Top Civil Engineering Jobs for Graduates

Graduated with a civil engineering degree? You’re stepping into a world full of opportunity within the built environment. Civil engineering jobs for graduates are in high demand, and the UK needs your technical skills more than ever.

With many experienced structural engineers and senior professionals retiring, fresh talent is essential. In a survey by The Engineer, 40% of the workforce is over 50, while EngineeringUK predicts a shortfall of 20,000 skilled professionals over the next decade. If you’re in your final year of study or have just graduated, you already hold a golden ticket.

The Institution of Civil Engineers says it best: “Civil engineers are creative problem solvers.” That problem solving skill set is one the world will always need. From tackling climate change to delivering environmental engineering projects, to building infrastructure for growing populations, your work will shape the environments we live in.

If you’re planning your next move, here are the top civil engineering jobs for graduates. With five years’ experience or more, these roles offer competitive pay, attractive terms and conditions, and the chance to work on projects that change the world.

Site Roles

Project Manager

 Lead major schemes like the A14 or HS2, keeping them on time and on budget. Expect around £60,000 a year or £32–£40 per hour on contract. Browse all project manager jobs.

Site Agent or Manager

 Manage teams and specialist projects such as the Thames Tideway Tunnel. Earn around £55,000 annually or £30–£35 per hour. Browse all site management jobs.

Site Engineer

 Oversee safety, quality, and supervision on major developments, such as TfL’s urban projects. Around £45,000 a year or £25–£30 per hour. Browse all site engineer jobs.

Setting Out Engineer

Guide subcontractors on schemes like the M25 Improvement Programme. Salaries average £38,000 or £22–£25 per hour. Browse all setting out engineer jobs.

Quantity Surveyor

 Take charge of budgets for large-scale projects like Crossrail. Expect up to £60,000 a year or £30–£40 per hour. Browse all quantity surveyor jobs.

Design Roles

Highway Engineer

 Design and maintain roads, from local schemes to routes like the AWPR. Around £32,000 a year or £30 per hour. Browse all highway engineer jobs.

ITS Engineer

 Create intelligent transport systems for projects such as Smart Motorways. Earn around £36,000 or £35 per hour. Browse all ITS engineer jobs.

Drainage Engineer

 Reduce flood risk and manage water systems across sectors. Around £38,000 a year or £36 per hour. Browse all drainage engineer jobs.

Infrastructure Engineer

 Deliver hands-on engineering design for housing and commercial developments. Around £34,000 annually or £34 per hour. Browse all infrastructure engineer jobs.

Bridge Engineer

 Assess and design new and existing structures. Earn around £38,000 a year or £40 per hour. Browse all bridge engineer jobs.

Civil Design Engineer

 Support projects from rail to tunnels. Salaries range from £25,000 to £70,000 annually, or up to £45 per hour as a contractor. Browse all civil design engineer jobs.

Why Choose a Civil Engineering Career?

These roles are more than jobs - they are blueprints for transforming society. A career in civil engineering offers variety, impact, and reward. Graduates benefit from:

• Professional qualifications through professional bodies like the ICE or CIHT.
• Access to online learning to upskill in areas like project management, sustainability, and emerging technologies.
• Opportunities to contribute to environmental engineering projects that leave a lasting legacy.

Civil engineering graduates are pivotal in bringing innovative solutions from concept to reality. Whether you want to lead on-site operations or specialise in design, this is a profession where your skills build the future.