Your online Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree will provide you with a plethora of career opportunities! Many who graduate with this type of degree choose a specialization to pursue; however, in most any concentration, your degree will provide you with the qualifications required for an entry-level position within the field of engineering.
As a civil engineering graduate, you will need to gain valuable experience, typically at least four years, before you can qualify to take your exams and receive your PE license. Generally, if you are interested in a beginner’s position within a civil engineering firm, you will be hired as a junior engineer. In this job, you will work directly under senior engineers within the field. Junior engineers can hone their skills as they read blueprints and prepare drafts, as well as, do progress reports, and learn all the other aspects of the trade.
In time, you will be promoted to an assistant engineering position. In this program, you can assist higher-level engineers in designing and implementing projects. You’ll assist in preparing bids, conducting inspections, and analyzing data. In both introductory positions, your performance and invaluable experience and training will ensure your success at the senior level.
As a senior licensed civil engineer, you can expect to earn an average salary of $84,770 per year, according to the BLS as of May 2017, with a faster than average job growth rate of 11% between 2016 and 2026. However, depending on your years of experience, the type of project and your job location, senior civil engineers can make upwards of $150,000 per year. As an engineer, you can expect extensive work hours within the office setting or on a construction site.
What else can you do with your online Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree? If you do prefer working in an outdoor setting, a construction manager’s job description may suit you better. Construction management involves overseeing an architect’s or civil engineer’s design. They ensure that the project is built sturdily, as well as, within the financial parameters. They must be aware of all building codes to ensure safety. According to the BLS in May 2017, the average salary for a construction manager’s position was $91,370 annually. Strong leadership skills are highly recommended.
What does it cost to build a project? That is exactly what the cost estimator wants to find out as well. Before a project begins, the first aspect of the process is to gain financial backing; therefore, each project must be meticulously analyzed by reviewing blueprints to estimate an accurate cost. Estimating is a very critical position within a civil engineering firm, as it will help make or break the project’s profits. Cost estimators also are concerned with labor expenses, in addition to, the time put forth to complete a project. The BLS reported the cost estimator’s wages at $63,110 per year, as of May 2017.
Also, there are other career choices that can see benefits from an online bachelor’s degree program in civil engineering, such as in architecture, surveying, landscaping, or urban planning. If you are interested in this field, please see our selections for the Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Civil Engineering Degree Programs.