Top High Paying Jobs After Civil Engineering

While the employment prospects of civil engineers remain fairly level, the compensation for these jobs varies. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an overall 5% increase in the employment of civil engineers between 2022 and 2032. Meanwhile, jobs that incorporate engineering with digital competency, particularly BIM, are experiencing quicker wage increases.

Due to this change, a number of practitioners are looking for other high paying jobs for civil engineers, outside of the site environment. When you are looking at what to do next, it's important to be aware of the higher-paid options and the reasons for them. 

Unlock High-Paying Careers With BIM

Master BIM workflows, software and skills on real projects.

Apply Now

*Limited seats available

Why Some Civil Jobs Pay More Than Others

While there is a connection in experience level, not every civil engineering job is created equally when considering salary. Typically, the distinction is between the types of occupations.

The main reasons are the following:

  • Specialized skills: Requirements for knowledge of tools like BIM, automation or advanced design may be higher-paying jobs.
  • Pay: Levels of responsibility (Jobs involving responsibilities for decision making and team management are paid more)
  • The Size of the Project: International projects and large infrastructure projects are well-paid.
  • Digital skills: BIM skills or data-based knowledge are more required for engineers.

Being able to coordinate a project is a valuable and efficient skill that is enhanced by experience, for example, in the form of BIM coordinator skills.

Top High Paying Jobs After Civil Engineering

High-paying civil engineering careers, comparing salaries and roles

After civil engineering, the top-paying jobs are as follows:

1. BIM Engineer

A BIM Engineer is someone who has to work on digital models and project coordination. There is increased demand for a BIM career path and this role is gaining popularity.

  • Uses software such as Revit and Navisworks
  • Facilitates working together on common models
  • Leverages data to make decisions that enhance project efficiency

It is one of the top-growing positions, and a great choice for anyone looking at a career in BIM.

2. Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, budgeting and executing projects.

  • Responsible for project management and delivery throughout its life cycle
  • Works effectively with groups and time constraints
  • Manages costs and maintains quality

It is a well-paying position, as it includes both technical and management duties.

3. Planning Engineer

Planning Engineers are concerned with schedules and timelines.

  • Prepares project schedules
  • Makes observations about progress and delays
  • Uses software programs like Primavera and/or MS Project

It is a role that will make an impact on project delivery.

4. Structural Engineer

Structural Engineers create safe and stable structures.

  • Performs works on buildings, bridges and infrastructure
  • Carries out load and stress analysis
  • Ensures safety standards

This position is better paid with complex or large scale projects.

5. Quantity Surveyor

Quantity Surveyors control the financial aspects of the project.

  • Estimates budgets and materials
  • Records costs while the building is being constructed
  • Provides oversight and ensures the project budget is limited

This is a well-paying position as there is a need for cost control.

6. Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee work on construction sites.

  • Oversees staff and subcontractors
  • Maintains a safe and high-quality environment
  • Handles site operations

The salary of experienced individuals in this position can be high.

7. Transportation Engineer

Transportation Engineers operate on roads, highways and traffic systems.

  • Designs transport networks
  • Improves traffic flow
  • Carries out work on public infrastructure projects

With urban growth, demand for this role is increasing.

High Paying Job Skills For Civil Engineers

High-paying civil engineering careers, comparing salaries and roles

  • Understanding BIM, including models, coordination and workflows through BIM skills
  • The basics of automation – learning resources such as Dynamo or scripting
  • Project management involves the planning, budgeting, and execution of projects
  • Data handling - working with project data and reports
  • Communication: Coordinating with several teams

These skills are particularly relevant for career changers who are interested in BIM. There are many professionals who also consider BIM careers due to the fact that it integrates engineering and technology. Many also explore BIM as a career because of long-term growth opportunities.

