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Entry Level Civil Engineer Jobs in Springfield, IL

Entry Level Civil Engineer information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$40.1K

$72.9K

$119.9K

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

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level civil engineer in Springfield, IL is $72,874.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $87,700.00 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 Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Civil Engineer jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Civil Engineer jobs in Springfield, IL? For Entry Level Civil Engineer jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Civil Engineer jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Civil Engineer jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Entry Level Civil Engineer jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Entry Level Civil Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Civil Engineer job openings in Springfield, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,874 per year, or $35 per hour.
Field/Office Engineer - MEC Industrial (Entry-Level)

Field/Office Engineer - MEC Industrial (Entry-Level)

Kiewit Corporation

Springfield, IL • On-site

$89K - $96K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Kiewit Corporation rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 79 rated construction


Job description

Requisition ID: 180725 

Job Level: Entry Level 

Home District/Group: MEC Industrial District 

Department: Field Operations 

Market: Industrial 

Employment Type: Full Time 

Position Overview

As a Field Engineer, you bring your big ideas, commitment to top quality and unwavering work ethic. In return, we offer huge career and travel opportunities and the satisfaction of building "the next big thing" from the ground up. There's a reason Mass Electric (MEC) attracts the best: we offer fast-paced excitement and fulfillment you won't find anywhere else. Our mission is to make a difference and we offer opportunities for you to make make a difference in our construction operations. Whether we're boring tunnels through mountains, turning rivers into energy or building bridges that connect communities, we depend on our passionate, skilled, and safety-obsessed construction professionals to get it done right.

District Overview

Mass Electric Construction Co. is a subsidiary of the Kiewit Corporation. Since our founding in 1928 in Boston, Massachusetts, Mass. Electric Construction's philosophy has been to pursue electrical projects that require a higher level of technical and logistical skill.MEC Industrial has organized strategically to actively participate and capture projects in the growing industrial market. We intend to effectively compete and win in traditional and alternate delivery procurements and position ourselves for a sustainable future. We self-perform the majority of our work and are looking for people committed to the industrial construction industry.

Location

One of the many things that makes our culture unique is that we go where the work is, which exposes your career to abundant opportunities. We relocate our teams based on the work that is available, combined with the development plans, skill sets and career goals of each team member. This means your MEC adventure is custom-designed to meet our shared needs. MEC Industrial is based out of Waltham, MA and has work all across the country. Job assignment location will be determined closer to your start date.  Must be able to travel and relocate as frequently as business needs require. These projects are happening in large cities and small towns, so you have a chance to experience it all!

Responsibilities

    Field engineering, operation planning, cost control, project scheduling, quantity tracking, material procurement, contract administration, estimating & supervision of field activities
   Performing engineering tasks requiring standard techniques and handling minor problems of a technical nature arising during construction
   Maintaining records as required regarding job progress, costs, material usage, etc.
   Planning and scheduling of job and/or job segments
   Investigating problems and/or reported incidents; identifying and recommending solutions/alternatives as appropriate
   Reviewing plans and specifications to determine material requirements (quantities and qualities), pricing of materials, etc.
   Working with suppliers as required facilitating the handling and expediting delivery of materials

Qualifications

    Undergraduate or graduate degree in construction management, construction engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering technology or equivalent combination of education and experience.
    Minimum overall GPA of 2.7
    Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint
    Attention to detail with the ability to recognize discrepancies
    Strong organizational and time management skills
    Effective verbal, written and presentation skills
    Able to work independently as well as part of a team
    Must be able to access all points of a construction site
    Ability to freely access all points of a construction site in a wide-ranging climates and environments 
    Highly motivated, with a demonstrated passion for excellence and taking initiative
    Strong work ethic, willing to do what it takes to get the job done right the first time
    Demonstrated commitment to ethics and integrity
    Passion for safety, with the ability to help us ensure that nobody gets hurt
    Team player with the ability to work independently to meet deadlines, goals, and objectives


Other common names for this role: Project Engineer, Office Engineer, Engineer 1

#LI-DP1

Other Requirements:
   Regular, reliable attendance
   Work productively and meet deadlines timely
   Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment
   Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
   Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.
   May work at various different locations and conditions may vary

Base Compensation: $89,000/yr - $96,000

(Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location)

We offer our fulltime staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that's among the best in our industry, including top-tier medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.


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About Kiewit

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering's Design-Build team is driving clients to turn to Kiewit during all stages of design-build projects. Through our integrated design and construction approach, our multi-disciplinary team works together to improve schedule, control costs and minimize risk. Our construction-focused engineers work collaboratively with our estimators and builders to design solutions that are innovative, constructible, and designed with a focus on safety. Clients benefit from the proven processes and tools used by Kiewit to minimize project risk. We are an in-house resource that supports projects throughout the company. Our staff shares experiences gained, innovative concepts, and best practices for all projects that we support.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1884