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Geotechnical Engineering Entry Level information

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$40K

$92.9K

$147.5K

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

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for geotechnical engineering entry level in the United States is $92,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Geotechnical Engineering Entry Level professional do?

A Geotechnical Engineering Entry Level professional assists in evaluating soil, rock, groundwater, and other earth materials to help design and construct safe foundations for buildings, roads, and other structures. Their work often involves site investigations, collecting soil samples, performing lab tests, and preparing reports under the supervision of senior engineers. They also help analyze data to assess risks related to landslides, earthquakes, or soil stability, ensuring construction projects are both safe and efficient.

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

AspectGeotechnical Engineering Entry LevelCivil Engineering Entry Level
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, EIT certification often required
Work EnvironmentFieldwork involving soil testing, site investigations, laboratory analysis, office design workDesign, planning, site inspections, project management in various civil projects
Industry UsageSpecialized in soil, foundation, and subsurface investigations within geotechnical projectsBroader scope including transportation, structural, environmental, and geotechnical projects

While both roles require a civil engineering degree and EIT certification, geotechnical engineering entry-level positions focus more on soil and foundation analysis, often involving fieldwork and specialized testing. Civil engineering entry-level roles encompass a wider range of projects, including infrastructure design and construction management. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and interests.

What types of projects and daily tasks can I expect as an entry-level geotechnical engineer?

As an entry-level geotechnical engineer, you’ll typically assist with site investigations, soil and rock sampling, and laboratory testing to assess ground conditions. You’ll help prepare reports, perform calculations for foundation design, and support senior engineers during field visits or construction oversight. Collaboration with civil engineers, environmental scientists, and construction teams is common, and you’ll gain hands-on experience solving real-world geotechnical challenges. This role provides a strong foundation for advancing into more specialized or leadership positions in the future.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering, foundational knowledge of soil mechanics, and proficiency in data analysis. Familiarity with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, gINT, and Microsoft Office, as well as experience with field testing equipment, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help newcomers excel in this field. These competencies are essential for ensuring accurate site assessments, safe engineering designs, and successful project collaboration.
More about Geotechnical Engineering Entry Level jobs
What states have the most Geotechnical Engineering Entry Level jobs? States with the most job openings for Geotechnical Engineering Entry Level jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Geotechnical Engineering Entry Level jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Geotechnical Engineering Entry Level jobs are:
Geotechnical Engineering Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geotechnical Engineering Entry Level job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,871 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Geotechnical Engineer Associate I

Thompson Engineering

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

Thompson Engineering is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Geotechnical Engineer Associate I to join our Geotechnical Engineering team in our New Orleans, LA office. This is an entry-level position designed for recent graduates or early-career engineers who are beginning their professional engineering careers. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of licensed Professional Engineers and will support geotechnical investigations, analysis, reporting, and construction-phase services on a variety of projects across the Southeast.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with subsurface exploration programs, including coordination of drilling activities and field logging of soil and rock samples
  • Perform basic geotechnical engineering analyses under supervision, including bearing capacity, settlement, slope stability, and earthwork evaluations
  • Support preparation of geotechnical engineering reports, technical memoranda, and recommendations
  • Review laboratory and field test data and assist with interpretation of results
  • Participate in construction observation and materials testing activities as required
  • Assist with preparation of proposals, cost estimates, and project documentation
  • Follow established safety policies and quality control procedures
  • Communicate effectively with project managers, field staff, and clients

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or the ability to obtain EIT within a reasonable timeframe preferred
  • Basic knowledge of geotechnical engineering principles, soil mechanics, and foundation systems
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with geotechnical software is a plus
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Willingness to perform field work and occasional travel as required

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

  • Ability to work in outdoor and construction site environments
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform field-related tasks
  • Willingness to work flexible hours based on project needs