Salary Comparison of Different Roles

Below is an average salary comparison of some common positions:

Role

Average Salary (USA)

BIM Engineer

$55,000 – $115,000

Project Manager

$85,000 – $130,000

Planning Engineer

$99,500 – $177,880

Structural Engineer

$75,000 – $115,000

Quantity Surveyor

$75,000 – $96,000

Construction Manager

$64,480 – $172,040

Transportation Engineer

$75,000 – $110,000

Depending on the company size, location and experience, salaries may differ. With digital adoption, the BIM career in india is also gaining momentum and salary prospects.

Challenges in Getting High Paying Jobs

It's not always a walk in the park to get to higher-paying positions. The following are some common problems:

  1. Little or no knowledge of the advanced tools: The engineer may only have a basic knowledge and no idea of the advanced tools.
  2. Few opportunities for practical experience: It isn't easy to find good jobs that offer practical experience.
  3. Not enough career development: It can be hard to push forward in a career when you are not upskilling.
  4. BIM-related jobs are gaining traction in the competitive market and are becoming more advanced.
  5. Theory vs. industry requirements: what's being learned at the college may not be what's needed for a project.

How to Prepare for High Paying Careers

Civil engineering career progression path from intern to BIM and project management roles.

To build up a successful career in civil engineering, one must know the tools of the trade, be able to coordinate effectively with others, and use BIM workflows in real projects environments to have better job opportunities.

Take your civil engineering career to the next level with Novatr’s BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers, a project-based program that prepares you to plan, design, and manage construction projects using 12+ industry software and essential BIM plugins.

Learn how to work with Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, construction cloud and key plugins like DiRoots.One, pyRevit, EF-Tools, ProSheets, Issue and Model Checker for Revit to improve automation, accuracy, and project efficiency.

Here’s what you’ll gain:

  • End-to-end understanding of BIM workflows — modeling, estimation, coordination, sequencing, and documentation.

  • Hands-on training aligned with ISO 19650 standards and real residential + commercial projects.

  • Globally recognized certifications:

    • Novatr Course Certificate

    • Autodesk User Certification

    • NSDC Skill Certificate

    • Novatr Specialization Certificate, if opted

After completing the core modules, learners can also choose 2 additional specializations, including:

  • Visual Programming with Dynamo – for automation and parametric workflows

  • 4D, 5D & 6D with BIM – for time, cost, and facility integration

  • Tekla for RCC Modeling – for detailed steel and concrete modeling

  • Civil 3D for Infrastructure – for roadways, railways, and utilities

  • Project Strategy & Optimization with Plannerly - Plan, structure, and audit BIM execution plans.

This structured approach enables professionals to build solid and effective BIM skills applicable to real projects.

Master BIM and Get Hired Faster

Join a community of 8500+ Architects and Engineers.

Explore Now

*Limited seats available

Conclusion

Excellent opportunities in civil engineering are now available that go beyond traditional routes. Jobs in engineering that integrate digital skills are becoming more popular and are providing more successful remuneration. One such career trajectory is BIM. It is also great for engineers seeking to pursue BIM career opportunities in various industries.

A structured learning approach can be undertaken through the BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers by Novatr. It emphasizes real projects, tools and workflows currently used in modern construction.

For more information on careers, tools, and industry news, please check out our resource page.

Was this content helpful to you

Dislike No

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Download Syllabus

BIM Professional Program

Next Cohort

June 2026

Program Duration

7 Months

Premium Program benefits

8 Credentials from Autodesk, NSDC, Novatr

1 program. 10 career paths. Infinite Growth.

40+ ISO 19650 & RIBA real-world projects to practice

1-on-1 guidance. Access 400+ industry experts.

Access the biggest AEC-Tech community on the planet. 8500+ and counting

Curated for you by 100+ global BIM leaders.

Lifelong access to course content

Enter your details to download the program syllabus.

Ready to skyrocket your career?

Begin your next chapter in AEC

with Novatr!

We are here to help you take the industry by storm with advanced, tech-first skills.