The job market for cleared civil engineering careers is as strong as ever. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 20 percent growth over the next eight years. So why the demand? Look at it this way: Every day, people drive cars, take trains, cross sidewalks and move along miles of bridges and roadways, all leading to city sky lines of towers and stadium domes. All that infrastructure got there with the help of civil engineers. New construction, maintenance and repair of existing infrastructures continue to drive demand for civil engineering skills. If this is your career goal, here’s what you need to know:
Education
A bachelor’s degree is almost always required. Along with civil engineering degrees, good degree plans include math, statistics, engineering mechanics and systems and fluid dynamics. Most students also complete credited hours in field work. In some jobs, degree requirements are waived if the candidate is currently working in an engineering field and in the process of earning a degree. When selecting degree plans, make sure the program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). To learn which colleges are accredited, check out: http://main.abet.org/aps/Accreditedprogramsearch.aspx
An increasing number of civil engineers now have master’s degrees; more than one in five. A master’s degree is generally a requirement for management positions.
Licensing
Civil engineering licenses may be required depending on the state and whether the company provides public services. As a rule, a degree from an ABET accredited school is required to be eligible for a license. That, and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. After meeting any other state requirement you’ll first be designated a civil engineer (CE) intern or Engineer-in-Training (EIT). Each state determines its own requirements for experience and/or additional exams before issuing status as a CE professional.
Salaries
On average, civil engineering skills lead to great salaries; about $80,000 per year. On the high end, they’re bringing in $120,000. In a switch from the norm, the federal government tends to pay more than the private sector. Pay is also higher for local government as opposed to state government. And the pay scale jumps again for defense contractors, due to security clearance requirements at military installations and Department of Defense facilities.
Options for cleared careers
In 2012, the National Academies published a 15-year forecast for civil engineering in defense. The report highlighted the need for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professionals to meet emerging technology threats. This impacts DoD hiring practices, as requirements for civil engineering jobs now include both U.S. citizenship and a security clearance. It also gives cleared professionals with civil engineering skills and prior military service an edge when competing for these jobs. Currently, there are multiple opportunities for civil engineers at larger defense contractors like Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. Other firms with open opportunities include The Louis Berger Group, Versar, Inc. and exp Federal, Inc.
Remember that civil engineering skills include balancing multiple projects, cost objectives, safety requirements and oversight. The ability to demonstrate good decision-making skills and leadership is a plus during interviews.
