Service Members using tools to construct a house

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Civil Engineers

Architecture & Construction

Service Branches

  • Army logo
  • Marines logo
  • navy logo
  • Air Force logo
  • Coast Guard logo

Work Environment

Civil engineers work in offices when designing projects or reviewing reports. They work in the field when conducting needs assessments or overseeing surveys and construction activities.

  • Military Status

    Officer

  • Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

    $76,761

    Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.

    $22,646 - $276,140

Overview

Civil engineers oversee the repair, maintenance, and operation of heavy equipment. They execute construction, operation, and repair of structures and facilities. Responsibilities of a civil engineer also include clearing and emplacing obstacles such as minefields. There are a variety of civil engineering disciplines, all of which play a rewarding role in military operations.

Military Training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Civil engineers typically have a college degree in engineering. Like other officers they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities military structure and etiquette traditions and leadership development. In addition civil engineers receive specialized training both on-the-job and in the classroom to oversee military engineering projects. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Contract management
  • Public works (e.g. utilities)
  • Administration
  • Military-specific construction topics (e.g. breaching structures)

Helpful Attributes

  • Interest in engineering principles and concepts
  • Interest in working with mathematical formulas

Related Civilian Careers

  • Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
  • Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Nuclear Engineers
  • Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
  • Environmental Engineers
  • Construction Managers
  • Industrial Engineers
  • Civil Engineers
  • Construction and Building Inspectors
  • Electricians
  • Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
  • Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
  • Materials Engineers
  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Architectural and Engineering Managers

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