For Educators: Military Resources
Military Civil Engineers
Median Salary
83,101
Workforce Count
38,133
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Civil engineers plan, design, and oversee infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. 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.
What is the work environment like?
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.
How many people have this role in the Military?
38,133
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$104,650
2 Years
$77,690
6 Years
$104,650
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
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 may include:
- Contract management
- Public works (e.g., utilities)
- Administration
- Military-specific construction topics (e.g., breaching structures)
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Civil Engineering, General
- Construction Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
- Civil Engineering, Other
- Structural Engineering
- Transportation and Highway Engineering
- Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test