Civil Engineers
| Description |
OES Code: 22121 |
Plan, design, and direct the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, pipelines, subdivisions, airports, waste water systems, and many other types of facilities. They may work in a specific field such as construction, land development, structural or hydraulic design, soil mechanics, waste water treatment, or solid waste management. The may also work with specialists on general problems such as soil or ground water conta-mination or energy development and conservation.
Wages
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$21.67 |
| 25th Percentile |
$24.02 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) |
$31.34 |
| 75th Percentile |
$38.82 |
Wages by California County
Hours & Benefits
The normal work week for Civil Engineers is 40 hours, with some overtime work required to meet project deadlines. Those working on construction projects, for example, often work overtime during busy periods. Fringe benefits usually include paid vacation, sick leave and health insurance. Some employers offer retirement programs or profit sharing, as well.
Employment Trends
| Employment 1998 |
25,200 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
30,200 |
| Growth Rate 1998-2008 |
19.8% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
5,300 |
Employment Trends by California County
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division, shows that the number of civil engineers will grow at an average rate through 2005. (Projected growth for all occupations in California is expected to average 27 percent through 2005.)
Advancement
Civil Engineers working in government usually begin their careers as junior engineers. As they gain experience, they may advance to assistant, associate, and senior-level positions. To attain higher salaries, qualified engineers working in civil service can move into management and administrative positions. Civil Engineers working in private industry can be promoted to more responsible jobs such as staff engineer, project engineer, or principal engineer. When qualified, they can work as a consultant in a private firm or enter administrative work where they can advance to the upper management level. A Master of Science degree is becoming increasingly important for advancement in civil engineering.
Getting the Job & Other Information
When filling entry-level positions, some employers conduct college campus interviews. Others request referrals from college placement centers or engineering department faculty. Higher-level jobs may be advertised in newspapers and professional journals. Employers and applicants may also use the placement services of professional societies, private employment agencies, or the California Employment Development Department. Government agencies generally issue civil service announcements describing all current openings which are filled through civil service hiring procedures.
For a list of current job listing, browse Caljobs or America's Job Bank. |
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Education and Training
High school students planning to become Civil Engineers should take college preparatory courses such as chemistry, physics and English, as well as shop and drafting classes. They should take as many math classes as possible, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. A Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering is the minimum requirement for most entry-level positions. Research or university teaching requires a masters or Ph.D. degree. Some schools have civil engineering curricula that are accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). Employers advise students to acquire practical experience through summer jobs or college work-study programs. They also recommend computer science courses because of the reliance on computer technology in the profession.
Skills & Other Requirements
Civil Engineers must combine mathematical and mechanical aptitude with an interest in community affairs and environmental issues. They must be able to organize, analyze, and evaluate technical data to solve detailed engineering problems and work as a team member.
Registration by the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers is required of all consulting Civil Engineers and those responsible for approving plans, specifications, and reports. Many employers require registration for advancement to a specific level (Associate Civil Engineer in most public agencies). Registration requires passing two examinations and from one to six years of civil engineering work experience. Successful candidates receive a certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer.
References
California Occupational Guide #39
Related Occupations: Industrial Engineers, #3, Mechanical Engineers, #5, Electrical/Electronics Engineers, #12, Urban Planners, #175, Architects, #12, Drafting, #338
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)
© 2000 California Occupation Information Coordinating Committee |
