{"id":4483,"date":"2025-05-25T08:45:17","date_gmt":"2025-05-25T14:45:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/?p=4483"},"modified":"2025-06-01T09:14:32","modified_gmt":"2025-06-01T15:14:32","slug":"how-to-become-a-civil-engineer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/how-to-become-a-civil-engineer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Civil Engineer: Skills, Steps, and Insights"},"content":{"rendered":" <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average civil engineer makes just over<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/2023\/may\/oes172051.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> $100,000<\/a> annually&#8212;just one alluring quality of this rewarding career path.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thinking about joining their ranks?<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you&#8217;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.<\/p> <p class=\"custom_key wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list custom_underline\"> <li><strong>Start with a Degree:<\/strong> A bachelor\u2019s degree in civil engineering or civil engineering technology is your first big step toward the field.<\/li> <li><strong>Pick a Specialty:<\/strong> From structural to coastal engineering, there are plenty of paths to match your interests and career goals.<\/li> <li><strong>Pass the FE Exam:<\/strong> The Fundamentals of Engineering exam is a must to eventually become a licensed Professional Engineer.<\/li> <li><strong>Gain Real Experience:<\/strong> Civil engineers work on real-world projects early through internships, construction sites, and field visits.<\/li> <li><strong>Licensing Opens Doors:<\/strong> Becoming a Professional Engineer can lead to higher pay, more responsibility, and leadership roles.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-start-with-a-civil-engineering-degree\"><strong>Start with a Civil Engineering Degree<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first significant step is earning a civil engineering degree\u2014usually a bachelor\u2019s 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\u2019s also the baseline requirement for most civil engineering jobs.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In school, you&#8217;ll study things like physics, structural analysis, materials science, and environmental systems. You&#8217;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).<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Look for an ABET-accredited program. It\u2019s 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.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-consider-a-graduate-degree-optional\"><strong>Consider a Graduate Degree (Optional)<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plenty of civil engineers never go to grad school\u2014but if you want to specialize in something like geotechnical engineering or do research or teach, a graduate degree might be worth it.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An advanced degree can also help you stand out if you&#8217;re aiming for senior roles or want to shift into urban planning, policy-making, or cutting-edge materials science.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-decide-on-a-civil-engineering-specialty\"><strong>Decide on a Civil Engineering Specialty<\/strong><\/h2> <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"410\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/05\/Become-a-Civil-Engineer-info-410x1024.png\" alt=\"engineering specialties\" class=\"wp-image-4485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/05\/Become-a-Civil-Engineer-info-410x1024.png 410w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/05\/Become-a-Civil-Engineer-info-120x300.png 120w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/05\/Become-a-Civil-Engineer-info-60x150.png 60w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/05\/Become-a-Civil-Engineer-info.png 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px\" \/><\/figure> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019re into your studies, you\u2019ll start discovering which area of civil engineering you\u2019re drawn to. Some civil engineering specialties include:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Structural Engineering<\/strong> \u2013 Think buildings, bridges, and skyscrapers.<\/li> <li><strong>Geotechnical Engineering<\/strong> \u2013 You\u2019ll focus on soil, rock, and what\u2019s under a structure.<\/li> <li><strong>Transportation Engineering<\/strong> \u2013 Highways, airports, and transit systems are your thing.<\/li> <li><strong>Water Resources or Coastal Engineering<\/strong> \u2013 From dams to shorelines, you\u2019ll manage water flow and flood prevention.<\/li> <li><strong>Construction Engineering<\/strong> \u2013 Overseeing construction projects from planning through completion.<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each specialty has its own unique duties that civil engineers typically perform, so you\u2019re not stuck behind a desk all day unless you want to be.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-hands-on-experience\"><strong>Get Hands-On Experience<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019re going to spend time at construction sites. That\u2019s 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.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is also where you learn how to assess major projects in practice, not just on paper. You\u2019ll 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.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pass-the-fundamentals-of-engineering-exam\"><strong>Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s 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\u2019s the first step toward securing a PE license and a rite of passage for many civil engineers.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019re considered an Engineer-in-Training or Engineering Intern.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-land-an-entry-level-civil-engineering-job\"><strong>Land an Entry-Level Civil Engineering Job<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019ll probably be helping with designs, reports, calculations, or field inspections.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t stress if you\u2019re not doing \u201cbig stuff\u201d right away. Many civil engineers start with smaller tasks that grow with experience. You&#8217;re learning how to balance technical know-how with real-world constraints like budgets, timelines, and city regulations.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-do-civil-engineers-work\"><strong>Where Do Civil Engineers Work?<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might think all civil engineers work at construction sites\u2014but that&#8217;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.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typical employers include:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Engineering consulting firms<\/li> <li>State and federal agencies<\/li> <li>Construction companies<\/li> <li>Utility and water districts<\/li> <li>Transportation departments<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to labor statistics, the demand for civil engineers is steady, thanks to ongoing investments in infrastructure projects across the U.S.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-work-toward-your-pe-license\"><strong>Work Toward Your PE License<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few years into your career, you might want to level up and become a Professional Engineer. This credential isn&#8217;t required for every role, but it opens up leadership positions and can help you earn more.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get your PE license, you need:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>A civil engineering degree from an accredited school<\/li> <li>FE exam pass<\/li> <li>Four years of work experience under a PE<\/li> <li>A passing score on the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019re licensed, many civil engineers also work as consultants, supervisors, or project managers. And trust me, seeing your stamped designs come to life? Pretty satisfying.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;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.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And the best part? You&#8217;ll never look at a bridge or road the same way again.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let me know if you\u2019d like help choosing a specialty or building your study strategy for the FE or PE exam\u2014I&#8217;m here for it.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2> <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1747654599356\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What are the qualifications for a civil engineer?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You typically need a bachelor\u2019s degree in civil engineering, an FE exam pass, and eventually four years of experience to qualify for a PE license.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1747654604494\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How long does it take to become a civil engineer?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It usually takes about four years to earn your degree, plus another four years of experience if you\u2019re aiming for full licensure as a Professional Engineer. So, it takes about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-civil-engineer\/\">eight years to become a civil engineer<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1747654608923\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do civil engineers get paid a lot?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Civil engineers earn solid salaries, especially with experience or a PE license. Pay depends on specialty, location, and the scale of your projects.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1747654613637\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is it hard being a civil engineer?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It can be challenging\u2014there\u2019s a lot of responsibility and problem-solving\u2014but many civil engineers find it rewarding to see their work come to life.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1747654618868\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is civil engineering a 2-year degree?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, most civil engineers need a 4-year bachelor&#8217;s degree. There are 2-year associate degrees, but those are typically for technician roles.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average civil engineer makes just over $100,000 annually&#8212;just one alluring quality of this rewarding career path. Thinking about joining their ranks? Whether you&#8217;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 [&hellip;]<\/p> ","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":4484,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,243],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4483","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers-education","category-engineering"],"acf":{"external_author":[129],"external_editor":"","select_template":"default","not_show_feature_image":false,"hide_toc":false},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/05\/Become-a-Civil-Engineer-feature-image-768x427.png","author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/author\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Become a Civil Engineer: Skills, Steps, and Insights<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to become a civil engineer\u2014from earning your civil engineering degree to landing jobs, choosing specialties, and passing your licensing exams.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/how-to-become-a-civil-engineer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Become a Civil Engineer: Skills, Steps, and Insights\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to become a civil engineer\u2014from earning your civil engineering degree to landing jobs, choosing specialties, and passing your licensing exams.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/how-to-become-a-civil-engineer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Kansas City Star - Careers &amp; 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