Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Civil Engineer
What civil engineers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a civil engineer?
Review structural calculations for a bridge. From there, the day usually includes design infrastructure projects, analyze loads, soils and water flow, and prepare plans and specifications. Most work full-time; deadlines and site work can bring longer hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a civil engineer working full time.
- Review structural calculations for a bridge.
- Meet the client about a road project.
- Model stormwater flows.
- Visit a construction site.
- Answer contractor questions.
- Review drawings from the drafting team.
- Update the project schedule.
Where civil engineers work
Civil engineers work in offices and at construction sites.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; deadlines and site work can bring longer hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Design infrastructure projects
- Analyze loads, soils and water flow
- Prepare plans and specifications
- Estimate costs
- Manage construction
- Review plans for code compliance
- Inspect existing infrastructure
Tools you’ll use every day
- AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Structural analysis software
- Hydraulic modeling software
- GIS
- Project management tools
- Spreadsheets
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- High pay
- Build lasting infrastructure
- Steady demand
- Licensed professional career
What’s hard
- Legal responsibility
- Deadlines
- Licensing exams
- Public and political pressure
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love math and physics
- I want to build infrastructure
- I like solving complex problems
- I’m willing to earn a license
- I like both office and site work
- I want high pay
Not sure? Take the free Civil Engineer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear PPE on sites
- Design with appropriate safety factors
- Follow codes
- Report unsafe conditions