Civil engineering is a prominent career field for engineers. The role of a civil engineer involves designing, developing, and overseeing the construction of various types of infrastructure projects, roadways, and buildings in communities. Civil engineers are paid well and contribute to a significant role when it comes to community development. Civil engineers are often involved in high-pressure projects and many work more than 40-hours a week. Pedram Zohrevand has been a civil engineer for over 10 years, here are some things to know about a career in civil engineering.
Outstanding Pay Potential
Engineering is one of the above-average employment sectors. The annual average salary for all types of civil engineers as of May 2012 was $84,140, according to the U.S. BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The top-end salaries were even greater, with around $122,020 per year. The self-employment sector provides a top-level earning potential. The biggest sector in civil engineering is architectural engineers. The average annual salary for the professionals within this sector was $86,170.
Importance To Communities
If you are interested in balancing environmental responsibility and community-mindedness with a passion for engineering and chemistry, civil engineering might be the perfect match. Most civil engineers will contribute greatly to the infrastructure evolution of communities, by designing roadways, buildings, and more. You could also play one of the key roles by leading sewage, waterway, and roadway environmentally-friendly projects. As you start developing and designing structures, you will often be able to include your concerns when it comes to the way it will impact on the environment.
Job Pressure
With such an important role comes extreme job pressure. The projects and buildings you will be heading up when you become a civil engineer will sometimes be massive in budget and scope. A significant failure could lead to dramatic losses for either you or your company. It could also lead to an elevation in your company’s insurance premium. A fault in engineering can also result in calamities within communities such as bridge and road problems, building degradation, or a water-system malfunction. An issue with the work that you provide can ruin your reputation or your employer’s.
Hours And Work Environment
Civil engineers often work full-time weeks. However, around 25% of civil engineers work for more than 40-hours a week, derived from statistics from the BLS. In addition, it is common that a lot of your time will be spent visiting sites. The rest of your time is spent planning in an office. You will also spend some of your work time on different work sites where you will oversee projects, communicate with the construction workers, and monitor progress.
