Construction Engineering.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Construction Engineering. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 32.3%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Construction Engineering. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $74869 and average student debt of $24217, the financial outlook for Construction Engineering. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Construction Engineering. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $74869, and with an average debt of $24217, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.32—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 1284 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. A common next step is a career as a Cost Estimators, which is expected to see -4.0% growth. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Construction Engineering. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Construction Engineering (CIP 14.3301) is a high-impact discipline that bridges the gap between architectural design and physical reality. While a civil engineer focuses on the long-term structural design of a bridge or skyscraper, the construction engineer focuses on the execution, safety, and economics of actually building it. It is a field for "practical visionaries" who want to manage massive fleets of machinery, thousands of workers, and multi-million dollar budgets to transform blueprints into city skylines.
This field is ideal for "action-oriented leaders"—individuals who enjoy being on-site, solving immediate mechanical problems, and coordinating complex logistics in the real world.
What Is a Construction Engineering Degree?
A degree in Construction Engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering that integrates engineering physics with business management and legal studies. You will study the mechanics of materials like steel and concrete, but you will also learn how to schedule complex projects, manage labor contracts, and ensure a site complies with environmental and safety laws. It is a rigorous STEM major that prepares you to be the "CEO of the job site."
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Project Engineers" who oversee the technical and financial health of massive infrastructure projects
- Develop experts in Temporary Structures—designing the cranes, scaffolding, and formwork needed to build the main structure
- Prepare professionals for Lean Construction, focusing on reducing waste and increasing efficiency on the site
- Study Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), using 4D and 5D modeling to simulate the building process
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that a successful project isn't just about a strong design; it’s about the perfect coordination of time, money, materials, and human effort.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Structural Analysis—calculating how much weight a beam or foundation can hold
- Use "Building Information Modeling" (BIM) to track the 3D geometry and timeline of a project
- Design Earthwork and Foundation Systems—managing soil stability and massive excavations
- Perform Cost Estimation—predicting the exact price of materials and labor to win competitive bids
- Utilize Scheduling Software (like Primavera or MS Project) to manage thousands of moving parts
- Understand Construction Law—navigating the contracts and liabilities of the building industry
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a mix of engineering science and industrial management:
- Materials Science for Construction: The properties of high-performance concrete, timber, and steel.
- Construction Equipment Management: Optimizing the use and maintenance of heavy machinery.
- Soil Mechanics: How to build safely on different types of ground and rock.
- Safety Engineering: Mastering OSHA standards to prevent accidents on high-risk sites.
- Sustainable Building: Implementing LEED standards to reduce the carbon footprint of new structures.
- Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics: Designing the temporary and permanent water systems for a site.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles as lead engineers and managers for the world’s largest construction and infrastructure firms.
Common job roles include:
- Project Engineer: Managing the technical documentation and field issues for a specific project.
- Construction Manager: Overseeing the entire job site, from safety to sub-contractor coordination.
- Estimator: Calculating the costs of materials, labor, and time to create accurate project bids.
- Site Superintendent: The "boots-on-the-ground" leader responsible for daily operations and safety.
- BIM/VDC Coordinator: Using digital 3D models to prevent design conflicts before they happen in reality.
- Quality Control Engineer: Inspecting work to ensure it meets the strict structural codes and specifications.
Where Can You Work?
Construction engineers are needed in every city and on every major infrastructure project:
- General Contractors: Working for giants like Bechtel, Skanska, Turner, or Fluor.
- Government Agencies: Managing public works for the Department of Transportation (DOT) or the Army Corps of Engineers.
- Real Estate Developers: Overseeing the construction of new residential and commercial districts.
- Renewable Energy Firms: Managing the construction of massive wind farms and solar arrays.
- Specialty Engineering Firms: Focusing on specific challenges like bridges, tunnels, or marine construction.
How Much Can You Earn?
Because of the high level of responsibility and the shortage of qualified managers, construction engineering offers excellent financial rewards.
- Construction Engineers: Median annual salary of approximately $90,000–$115,000.
- Construction Managers: Salaries typically range from $100,000 to $145,000+.
- Senior Project Executives: Median annual salary can exceed $160,000–$200,000.
- Entry-Level Junior Engineers: Often start between $72,000 and $88,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the dual requirement of technical skill and mental toughness. You must be proficient in Calculus and Structural Physics, but you also need "grit." You will often work in the field, in the weather, and under tight deadlines where a delay can cost millions of dollars. It requires a "decisive" mind—you must be able to look at a problem on a job site and make a safe, technical decision in minutes. It is less abstract than theoretical engineering but much higher in "real-world" pressure.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love the idea of looking at a city and being able to say, "I helped build that"
- Enjoy leading teams and working with people from all different backgrounds
- Are fascinated by massive machines and the process of physical creation
- Want a career that takes you out of the office and onto the job site regularly
- Are a "natural problem-solver" who can handle high-pressure situations
How to Prepare in High School
- Take the highest levels of Physics and Math (Calculus) available
- Learn AutoCAD or Revit; digital design is the foundation of modern construction
- Get a summer job in basic labor or landscaping to understand how a job site works
- Join a robotics or "Habitat for Humanity" club to practice building and coordination
- Practice your Communication and Public Speaking; you will have to lead meetings and present data
The ability to translate complex engineering designs into the physical structures that define our world is the hallmark of a successful construction engineering professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor