job. However, the qualification requirements may vary. 

Expected Average Salary: USD 71,000 per annum 

3. Building Engineer

Building engineers overlook the repair and ongoing maintenance of existing structures, like residential, commercial, and healthcare buildings. They need to know about local and national regulations as well as safety standards. Building engineers also help ensure that building systems (like heating and cooling) and fire safety protocols are up to the mark.

Expected Average Salary: USD 60,000 per annum  

4. Urban Planner

As an urban planner, you will primarily work in city planning, and with city officials and developers. Urban planning involves not just site mapping and land allocation but also financial estimations and other data analysis. A civil engineer urban planner will also go over zoning regulations to make sure the development project is compliant. In some situations, urban planners may proactively put proposals to communities and municipal officials as well. 

Expected Average Salary: USD 75,000 per annum

5. Structural Engineer

Structural engineers help design structures that can withstand the stresses and pressures of environmental conditions. They ensure that the structure does not deflect, rotate, or vibrate and is stable and secure to use. Structural engineers also examine existing building structures to check if they are safe to use. They work closely with architects and other engineers to oversee the usage of appropriate materials, that are in line with the design as well as the soundness of the structure.

Expected average salary: USD 103,013 per annum

6. Field Service Engineer

Field Service engineers focus on repair, maintenance, and installation of engineering and electrical products. They work for a wide array of clients – from property owners, to commercial site managers and even government institutions. Sometimes they are in charge of a group or team, wherein they are responsible for coordinating the job at hand. Part of being a field service engineer is traveling to various sites to solve and fix mechanical or electrical equipment issues. For owners of products and equipment, a field service engineer may also be on call to configure or troubleshoot any issues on location.

Expected Average Salary: USD 71,000 per annum

7. Construction Manager

This job typically requires someone with years of construction experience. Construction managers are usually on the construction site and are responsible for coordinating with architects, contractors, as well as other civil engineers. The responsibilities of a construction manager include budgeting, scheduling, creating timetables and cost estimates, as well as keeping a check on safety regulations. Construction managers work on many types of projects – from roads, and tunnels to residential and commercial buildings.

Expected Average Salary: USD 176,000 per annum (highly dependent on experience)

What next?

Civil engineering jobs often involve a lot of coordination and management of manpower and resources. Getting a job as a fresher will give you the opportunity to explore different areas you can specialize in. You should then research whatever particular job or niche interests you and acquire the required skills.

Feel free to reach out to us for any help regarding choosing the right course or college.

Until next time!