According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average civil engineer makes just over $100,000 annually—just one alluring quality of this rewarding career path.
Thinking about joining their ranks?
Whether you’re still exploring careers or have known since age 10 that you want to build cool stuff, this guide explains how to become a civil engineer step by step.
Key Takeaways
- Start with a Degree: A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or civil engineering technology is your first big step toward the field.
- Pick a Specialty: From structural to coastal engineering, there are plenty of paths to match your interests and career goals.
- Pass the FE Exam: The Fundamentals of Engineering exam is a must to eventually become a licensed Professional Engineer.
- Gain Real Experience: Civil engineers work on real-world projects early through internships, construction sites, and field visits.
- Licensing Opens Doors: Becoming a Professional Engineer can lead to higher pay, more responsibility, and leadership roles.
Start with a Civil Engineering Degree
The first significant step is earning a civil engineering degree—usually a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or C.E. technology. This is your launchpad. Not only does it teach you the technical skills needed to succeed, but it’s also the baseline requirement for most civil engineering jobs.
In school, you’ll study things like physics, structural analysis, materials science, and environmental systems. You’ll also learn how to assess major projects and solve real-world problems using math, science, and engineering principles. Some programs even offer coursework tailored to different specialties (more on those below).
Tip: Look for an ABET-accredited program. It’s a requirement in most states if you want to become a licensed Professional Engineer later on and get the upgraded education that civil engineers may need.
Consider a Graduate Degree (Optional)
Plenty of civil engineers never go to grad school—but if you want to specialize in something like geotechnical engineering or do research or teach, a graduate degree might be worth it.
An advanced degree can also help you stand out if you’re aiming for senior roles or want to shift into urban planning, policy-making, or cutting-edge materials science.
Decide on a Civil Engineering Specialty
Once you’re into your studies, you’ll start discovering which area of civil engineering you’re drawn to. Some civil engineering specialties include:
- Structural Engineering – Think buildings, bridges, and skyscrapers.
- Geotechnical Engineering – You’ll focus on soil, rock, and what’s under a structure.
- Transportation Engineering – Highways, airports, and transit systems are your thing.
- Water Resources or Coastal Engineering – From dams to shorelines, you’ll manage water flow and flood prevention.
- Construction Engineering – Overseeing construction projects from planning through completion.
Each specialty has its own unique duties that civil engineers typically perform, so you’re not stuck behind a desk all day unless you want to be.
Get Hands-On Experience
You’re going to spend time at construction sites. That’s just part of the job. During or after college, civil engineers work on real-world projects through internships or co-op programs. These are goldmines for experience and make your resume way more attractive.
This is also where you learn how to assess major projects in practice, not just on paper. You’ll collaborate with contractors, city officials, and maybe even environmental experts, all while getting a feel for the problem-solving and communication skills civil engineers really use day to day.
Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
Here’s where it gets official. After earning your degree, your next move is to pass the FE exam, also known as the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. It’s the first step toward securing a PE license and a rite of passage for many civil engineers.
The FE is a multiple-choice exam that tests your understanding of everything you studied in school, plus your ability to apply it. You can take it right after graduation or even during your final year. Once you pass, you’re considered an Engineer-in-Training or Engineering Intern.
Land an Entry-Level Civil Engineering Job
Next stop: the real world. Most civil engineering jobs at the entry level involve supporting licensed engineers on infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, or flood control systems. You’ll probably be helping with designs, reports, calculations, or field inspections.
Don’t stress if you’re not doing “big stuff” right away. Many civil engineers start with smaller tasks that grow with experience. You’re learning how to balance technical know-how with real-world constraints like budgets, timelines, and city regulations.
Where Do Civil Engineers Work?
You might think all civil engineers work at construction sites—but that’s only half true. Many civil engineers split time between offices (doing designs and reports) and field visits (inspections and meetings). Others work entirely in the field or are fully remote in planning and modeling.
Typical employers include:
- Engineering consulting firms
- State and federal agencies
- Construction companies
- Utility and water districts
- Transportation departments
According to labor statistics, the demand for civil engineers is steady, thanks to ongoing investments in infrastructure projects across the U.S.
Work Toward Your PE License
A few years into your career, you might want to level up and become a Professional Engineer. This credential isn’t required for every role, but it opens up leadership positions and can help you earn more.
To get your PE license, you need:
- A civil engineering degree from an accredited school
- FE exam pass
- Four years of work experience under a PE
- A passing score on the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam
Once you’re licensed, many civil engineers also work as consultants, supervisors, or project managers. And trust me, seeing your stamped designs come to life? Pretty satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who loves solving problems, working with teams, and building things that matter, civil engineering is a career worth exploring. From choosing a civil engineering specialty to getting licensed as a Professional Engineer, every step helps you grow into a trusted pro who quite literally shapes the world around us.
And the best part? You’ll never look at a bridge or road the same way again.
Let me know if you’d like help choosing a specialty or building your study strategy for the FE or PE exam—I’m here for it.
FAQs
You typically need a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, an FE exam pass, and eventually four years of experience to qualify for a PE license.
It usually takes about four years to earn your degree, plus another four years of experience if you’re aiming for full licensure as a Professional Engineer. So, it takes about eight years to become a civil engineer.
Civil engineers earn solid salaries, especially with experience or a PE license. Pay depends on specialty, location, and the scale of your projects.
It can be challenging—there’s a lot of responsibility and problem-solving—but many civil engineers find it rewarding to see their work come to life.
No, most civil engineers need a 4-year bachelor’s degree. There are 2-year associate degrees, but those are typically for technician roles.
![PPI2Pass Review [FE and PE Exam Prep Courses]](https://www.kansascity.com/careers-education/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/10/PPI2Pass-Review-feature-img.png)
