Salary of a civil engineer

Hi Emma,
That question is a tough one to answer. Here’s my spin: it depends. Salary is typically related to experience/education. I work for the federal government, so when my employer is looking to hire a brand new engineer, his or her salary depends on the level of education he or she has completed. When my employer hires a more experienced engineer, his or her salary is negotiable, based on experience. It’s not uncommon for Civil Engineering firms to award small pay increases each year, and reserve larger raises for big promotions. Employees are typically promoted after finishing advanced degrees or by becoming a licensed engineer. On the other hand, in between promotions, it is possible to not receive a raise for a few years.  In private firms, there are other opportunities to increase your pay, especially if the firm is Employee-Owned with stock options. Lastly, keep in mind that benefits matter! Lot of engineering firms offer great benefits, which can make a less-than-ideal salary worth considering. 
Civil Engineering is a great field, and the pay is certainly competitive. Make sure to research average starting salaries in your area, and don’t be afraid to ask for the salary/benefits you want. Good luck!