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$40K

$92.9K

$147.5K

How much do geotechnical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for geotechnical engineering 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 is geotechnical engineering?

Geotechnical engineering is a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the behavior of earth materials like soil and rock. Geotechnical engineers investigate subsurface conditions to design foundations, retaining walls, tunnels, and other structures that interact with the ground. They assess risks related to soil stability, landslides, earthquakes, and other ground-related hazards to ensure safe and durable construction. Their work is essential in construction, mining, environmental projects, and infrastructure development.

What are some common challenges faced by geotechnical engineers during site investigations?

Geotechnical engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected soil conditions, limited site accessibility, and variable groundwater levels during site investigations. These factors can impact the accuracy of soil sampling and testing, requiring engineers to adapt their investigation methods and employ specialized equipment. Collaboration with project managers, civil engineers, and environmental specialists is essential to address these challenges and ensure that collected data is reliable for design and construction planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geotechnical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geotechnical Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering, soil mechanics, and geology, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering. Familiarity with geotechnical software (such as PLAXIS or GeoStudio), site investigation techniques, and certification as a Professional Engineer (PE) are highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication skills help in interpreting data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety, stability, and cost-effectiveness of construction projects involving soil and foundation interactions.

What is the difference between Geotechnical Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectGeotechnical EngineeringCivil Engineering
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in geotechnical engineering or civil engineering, with licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE)Requires a bachelor's or master's in civil engineering, often with PE licensure
Work EnvironmentField investigations, soil testing sites, laboratories, construction sitesDesign offices, construction sites, urban planning environments
Industry UsageSpecializes in soil, foundation, and earth-related projectsBroader scope including transportation, water resources, structural design

Geotechnical Engineering focuses on soil and foundation analysis, while Civil Engineering covers a wide range of infrastructure projects. Both roles often overlap but differ in specialization and project scope.

Are geotechnical engineers in high demand?

Geotechnical engineers are in high demand due to ongoing infrastructure development and the need for foundation and soil stability assessments. The profession often requires specialized skills, certifications, and knowledge of geotechnical software, contributing to strong job prospects in engineering and construction sectors.

What is the job of a geotechnical engineer?

A geotechnical engineer assesses soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to determine their impact on construction projects. They design foundations, earthworks, and retaining structures, often using field investigations and laboratory testing to ensure stability and safety. Strong knowledge of geology, soil mechanics, and relevant engineering software is essential for this role.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Geotechnical Engineering jobs?

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Geotechnical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geotechnical Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,871 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Geotechnical Engineering Intern

Westwood Professional Services, Inc.

Minnetonka, MN • On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Internship

Posted 3 days ago

New

Westwood Professional Services rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 453 rated engineering

Job description

Job Type
Internship
Description
Westwood Professional Services
The Geotechnical Intern will join a geotechnical engineering team supporting subsurface investigations and foundation design for utility-scale wind, solar, and battery energy storage projects. Projects range from preliminary subsurface exploration programs to detailed foundation design recommendations for renewable energy developers, IPPs, and utility clients. This position offers a direct opportunity to apply geotechnical engineering coursework to real-world renewable energy infrastructure projects.
As a Geotechnical Intern, the selected candidate will learn to apply industry standards, including ASTM, ASCE, and IBC, in the geotechnical evaluation process and will assist Senior Engineers in the logging of soil borings, laboratory testing, and preparation of geotechnical reports and foundation design recommendations.
Requirements
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assist with field subsurface investigations, including soil boring logging, cone penetrometer testing, and test pit excavation observation.
  • Support laboratory soil testing, including classification, moisture content, and strength testing, under the guidance of Senior Engineers.
  • Help develop foundation design recommendations for wind turbine, solar racking, and BESS foundations using tools such as LPILE and Settle3.
  • Assist in the preparation of geotechnical data reports and boring logs using software such as gINT.
  • Actively coordinate with internal and external team members across renewable energy projects to ensure effective communication and project progress.
  • Travel to project sites as necessary to observe field investigations and interface directly with drilling crews and clients.

Required Qualifications:
  • Currently enrolled in an ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering program, preferably in Civil Engineering with a Geotechnical emphasis.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, management, and design team members.
  • Willingness to learn in a flexible, cross-disciplinary work environment.
  • Willingness to attend site visits and perform work in outdoor field conditions on occasion, including at active drilling sites.
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications:
The following qualifications are preferred but not required for consideration:
  • Relevant industry experience through engineering coursework projects or prior internships in geotechnical engineering or subsurface exploration.
  • Experience with technical software including gINT, LPILE, Settle3, or other relevant geotechnical engineering tools.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood)
At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.
Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative "One Team" mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.
We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision.
We are partners in our clients' success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.
We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.
Join us in creating a better world.
In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.
Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Salary Description
$22-$26

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