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Entry Level Civil Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

SWE Solutions

Construction Engineer I

Naperville, IL

$35 - $46/hr

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a related field. * Engineer-in ... related entry-level roles (internship or co-op experience may be considered). * Exposure to ...

SWE Solutions

Construction Engineer I

Naperville, IL · On-site

$35 - $46/hr

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a related field. * Engineer-in ... related entry-level roles (internship or co-op experience may be considered). * Exposure to ...

SNC-Lavalin

Electrical Engineer - Aviation

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

... than an entrylevel engineer, including: * Leading or supporting the planning, design, and ... S. in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or any other related field of study. * EIT or PE ...

SWE Solutions

Construction Engineer I

Naperville, IL · On-site

$35 - $46/hr

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a related field. * Engineer-in ... related entry-level roles (internship or co-op experience may be considered). * Exposure to ...

Trilon Group

Water Resources Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$80K - $109K/yr

Our Cary office is looking for an entry level Hydraulic Engineer. The Hydraulic/Stormwater Design ... Bachelor of Science from an ABET-accredited university in Civil Engineering. * Successful ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsCivil Engineering JobsEntry Level Civil Engineering JobsEntry Level Civil Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Civil Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.7K

$75.7K

$124.6K

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level civil engineering in Chicago, IL is $75,744.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,600.00 and $91,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become an entry level civil engineer with no experience?

To become an entry-level civil engineer with no experience, obtain a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, and develop skills in design software like AutoCAD and project management. Internships or cooperative education programs can provide practical experience and improve employability. Earning a Professional Engineer (PE) license is not required initially but can enhance career prospects later.

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, a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals, and proficiency in mathematics and physics. Familiarity with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and other design software, as well as knowledge of industry standards and the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help differentiate candidates in collaborative and project-driven environments. These abilities ensure the effective design, analysis, and execution of infrastructure projects while meeting safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level civil engineer?

As an entry-level civil engineer, you can expect to be involved in a range of tasks such as assisting with site inspections, preparing drawings and reports, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting senior engineers with project planning. Typical projects may include transportation systems, water resources, environmental remediation, or structural designs. You'll often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, surveyors, and construction managers, gaining exposure to the full project lifecycle. This hands-on experience helps build a strong foundation for future specialization and career advancement.

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

AspectEntry Level Civil EngineeringCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or diploma in civil engineering technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, project management, often in office settingsFieldwork, site inspections, assisting engineers on construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, government agenciesConstruction firms, consulting firms, government departments

Entry Level Civil Engineering roles typically require a bachelor's degree and focus on design and planning tasks, while Civil Engineering Technicians usually hold an associate degree and assist with fieldwork and technical support. Both roles are essential in civil projects but differ in education requirements and daily responsibilities.

What is an entry level civil engineer?

Entry level civil engineers are recent graduates or individuals with minimal professional experience who support the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers, assisting with tasks like drafting plans, conducting site inspections, and performing calculations. Entry level civil engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that projects meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards while gaining hands-on experience in the field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Civil Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Civil Engineering job openings:
Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Civil Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,744 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Stormwater Engineer

Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc.

Elgin, IL • On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

**If needed, this position can be a fully remote position**
Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) is looking to hire a full-time Stormwater Engineer to join our team! This position will be based out of our Elgin, IL office. Are you a civil engineering professional who is ready to take your career to the next level in a rewarding environment with an established and respected firm that cares about the happiness and wellbeing of their employees? Do you want to work for a firm that works hard, has fun, and gives back? If so, please read on!
The Stormwater Engineer position earns a competitive salary, depending on experience. We also offer health insurance (PPO and HSA), Dental Insurance, an employer health savings account (HSA) contribution, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 6% company match, paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, a Lifestyle account of up to $2,000, a student loan paydown, an employee assistance program (EAP), flexible hours, continuing education, professional license expense reimbursement, professional society/association membership dues, and opportunities for career growth. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, apply today!
About Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR)
Founded in 1965, Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) is a 100% employee-owned civil engineering firm headquartered in Elgin, IL with additional offices spanning across the state of Illinois. HLR is a leading provider of professional consulting engineering, environmental, and surveying services, serving public agencies and private-sector clients throughout the Midwest.
We believe that our team and award-winning Work Hard | Have Fun | Give Back® culture are what draw employees and clients to our firm and are proud to be named the number one 2025 A/E/C Employer of Choice® by PSMJ Resources, Inc., based on our workforce retention, productivity, and superior level of employee engagement. Additionally, HLR received the 2023 Premier Award for Client Satisfaction by PSMJ Resources, Inc. - the only award recognizing the A/E/C firms that deliver a truly exceptional client experience.
At HLR, our culture and team are paramount to our success. We've built an incredible atmosphere that attracts bright, driven, caring individuals who sincerely want to make a difference in the industry. We are truly a team in every sense: we're mentors and collaborators who believe in supporting one another as we work together to achieve our goals. We're passionate about employee development, evidenced by our Pathways to Success program - a specialized roadmap to career advancement - as well as the time and resources we dedicate to employee training and education. We challenge ourselves, celebrate accomplishments big and small, and focus on fostering a positive, synergetic environment where individuals can thrive professionally and personally. By joining our team, you are joining us on our mission to make a measurable impact in the communities which we live and work each and every day. Together, we can redefine excellence.
On any given day, you'll:
  • Take on an increasingly responsible role in the design of projects
  • Independently evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria on moderately complex projects
  • Develop plans, specifications, schedules, permits, and inspection reports in accordance with good engineering practice
  • Serve as a technical advisor to entry-level project team members
  • Receive instruction on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions from professional engineering staff
  • Prepare design computations and quantity estimates
  • Develop construction cost estimates for projects
  • Serve as onsite project representative
  • Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, adjust and correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow operations through a series of related steps or processes
  • Prepare comprehensive stormwater reports to support design or permitting regulations
  • Read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, or government regulations
  • Provide engineering support for a variety of municipal and private projects including roadway reconstruction, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, water mains, bridges, trails, and traffic signals

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university
  • Passed the Fundamental in Engineering exam
  • A minimum of 3 years of related engineering experience
  • Professional Engineer license in Illinois, or ability to become licensed within 18 months of hire
  • Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Certification within 12 months of hire
  • Valid driver's license with a good driving record

Desired Skills and Experiences:
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word in the preparation of reports, specifications, and narrative communication with clients
  • Experience in the following areas: stormwater ordinance interpretation, municipal design, InRoads, MicroStation, GEOPAK, GIS, stormwater modeling (HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, StormCAD, Hydraflow), and construction observation/administration
  • Previous experience in permitting through IDNR-OWR, USACE, and Local County Stormwater Ordinances
  • Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Design
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Physical Demands:
  • Ability to work in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time
  • Ability to sit, walk, reach, crouch, bend, and walk or stand on uneven surfaces for extended periods of time
  • Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 30 lbs.
  • Constant hand, finger, and arm use
  • Constant computer screen exposure
  • Prolonged reading

READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
We understand your time is valuable and that is why we have a very quick and easy application process. If you feel that you would be right for this position, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application. We look forward to meeting you!

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