Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
U.S. Workers
62,130
Median Salary
$64,200
10-Year Growth
+2.1%
Annual Openings
5,500
Typical entry: Associate's degree
15 of 15 tasks have some AI capability
Exposure Trend
This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.
Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities using calculator or computer.
AI: Fully automatable - AI and software tools can fully calculate dimensions, areas, profiles and material quantities from inputs or drawings reliably and faster than humans.
Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
AI: Fully automatable - Modern computer vision, CAD/BIM tools and AI can automatically extract dimensions and material requirements from blueprints and specifications for routine projects.
Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.
AI: Fully automatable - AI and modern GIS/analysis tools can process site data and automatically produce maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams that illustrate findings given adequate input data.
Prepare reports and document project activities and data.
AI: Fully automatable - AI can compile measurements, logs, and test outputs into structured, readable reports and maintain project documentation automatically.
Develop project budgets by estimating the cost of project activities.
AI: Fully automatable - AI can reliably estimate the cost of project activities using databases, historical data, and parametric models to develop project budgets.
Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.
AI: Partial - AI-assisted inspection (drones, computer vision) can flag many nonconformities, but thorough on-site evaluation, physical testing, and code interpretation still require human technicians or engineers.
Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects and to ensure conformance to specifications.
AI: Partial - AI can generate CAD layouts and dimensional drawings from specifications and templates, but human engineering oversight and validation are required for complex details and legal/codes compliance.
Conduct materials test and analysis using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.
AI: Partial - AI can analyze materials test data and help control lab equipment, but hands-on sample prep, equipment operation, and professional oversight for test validity remain necessary.
Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures.
AI: Partial - AI can produce preliminary plans and cost scenarios for installations and facility use, but comprehensive plan development for construction requires human engineering design and local-context decisions.
Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
AI: Partial - AI can summarize requirements, prepare agendas and suggested testing/evaluation steps, but cannot fully replace real-time consultation, context-sensitive judgment, and supervisory decision-making.
Evaluate facility to determine suitability for occupancy and square footage availability.
AI: Partial - AI can calculate square footage from plans and flag potential occupancy suitability issues, but final suitability determinations and on-site verification require human assessment and certification.
Plan and conduct field surveys to locate new sites and analyze details of project sites.
AI: Partial - AI can plan surveys and analyze remotely sensed data or drone output but cannot yet fully replace on-site human judgment, safety assessments, and some regulatory interactions.
Respond to public suggestions and complaints.
AI: Partial - AI can handle routine public suggestions and complaints with automated responses and triage, but complex, sensitive, or legally nuanced interactions still require human oversight.
Negotiate prices for new contracts or for modifications to existing contracts with contractors.
AI: Partial - AI can generate pricing analyses, negotiation strategies, and draft proposals, but cannot fully manage high‑stakes, relationship-driven contract negotiations and legal accountability on its own.
Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.
AI: Partial - AI can detect and draft reports of maintenance problems and propose resolution options, but negotiating changes and resolving system conflicts with supervisors and contractors requires human communication and authority.