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Entry Level Transportation Engineer Jobs in Springfield, IL

All JobsTransportation Engineer JobsEntry Level Transportation Engineer JobsEntry Level Transportation Engineer Jobs in Springfield, IL

Entry Level Transportation Engineer information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$29.7K

$68.7K

$117K

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level transportation engineer in Springfield, IL is $68,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $77,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level transportation engineer do?

An Entry Level Transportation Engineer assists in the planning, design, and implementation of transportation infrastructure projects such as roads, highways, bridges, and traffic systems. Their responsibilities typically include conducting site assessments, preparing technical drawings, analyzing traffic data, and supporting senior engineers with project management tasks. They often use specialized software to create models and ensure projects comply with safety and environmental standards. This role is ideal for recent engineering graduates looking to gain practical experience in the transportation field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level transportation engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Transportation Engineer, you generally need a bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering, strong analytical skills, and a solid understanding of transportation principles. Familiarity with design and simulation software like AutoCAD, MicroStation, and traffic analysis tools, as well as experience with relevant codes and standards, is crucial. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively and adapt to project demands. These competencies ensure you can contribute to safe, efficient transportation systems while supporting project goals and regulatory compliance.

What are some typical projects and responsibilities for an entry level transportation engineer in their first year?

As an Entry Level Transportation Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as preparing design plans, conducting traffic studies, assisting with roadway or intersection design, and supporting senior engineers with data collection and analysis. You may also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, attend site visits, and help prepare reports or presentations for clients and stakeholders. This role offers the chance to build foundational skills in transportation engineering while learning about industry standards and project workflows.

What is the difference between Entry Level Transportation Engineer vs Transportation Planner?

AspectEntry Level Transportation EngineerTransportation Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or related field; Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification often preferredBachelor's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related field; may require certification in planning
Work EnvironmentDesigning transportation systems, analyzing traffic data, working on engineering projectsDeveloping transportation policies, conducting planning studies, community engagement
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, government transportation departments, construction companiesMunicipalities, regional planning agencies, consulting firms

Entry Level Transportation Engineers focus on designing and analyzing transportation infrastructure, requiring engineering credentials. Transportation Planners concentrate on planning and policy development, often with a background in urban planning. Both roles are essential in transportation projects but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

Is being an Entry Level Transportation Engineer worth it?

Entry Level Transportation Engineers typically find the role to be rewarding as it offers opportunities to develop skills in traffic analysis, roadway design, and transportation planning. The position often provides a clear career path, competitive starting salaries, and the chance to work on impactful infrastructure projects, making it a worthwhile entry point into civil engineering careers.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs in Springfield, IL?

For Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Entry Level Transportation Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Transportation Engineer job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,745 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Prairie Engineers

Springfield, IL • On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Build your career with Prairie Engineers, an award-winning firm!

Join a collaborative team that fuels your growth and rewards your dedication. We're a team looking to make a lasting impact and want people who embrace challenges, drive change, and help shape our collective future. If that's you, let's connect!

Prairie Engineers is a growing and progressive business. You will find opportunities for career advancement, a diverse range of clients, and varied projects across the nation. We value a people-focused culture, a "can-do" attitude, and responsiveness. Give us your best and we'll give you ours! We offer a flexible work environment, mentoring, and career growth plans to meet your individual needs while providing a competitive salary and benefits. We will accommodate full-time or part-time schedules in our Champaign, Columbia or Springfield, Illinois or Hannibal, Missouri offices.

What you Need:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an ABETaccredited university.
  • Primary Interest: Transportation or water resources engineering.
  • Travel: Willingness to travel within the United States to meet project requirements.
  • Safety: Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Licensure: Current licensure as an Engineer Intern or the ability to obtain with the first 6 months of employment.
    • What you will Do:
  • Planning, design, and construction phase services for a variety of projects and client types.
  • Coordinate staff activities with surveyors, engineers, environmental scientists, and CADD technicians.
    • What you can Add:
  • Software: Experience in GIS, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D
  • Experience: Previous experience or internships
    • How you Align:
  • People Focused: Professional, respectful, and teamoriented with a strong work ethic and the ability to collaborate internally and externally.
  • Can Do Attitude: Positively engages with challenges, facilitates problemsolving, and takes initiative to deliver solutions.
  • Responsive: Communicates openly, proactively, and promptly, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

    • Salary range: $62,000 - $85,000 determined by education, experience, licensure, and knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant, as well as internal and external benchmarking.

    Check out the Careers page at prairieengineers.com for details on the attractive benefits package available including 401(k), medical insurance on day one, generous paid time off, professional development, and to find out why employees chose to join our team. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information (including family medical history), or any other legally protected status.

    Potential candidates for this position should include cover letter and resume. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. However, we are unable to sponsor current or future visas for this position.

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