5 Best Career Paths for Civil Engineers in Texas

Texas offers a thriving environment for civil engineers, with diverse opportunities in industries that are crucial to the state’s growth and prosperity. Let’s have a look at the top 5 career niches you can approach with a degree in civil engineering.

1. Structural Engineer

Structural engineering is ideal for those with a knack for problem-solving and a passion for designing stable, resilient structures. This field requires a deep understanding of physics, material science, and structural principles to ensure that designs are both safe and cost-effective.

2. Transportation Engineer

Texas is known for its extensive highway systems and public transportation networks. As a transportation engineer, you'll design and manage projects that improve traffic flow, safety, and efficiency. This role includes planning roads, highways, rail systems, and other public transportation solutions.

3. BIM Engineer

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a career path that appeals to tech-savvy civil engineers who enjoy working with digital modelling and data management. These professionals create detailed 3D models that provide a virtual representation of construction projects, incorporating details on structures, systems, and materials.

4. Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical engineers analyse soil and rock properties to evaluate the best foundation types for structures. In Texas, where soil types vary widely from region to region, this role is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of buildings, bridges, and tunnels. 

5. Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineering is a rapidly growing field that focuses on creating sustainable solutions for managing pollution, waste, and environmental compliance. They work to reduce the environmental impact of construction projects, manage waste systems, and ensure compliance with state and federal environmental laws. 

5 Factors Affecting Civil Engineer Pay Rate in Texas

If you are wondering- “what is salary of a civil engineer”, let us first identify the parameters that impact the pay scale of these professionals.

1. Level of Experience

The entry level civil engineer salary is typically on the lower end, but as they gain skills and project experience, their earning potential increases. With 5-10 years of experience, civil engineers in Texas can advance to more specialised or managerial roles, often seeing significant salary increases. 

2. Education and Certifications

Higher education and professional certifications can also have a considerable impact on civil engineer pay. While a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is generally required, having a master’s degree or even a doctorate can increase earning potential, particularly in research-intensive. Further, upskilling in new-age technologies like BIM can present lucrative job opportunities.

3. Specialisation

Civil engineering encompasses various niches, such as project management, digital fabricator, and transport engineering. Certain specialisations command higher salaries based on their demand and technical complexity. For instance, structural and transportation engineers working on major infrastructure projects in Texas may earn more than their peers in less in-demand fields. 

4. Geographic Location

A civil engineer salary in Texas can vary depending on the location and regional demand for infrastructure development. Engineers working in metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin often have higher salaries than those in smaller towns or rural areas. The cost of living in urban centres also influences salary levels, as companies in these regions tend to offer higher pay to attract talent. 

5. Organisation Type

Government positions in Texas, whether at the state, local, or federal level, often come with stable but slightly lower pay compared to the private sector, though they may offer benefits such as pensions and job security. In contrast, the starting salary for civil engineer in Texas for private engineering firms, construction companies, and energy corporations generally offer higher salaries to attract top talent. 

Average Salary in Texas v/s Other Cities in the United States

The average salary for civil engineer in Texas depends on various geographical, culture, and socio-economic factors. So, if you are searching the internet for- “civil engineer Texas salary” and draw comparisons with other cities, here is a table to help you out.

Average Salary in Civil Engineering: 5-Year Trends in Texas

Over the past 5 years, the civil engineering salary landscape in Texas has shown resilience and steady growth, driven by the state's rapid urban design, infrastructure investments, and technological integration. 

In 2019, the average civil engineer salary in Texas was around $65,000, reflecting a strong demand for skilled professionals to support expanding urban and residential projects. 

This demand was briefly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which saw salaries dip slightly to $62,000 as project delays impacted earnings. However, infrastructure projects continued, stabilising employment for many civil engineers despite economic uncertainty.

As the economy rebounded in 2021, the civil engineer salary in Texas rose to an average of $67,000, fueled by the revival of urban development projects and federal stimulus support. Engineers with expertise in digital tools like BIM and CAD saw even higher salaries, as technology skills became more valuable. 

By 2022, salaries increased further to around $70,000, boosted by growing demand for sustainable infrastructure and energy-related projects, particularly in renewable energy and green urban initiatives.In 2023-2024, the civil engineer salary in Texas have continued to rise, averaging around $72,000, as the state expands its commitment to advanced infrastructure, smart city initiatives, and sustainability.