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Entry Level Civil Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

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Entry Level Civil Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$39.2K

$71.2K

$117.1K

How much do entry level civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level civil engineer in Rochester, NY is $71,158.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,300.00 and $85,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Entry-level civil engineers typically earn salaries well below $500,000 annually. High earnings in civil engineering are usually associated with senior positions, specialized skills, project management, or working in high-demand sectors and locations. Achieving a $500,000 salary generally requires many years of experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles.

Is AI replacing civil engineers?

AI is not replacing civil engineers but is increasingly used to assist with tasks such as data analysis, design optimization, and project management. Civil engineers still require skills in planning, problem-solving, and oversight, which AI tools support rather than replace. Developing proficiency in software and technology is important for future job performance in the field.

What does an entry level civil engineer do?

An entry level civil engineer assists in the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping with drafting, site inspections, data collection, and project documentation. Entry level civil engineers also use computer-aided design (CAD) software, conduct basic calculations, and ensure that projects comply with safety and environmental regulations. Their role is essential in gaining practical experience and learning industry standards.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Civil Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, strong analytical skills, and foundational knowledge of engineering principles. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software, civil engineering modeling tools, and basic project management systems is typically required. Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for accurately designing infrastructure, collaborating with diverse project teams, and ensuring projects are completed safely and efficiently.

What is the difference between Entry Level Civil Engineer vs Civil Engineering Technician?

AspectEntry Level Civil EngineerCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical diploma in civil engineering technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, project management, site supervisionAssisting engineers with surveying, drafting, and data collection
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, government agenciesConstruction firms, consulting firms, public works departments

Entry Level Civil Engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on design, planning, and project management, while Civil Engineering Technicians usually have an associate degree and support engineers with technical tasks like surveying and drafting. Both roles are essential in civil projects but differ in education requirements and daily responsibilities.

How to become a civil engineer with no experience?

To become an entry-level civil engineer with no experience, pursue a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, and gain practical skills through internships or co-op programs. Developing proficiency in engineering software like AutoCAD and understanding construction principles can improve job prospects; obtaining a Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam certification is also beneficial.

What is an entry-level civil engineer?

An entry-level civil engineer is a professional who has recently started their career in civil engineering, typically holding a bachelor's degree in the field. They assist with designing, planning, and overseeing construction projects, often working under supervision and using tools like AutoCAD. This role provides foundational experience for advancing to more senior positions.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an Entry Level Civil Engineer expect during their first year on the job?

As an Entry Level Civil Engineer, you will typically assist with tasks such as drafting design plans, preparing reports, conducting field inspections, and supporting senior engineers on larger projects. Early on, you may work on site development, transportation, or water resources projects, helping with data collection, calculations, and creating construction documents. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including surveyors, architects, and contractors—is common, and you’ll likely be mentored by experienced engineers to build your technical and project management skills. This exposure provides a solid foundation for career growth and deeper involvement in project coordination over time.

What Does an Entry-Level Civil Engineer Do?

An entry-level civil engineer performs a variety of duties related to designing and constructing infrastructure or public works systems, such as public buildings, highways, bridges, sewer systems, dams, viaducts, and other large structures. As an entry-level engineer, you help draft blueprints, take surveys of building sites, perform risk analysis, map projects, and perform research into public records and other documents pertaining to the project. You may also help draw up budgets and assess the costs of projects. You typically work under the supervision of lead engineers and project managers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Civil Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Civil Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Civil Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Entry Level Civil Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Entry Level Civil Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Civil Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,158 per year, or $34.2 per hour.
Engineer Trainee/Assistant Engineer (Civil/Transportation) NY HELPS (Region 4)

Engineer Trainee/Assistant Engineer (Civil/Transportation) NY HELPS (Region 4)

New York State

Rochester, NY • On-site

$66K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description The incumbents for these positions will be under the supervision of higher-level professional engineering staff and may handle producing the plans, specifications, and estimates for design projects of varying complexity. This may include preparation of engineering drawings utilizing 2D/3D CADD applications. The work may involve both preliminary and final design activities, including writing design approval documents, preparing and/or conducting public meetings, performing highway capacity analysis, highway drainage design, horizontal and vertical alignment, retaining wall design, traffic signs/signals design, structural design, and quantity work-ups.

The incumbents for these positions may also handle technical review and evaluation of roads, and bridges, and other highway features. In addition, one may review consultant and contract plans and estimates. Duties and tasks may include but are not limited to the following: Prepares routine project designs, proposals, and specifications and evaluates contract proposals for transportation services, highway and bridge design, utility relocations, railroad crossings, bridge safety and integrity, geotechnical design, maintenance and protection of traffic, and other matters concerning public safety.

Prepares project feasibility and scoping studies, develops design criteria, prepares environmental studies, and develops highway designs. Performs structural inspections following policies and procedures set up by both State and Federal Law, sometimes needing the climbing of structures. Evaluates the condition of existing highways and bridges and structures by collecting and analyzing data and conducting field investigations.

Assists in setting up quality control requirements and quality assurance programs to assure that projects meet specified Department requirements concerning capacity, operational, and safety conditions of the highway corridor and to assure that designs and materials used in a project meet the specified quality requirements. Prepares hydraulic studies and foundation reports, and performs structural designs, including load rating analyses. Participates in preliminary and final review of project proposals.

Assists in Structures Safety Assurance activities. May be assigned to work on special engineering projects. This is an entry level position.

Specific duties and responsibilities would be equal with the experience of the person selected. Level of responsibility will increase over time. Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are: Engineer Trainee: Either 1. a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology as listed below; Or 2

proof of passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time engineering experience as listed below. As an Engineer Trainee, you will serve a 24-month traineeship that leads to Assistant Engineer, Grade 20. To advance to Assistant Engineer, you must have obtained proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) and successfully completed the requirements of the traineeship to the satisfaction of the appointing authority.

At the discretion of the appointing authority, early advancement to the Assistant Engineer is possible if you have obtained your FE and have successfully completed twelve months of the traineeship. It is your responsibility to notify the appointing authority's personnel office upon obtaining proof of passing the FE. You may receive an increase in salary upon obtaining your FE.

Information about this increase will be provided by the appointing authority. Assistant Engineer: Either 1. proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND a qualifying bachelor's degree or higher as listed below; Or 2.

proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time qualifying engineering experience as listed below. Qualifying degrees: Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering, Construction Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering Management, Construction Engineering Management Technology, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulics Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning and Engineering, or Engineering Science with a recognized concentration in any of the above listed engineering degrees. Qualifying experience: One year of full-time engineering experience with transportation projects related to highways/roadways, railroads, bridges, airports, waterways, building structures, or traffic management and safety systems.

Candidates may also be qualified for permanent competitive appointment if reachable from the appropriate Civil Service eligible list or eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law. Additional Comments Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

Your required educational credentials must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education. If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency

A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfmt The starting salary for an Engineer Trainee position is $66,951. The starting salary for an Assistant Engineer is $81,193. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $74,193 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location

The maximum compensation for this position is $101,121. This amount is comprised of the standard job rate of $94,121 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location. In addition, a Mid-Hudson Adjustment of $2,000 or a Downstate Adjustment of $4,000 may also apply depending on the location of the position.

________________________________________ DOT is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. ________________________________________ In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide an original document to prove their citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States.

Candidates for employment must have proper authorization to work in the United States at the time an offer of employment is made. The Department will not sponsor a nonimmigrant for a temporary employment visa (H-1B or similar), OPT STEM, or for permanent residence. Offers of permanent employment may not be made to nonimmigrants whose employment authorization is limited to a period of practical training (F-1 or similar).

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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