Choosing a career in construction engineering? Perhaps you’re curious about the potential earnings. Fact is, as of September 2023, Construction Engineers can make an average salary of $76,452 annually.
This article serves as your guide to understanding how much a Construction Engineer makes and what factors influence their earnings.
The average salary for a Construction Engineer is $76,452. The salary range for Construction Engineers typically falls between $70,727 and $82,048, although some Construction Engineers can earn up to $114,500 annually. The future job outlook for Construction Engineers is positive.
Ready to build on your knowledge? Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Construction engineers can make an average salary of $76,452 annually as of September 2023.
- Factors that influence a construction engineer’s salary include their work location, years of experience, skills, education, certifications, role at work, and the company they work for.
- The top – paying industries for construction engineers in the United States are energy, mining and utilities; construction and architectural services; and government agencies.
- Some of the top paying cities for construction engineers include San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, and New York City. Bechtel Corporation, AECOM Technology Corporation,
Construction Engineer Salary Overview
The average salary for a Construction Engineer is $76,452 as of September 25, 2023.
Average salary for a construction engineer
A construction engineer makes good money. In the United States, they earn about $91,788 every year. Some take home as much as $114,500 in a year. The lowest pay a construction engineer might get is around $70,727.
On average though, most make between $70,727 and $82,048 each year. These numbers are from data collected on September 25th in 2023.
Factors that may affect salary
There are many things that can change how much a construction engineer makes. Here are some of them:
- The place where you work: Some cities pay more than others. For example, the average salary of a construction engineer in the United States is $91,788 per year.
- Years of work: More experience often means more pay.
- Skills: If you have certain skills, you might make more money. Civil engineers who also know about construction can make up to $114,500 each year.
- The type of project: Different projects need different skills. Some might pay more than others.
- Education: More school could mean a higher salary range for a construction engineer.
- Extra certifications: You may earn more with special training or certifications.
- Your role at work: Project engineering managers always get paid more than an entry-level construction engineer.
- The company you work for: Some companies offer high salaries to their engineers.
- Your ability to move for work: Moving to high-paying cities can help increase your salary as well.
- Other opportunities at work: Big projects or promotions can lead to higher pay too.
Top Paying Industries for Construction Engineers
The energy, mining, and utilities industries are among the top-paying industries for construction engineers in the United States.
Energy, Mining & Utilities
You can earn a lot of money as a construction engineer in the energy, mining and utilities field. This area pays more than other fields. Some engineers make up to $114,500 each year.
The work is about making sure power plants or mines are safe and run well. You use building codes to design projects. Then you pick the best tools for the job.
Construction and Architectural Services
In the construction and architectural services industry, there are many opportunities for construction engineers. They play a crucial role in planning, designing, and overseeing building projects.
This industry offers competitive salaries for construction engineers, with an average salary of $76,452 as of September 25, 2023. The salary range typically falls between $70,727 and $82,048.
Construction engineers in this field can work on various projects such as residential or commercial buildings and infrastructure development. It is a rewarding career path with plenty of room for growth and advancement opportunities.
Government Agencies
Government agencies are one of the top paying industries for construction engineers. These agencies include federal, state, and local government organizations that oversee various infrastructure projects.
The average salary for construction engineers working in government agencies is around $90,000 per year. This can vary depending on factors such as location and experience. Government agencies often offer stable employment opportunities with good benefits and opportunities for career advancement.
Construction engineers employed by these agencies play a crucial role in planning, designing, and overseeing public infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings to ensure they meet safety standards and serve the needs of the community.
Salary Comparison for Construction Engineers
In terms of salary comparison for construction engineers, it is important to consider factors such as the top paying cities and companies in the industry.
Top paying cities for construction engineers
Construction engineers have the opportunity to earn higher salaries in certain cities across the United States. Some of the top paying cities for construction engineers include San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; Houston, Texas; and New York City, New York.
These cities offer higher average salaries compared to other locations due to factors such as cost of living and demand for construction engineering professionals. In these cities, construction engineers can expect to earn annual salaries ranging from $90,000 to over $100,000.
Moving to a high-paying city can be a strategic move for those looking to increase their earning potential as a construction engineer.
Top paying companies
Some of the top paying companies for Construction Engineers include Bechtel Corporation, AECOM Technology Corporation, Fluor Corporation, and Kiewit Corporation. These companies are known for offering competitive salaries and benefits to their employees.
Working for these companies can provide great opportunities to earn a higher income as a Construction Engineer.
Salary trajectory for civil engineers
Civil engineers, including construction engineers, have a promising salary trajectory. On average, they earn around $91,788 per year in the United States. However, the salary range for construction engineers typically falls between $70,727 and $82,048.
It’s important to note that these figures can vary based on factors such as experience and location. Entry-level civil engineers may start at a lower salary but have opportunities for advancement as they gain more experience and skills.
