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Per Diem Civil Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

A retirement plan * 30 days paid vacation per year EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and ...

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Per Diem Civil Engineer information

See salary details

$34K

$71.4K

$108K

How much do per diem civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for per diem civil engineer in the United States is $71,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Per Diem Civil Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Per Diem Civil Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and often a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, project management tools, and industry-standard codes is typically required. Effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial soft skills, especially when working on diverse, short-term assignments. These skills and qualities ensure high-quality project execution, compliance, and seamless integration into different teams and projects.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior civil engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand sectors or with large firms. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, a strong track record, and working in regions with high cost of living or project complexity.

How does the flexible, per diem structure impact project assignments and work-life balance for civil engineers?

As a per diem civil engineer, you have the flexibility to choose projects that fit your schedule and expertise, which can greatly enhance work-life balance. However, this also means that assignments may vary in duration and workload, sometimes requiring quick adaptation to new teams or project scopes. Communication skills and self-motivation are crucial, as you'll often collaborate with different clients and project managers on a short-term basis. This role can provide a diverse range of experience and networking opportunities, but it also requires proactive management of your own availability and workload.

What is the highest paying per diem job?

Per diem civil engineers working on specialized projects such as infrastructure, transportation, or environmental engineering often earn higher daily rates, especially with advanced certifications or extensive experience. Senior or highly skilled engineers in high-demand locations can command top per diem pay, which varies based on project complexity and geographic region.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced civil engineers, especially those in senior management or specialized consulting roles, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such compensation often includes bonuses, profit sharing, or other incentives, and typically requires advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience.

What is the difference between Per Diem Civil Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectPer Diem Civil EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, licensure often preferredEngineering degree, licensure typically required
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, project-based, on-siteFull-time, permanent positions, office and field work
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, government agencies, construction projectsEngineering firms, construction companies, government agencies

Per Diem Civil Engineers typically work on short-term, project-specific assignments, often on-site, with flexible schedules. Civil Engineers usually hold permanent roles with ongoing responsibilities in design, planning, and management. Both roles require similar credentials, but their employment terms and work settings differ significantly.

What is a Per Diem Civil Engineer?

A Per Diem Civil Engineer is a civil engineering professional who works on a temporary, as-needed basis, often paid by the day rather than receiving a full-time salary. They typically take on short-term assignments or fill in for permanent staff during peak workloads or specific projects. This arrangement offers flexibility for both the engineer and the employer, allowing for specialized expertise or coverage without a long-term commitment. Per diem civil engineers may work in areas such as construction, infrastructure inspection, or project management, depending on the employer's needs.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Per diem civil engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Earning $500,000 is uncommon and would generally require senior-level positions, specialized skills, or working on high-value projects over multiple years.
More about Per Diem Civil Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Per Diem Civil Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Per Diem Civil Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Civil Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Per Diem Civil Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Per Diem Civil Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Civil Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Locum Tenens, 37% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,360 per year, or $34.3 per hour.
Civil Engineer

$2K - $5K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

ABOUT

Every year huge investments are made on construction projects that support the Navy’s high-tech fleet of ships, aircraft, equipment and personnel. At the center of these projects is a talented group of Civil Engineers who help to ensure that each initiative is conceived, planned and completed on time, in budget and according to specification. If you’ve ever dreamed of building the most advanced military projects in history, the opportunity to become a Navy Civil Engineer awaits.

The CEC Collegiate Program introduces you to Navy life at your own pace. There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work toward your degree, earn as you go, and then begin the process of becoming a commissioned Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As part of the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, you can receive unrivaled hands-on experience and advanced training in civil engineering areas including architecture, construction engineering, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulic engineering, land surveying, structural engineering, transportation engineering and community planning. You’ll quickly find yourself in charge of vital Navy projects, where you might:

  • Oversee construction of everything from runways to docks to buildings of all kinds
  • Supervise and manage utilities and other critical services
  • Manage a variety of skilled construction workers (Seabees)
  • Arrange budgets and schedules
  • Approve completed work

More specifically, you can focus your work on any or all of the following areas:

Contract Management—Be the primary contact between Navy and civilian contractors, managing contracts worth up to hundreds of millions of dollars. Handle every aspect of a project from overseeing construction to resolving design problems, to ensuring that payments are correctly processed.

Public Works—Assume responsibility for any of the hundreds of Navy shore facilities—some as large as entire cities. Supervise and maintain utilities. Oversee construction and repair, manage budgets, approve public works plans and provide services to visiting ships.

Construction Battalions—Command up to 600 Enlisted Seabee construction workers in the construction of airfields, bridges, ports or buildings—all in support of both humanitarian outreach and military deployment.

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and $5,800 per month, depending on your rank and basic allowance for house, while in school. If accepted into the program, you will earn a salary and medical benefits while you’re in school for up to 24 months.

Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA, where you may be able to earn a master’s or doctoral degree while being paid full-time.

Opportunities for further education within this platform include:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Navy Tuition Assistance Program
  • Navy College Program
  • VOLED Assistance Center
  • VOLED Region Advisors
  • Navy War College (NWC)
  • USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen
  • Bachelor’s degree—preferably in the field of civil, mechanical or electrical engineering

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

As a Civil Engineer, you may work at Navy bases or ports of call around the globe. You may be deployed to help develop or rebuild areas affected by natural disasters. Your day-to-day work may be indoors, outdoors, in a shop environment or in office surroundings.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

There are part-time roles as a Civil Engineer in the Navy. Serving part-time as a Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Civil Engineers in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes


What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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