How is the future in Structural/Civil Engineering?

Question

I want to change my career into Civil Engineering. But I dont have much idea abt this field. I want to do it bc I like the buildings. How much money can a structural Engineer make? Hows the job opportunity in this field ?

Answer 1

it's a dying industry....though if ur really gud then, skys the limit...

i interact with a lot of civil engineers and they keep whining about their low pay to me..so i guess that must be pretty bad too...

Answer 2

As long as people continue to build houses, skyscrapers, bridges and starbucks they are going to need structural engineers. When you first get out of school you don't make alot, but when you get your PE license you will be comfortable. And if you can pass the SE exam and get your SE license you will be making good money. Also, once you get your PE you can go out on your own and start your own business and if you are good enough you can make alot that way as well.

For jobs you may have to look around a bit because most of the structural companies are small and don't tend to advertise on places like Monster ot hotjobs

Answer 3

There is a lot of competition in this field.  You will need a Masters in Civil Engineering (Structural) to have a chance of getting a job in Structural Engineering.

Civil Engineers are some of the lowest paid engineers out there.  And the job market right now sucks.  I heard from one friend that is a Civil Engineer that one company in Florida let loose around 100 engineers.  It was one of the major national engineering firms.  I also hear from people that every engineering firm in Florida is not hiring or letting people go because of the bum economy.  If you are a graduating Civil Engineering student in Florida, your choices are slim for jobs and you will be competing with hundreds of other students and out of work Civil Engineers for the work that is out there.

You will never see a six figure income in civil engineering unless you live in a high cost of living area, own your own company or have been with a company for at least 20 years and have become a Senior VP.

Starting salary for Civil Engineers that just graduated back when the economy was good was around $46k but companies are offering a lot less now if they are hiring at all.  When you get your PE you will average around $60k and when you work your way up to a managerial position you will get around $80k.  Of course, this varies with were you live and the cost of living.  You will California Civil Engineers getting $50k to $60k for a starting entry level salary and $80k to $100k for PE's but you have to take into account that you really can't buy a house in California for less than $400k and they have high income taxes and high property taxes.

But if you really like Civil Engineering, go ahead and major in it if you are comfortable with making not a lot of money.  And remember this, it is a lot of work for just a middle class income.