Earnings
 Money issues are always
relative. It is not just how big a paycheck, but what you have to do to
get it, whether you enjoy the work and the environment, how much you get
to keep after your living expenses, and what intangible rewards you might
also value. Choosing to work in the public versus private sector may also
influence salary ranges. As in any profession, civil engineering salaries
bear some relationship to the level of responsibility the employee takes
on.
 Salary
Data
Entry-level salaries vary based on your areas of expertise, experience,
education, supervisory responsibility, accountability for projects, and
the geographic location, size, and industry of the employer. According to
a 2007 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and
Employers, bachelor's degree civil engineering graduates posted
a solid increase; their average rose 4.8 percent to $47,750.
According the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics, the median income for civil engineers is $68,600. In terms of
starting salaries, the average starting salary for civil
engineers who have earned a Bachelor's degree is $48,509, while
those with a Master's were offered $48,280. Ph.D. civil
engineers received average starting salaries of $62,275.
Employer
Size
 The size of a company has considerable influence on the salary range for a
given function. Larger firms tend to offer higher starting wages and more
benefits, but upward mobility may be highly competitive. A smaller company
may pay less but offer a more direct path to greater responsibility and a
bigger check. It is your preference, and up to you to seek out the facts
regarding each individual company you might consider working for. Other
resources: Corptech database of 45,000 technical companies, Hoovers
Company information, equal opportunity publications, Engineering News
Record, US Army Corps of Engineers, Best companies for Working Mothers.
Location
Location is a factor in judging salaries. Pay in rural areas tends to be
below salaries in big cities, but this if often offset by differences in
cost of living.
Type
of Employer
Rewards are very
different in public and private sectors. The salaries may be higher in the
private sector but when you consider the total compensation package, the
difference may not be as significant.
Other
Compensation Factors
 Beyond
the intrinsic reward of feeling good about your work, there are many
varieties of compensation packages. Flexible hours and a family-friendly
environment may be worth more than money to you. Everything from profit
sharing to retirement benefits, health coverage, and vacation time should
be part of your thinking in evaluating a potential employer. The
opportunity for promotion and continuing education is particularly
important for first-job seekers.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
and the
American Society of Civil Engineers.
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