Civil engineers design and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and water systems. You'll need a bachelor's degree and strong problem-solving skills. The work is technical, in demand, and shapes the communities where people live.
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Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise construction projects that serve the public. You'll gather information from clients and sites, make decisions about materials and methods, and communicate plans to supervisors and teams. Your work involves drafting technical specifications, laying out equipment and structures, and evaluating whether designs meet safety and building standards. You'll apply knowledge of design, engineering, mathematics, and physics to solve real-world problems. Much of your day involves reading technical documents, writing reports, and staying current with building codes and industry practices.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Civil Engineers earn a median of $100,840 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 23,600 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. This typically takes four years and covers design, construction, mathematics, and physics. During your studies, you'll develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, and technical writing. Many civil engineers pursue additional credentials after graduation to advance their careers. Look for programs that include hands-on projects and internships, which help you build practical experience before entering the field.
Most civil engineers earn their bachelor's degree before starting work. The path is fairly straightforward, but choosing the right program and internships matters, so Pathly can map the civil engineer path that fits you with your counselor to map out a plan that fits your goals and timeline.
Many civil engineers must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You're drawn to realistic, hands-on problem-solving. You think in systems and structures. You're comfortable with math and science, and you want your work to have a visible impact on the built world.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).