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Associate Civil Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate Civil Engineer - Land Development & Infrastructure Location: Pleasanton, CA Employment Type: Full-time, On-site - $50 to $65/ hr A prominent Northern California civil engineering firm is ...

Associate Civil Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$65.72 - $79.85/hr

The classification of Associate Civil Engineer is the advanced journey level in the professional civil engineering series. Assignments may vary from a design unit in the Road, Flood Control ...

Associate Civil Engineer

Concord, CA · On-site +1

$137K - $175K/yr

Associate Civil Engineer - Three Year Limited Term Are you an experienced, licensed engineer looking to enhance the beautification, functionality, and safety of a local community. Do you enjoy ...

Associate Civil Engineer

Concord, CA · On-site

$137K - $175K/yr

Associate Civil Engineer - Three Year Limited Term Are you an experienced, licensed engineer looking to enhance the beautification, functionality, and safety of a local community? Do you enjoy ...

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Associate Civil Engineer information

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$51.5K

$100K

$154K

How much do associate civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate civil engineer in the United States is $100,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Civil Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Civil Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, and an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or equivalent. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and project management systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These capabilities ensure high-quality engineering solutions, efficient project delivery, and productive collaboration with clients and multidisciplinary teams.

What are Associate Civil Engineers?

Associate Civil Engineers are professionals who assist in the planning, design, and oversight of construction and infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and water systems. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers and are responsible for preparing reports, analyzing project data, and ensuring that engineering standards and safety regulations are met. This role is often considered an intermediate position, requiring a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and, in some cases, an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. Associate Civil Engineers play a key role in the successful completion of projects by coordinating with contractors, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

What jobs can I do with an Associates in civil engineering?

An associate's degree in civil engineering prepares individuals for roles such as civil engineering technician, construction inspector, survey technician, or site inspector. These positions involve assisting with project design, site analysis, and construction supervision, often requiring knowledge of CAD software and safety standards.

What is the difference between Associate Civil Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectAssociate Civil EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field; some roles may require engineering internship experienceBachelor's degree in civil engineering; often requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
Work EnvironmentEntry-level position, often assisting senior engineers on projects, working in offices or construction sitesDesign, planning, and oversight of civil projects; work in offices, field sites, or both
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by engineering firms, government agencies, and construction companies for entry-level rolesCommonly used across engineering firms, government departments, and infrastructure projects

The main difference between an Associate Civil Engineer and a Civil Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. An Associate Civil Engineer is typically an entry-level role focusing on assisting with project tasks, while a Civil Engineer has more experience and may lead projects or design work. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but Civil Engineers usually have greater responsibilities and independence in their work.

Is an Associates in civil engineering worth it?

An associate's degree in civil engineering can provide foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level positions such as civil engineering technician or assistant. However, for most civil engineering roles, a bachelor's degree is typically required for advancement and higher responsibility tasks.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior civil engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost areas or with additional bonuses and profit-sharing. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, management responsibilities, and a strong track record of project success.

What are some common challenges faced by Associate Civil Engineers early in their careers?

Early-career Associate Civil Engineers often encounter the challenge of balancing technical tasks with project coordination responsibilities. They may need to quickly adapt to working on multiple projects simultaneously, managing deadlines, and communicating effectively with both senior engineers and construction teams. Navigating regulatory requirements and ensuring design compliance can also be demanding. However, these challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and help build a strong foundation for future advancement within the civil engineering field.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Associate civil engineers typically earn salaries well below $500,000 annually, with top earners in senior or specialized roles possibly reaching higher six-figure incomes. Achieving a $500,000 salary usually requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, management responsibilities, or working in high-paying sectors such as infrastructure or consulting firms. Factors like location, project scope, and industry demand influence earning potential.
More about Associate Civil Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Civil Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Associate Civil Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Civil Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Associate Civil Engineer jobs? The top employers for Associate Civil Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Civil Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Civil Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Associate Civil Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,000 per year, or $48.1 per hour.
Associate Civil Engineer

$141K - $171K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position **Effective June 28, 2026, a five percent (5.0%) equity adjustment will be added to the listed salary.** **Effective June 27, 2027, a five percent (5.0%) equity adjustment will be added to the listed salary.** Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) is currently accepting applications for multiple Associate Civil Engineer positions. Applications will be screened after the following filing deadline at 5PM. 5/6/26, 6/6/26, 7/6/26 Associate Civil Engineers are responsible for a variety of civil engineering work in connection with the design, surveying, testing of materials and construction of public works projects

Public works projects for this series include, but are not limited to, drainage, water and wastewater collection, distribution, and treatment, new building construction and remodels, and other structures and projects for Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer). This is the first level in the civil engineering series requiring registration as a civil engineer. Under direction an Associate Civil Engineer performs difficult and complex engineering work and acts as supervisor to a small group of engineers and/or paraprofessional engineering staff.

Associates may serve as project/resident engineers on a single major or several minor engineering project. Minimum Qualifications Current registration as a civil engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. How to Apply If you are interested in pursuing this exceptional career opportunity, please submit your online application.

For first consideration, apply by Monday, August 11, 2025, at 5:00PM. Click on the link below to review the full class spec for more information about this position: Associate Civil Engineer If you have question about this recruitment, please contact Recruitment@Sacsewer.com Sacramento Area Sewer District is an equal opportunity employer.