With years of experience and additional certifications or education, civil engineers can increase their earning potential even further. So if you’re considering a career in construction engineering, know that there are possibilities for growth and higher salaries over time.
Average salary range
The average salary range for a Construction Engineer is between $70,727 and $82,048. This means that most Construction Engineers earn salaries within this range. However, it’s important to note that some experienced Construction Engineers can earn up to $114,500 annually.
So while the average salary falls within a specific range, there are opportunities to earn higher salaries based on your skills and experience in the field.
Tips to Increase Salary as a Construction Engineer
To increase your salary as a construction engineer, consider gaining years of experience in the field.
Years of experience
The number of years you have worked as a construction engineer can affect your salary. Typically, the more experience you have, the higher your pay will be. For example, engineers with several years of experience can earn up to $114,500 annually.
So if you want to increase your salary as a construction engineer, gaining more years of experience in the industry is important. Keep learning and growing in your field to become even more valuable and eligible for higher-paying positions.
Additional certifications and education
To increase your salary as a Construction Engineer, you can consider obtaining additional certifications and education. Here are some options to enhance your qualifications:
- Earn a Professional Engineer (PE) License: This is a highly respected certification that demonstrates your expertise in engineering principles and practices. Having a PE license can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.
- Obtain specialized certifications: Depending on your area of interest within construction engineering, there may be specific certifications that can boost your earning potential. For example, you could pursue certifications in construction management, structural engineering, or project management.
- Pursue advanced degrees: Continuing your education by pursuing a master’s degree or doctorate in construction engineering, civil engineering, or a related field can help you stand out from the competition. Higher educational qualifications often lead to higher salaries.
- Attend professional development workshops and seminars: Stay updated with the latest advancements in construction engineering by attending industry conferences, workshops, and seminars. This shows your dedication to continuous learning and can make you more valuable to employers.
- Develop specialized skills: Acquiring additional skills relevant to the field of construction engineering can set you apart and increase your earning potential. Examples include proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, knowledge of building codes and regulations, expertise in construction materials and technology, and proficiency in cost estimation techniques.
Negotiating job offers
When it comes to negotiating job offers as a Construction Engineer, there are a few things you can keep in mind. Firstly, your years of experience and skills are valuable assets that can be used as leverage during negotiations.
Additionally, having additional certifications and education can demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and make you more desirable to employers. Another strategy is considering relocating to high-paying cities where the demand for construction engineers may be higher, leading to better salary opportunities.
Finally, always keep an eye out for advancement opportunities within your company or industry as they often come with increased pay. Remember, negotiation is a normal part of the job offer process, so don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and your worth as a skilled construction engineer!
Relocating to high-paying cities
If you’re a construction engineer looking to increase your salary, one option is to consider relocating to high-paying cities. Some cities in the United States offer better pay for construction engineers due to factors like demand and cost of living.
For example, cities like San Francisco, California; Houston, Texas; and New York City have higher average salaries for construction engineers compared to other locations. By moving to these cities, you may have more opportunities for higher paying jobs and potentially earn a bigger salary as a construction engineer.
Advancement opportunities.
As a Construction Engineer, there are excellent opportunities for advancement in your career. With the right experience and skills, you can move up to higher-level positions with more responsibilities and higher salaries.
You can become a Project Engineering Manager, overseeing larger construction projects and leading a team of engineers. The job outlook for Construction Engineers is positive, so there will be plenty of opportunities for growth in this field.
By continuously learning and improving your skills, you can position yourself for promotions and salary increases. So keep pushing yourself to gain new certifications or education that will make you stand out from the competition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as a Construction Engineer, you have the potential to earn a good salary. The average salary for Construction Engineers in the United States is $91,788 per year. Factors such as experience, additional certifications, and job location can also influence your earning potential.
Keep building your skills and exploring opportunities for advancement to increase your salary as a Construction Engineer.
FAQs
1. How much do construction engineers make?
Construction engineers can earn varying salaries depending on factors such as experience, location, and qualifications. On average, construction engineers can make around $87,000 per year.
2. What qualifications do I need to become a construction engineer?
To become a construction engineer, you usually need a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field. Some positions may require additional certifications or licenses.
3. Are there opportunities for growth in the field of construction engineering?
Yes, there are opportunities for growth in the field of construction engineering. With experience and further education or specialization, you can advance to higher-ranking roles with increased responsibilities and potentially higher salaries.
4. What industries employ construction engineers?
Construction engineers work in various industries such as residential and commercial building, infrastructure development (roads, bridges), oil and gas projects, renewable energy projects, and more.
5. Are there job prospects for construction engineers?
Yes, there are job prospects for construction engineers due to ongoing demand for infrastructure development and maintenance projects worldwide. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth rate in employment for civil engineers (including construction engineers) from 2018 to 2028.