Industry
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Nature of the Work
Civil Engineers, specifically in transportation, design and supervise the construction of:
Roads, Buildings, Airports, Tunnels, Dams, Bridges, Water Supply and Sewage Systems
Many Civil Engineers hold supervisory or administrative positions. Others may work in design, construction, research, and teaching.
Location
Civil Engineers usually work near major industrial and commercial centers, often at construction sites.
In some jobs, Civil Engineers move from place to place to work on different projects.
Outlook
Due to general population growth and an expanding economy, more Civil Engineers will be needed to design and construct higher capacity systems. They will also be needed to repair or replace existing public structures.
Earnings
The current average salary for Civil Engineers in Baltimore is $91,691.
Nation-wide median annual earnings of civil engineers were $86,640 in 2020. The lowest 25 percent earned $67,430, and the highest 25 percent earned $112,850.
Preparing to be an Engineer
Four year minimum College or University degree from an ABET-Accredited School
Strong technical background (Math, Physics, Computer and Science)
Problem solving skills
Leadership/Decision-Making
Teamwork/Collaboration
Creativity
Clear concise communication
CONSTRUCTION
Demand
As experienced construction workers leave their jobs, employment opportunities are increasing due to growth in highway, bridge, street construction, and maintenance.
Experience
As a laborer, driver, helper, or apprentice, no formal education is required so workers can acquire skills and experience right out of high school. As these individuals gain experience, their value increases steadily.
Training
Individuals who attend technical or vocational school, such as drafters and craftsman, gain skills in specific areas and tend to advance in their career at a faster pace than those who elect to work after high school.
Opportunities
In the construction industry, job opportunities span the fields of business, accounting, sales, marketing, finance, as well as material production, distribution, testing, and construction management.
College Advantage
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from a four year college or university, are considered “highly specialized” which drastically increase their earning potential.
College graduates tend to have more opportunities for career advancement and their formal education often reduces years of experience required by hiring companies.
