Civil Engineer - Job, Salaries, How to Get Started?

In a world of constant innovation and dynamically changing urban landscapes, the field of engineering is rapidly advancing. The average salary in this industry among specialists and managers was 10,929 PLN compared to 10,611 PLN in the 11th edition of the Antal Salary Report.

The role of a civil engineer is becoming increasingly important and complex. What qualifications do you need to possess in order to become a key player in shaping the spaces we live in? What makes some civil engineers succeed in this field while others struggle to find their place? In this article, you will discover the secrets of this fascinating profession, learn about employment opportunities, and explore the future of the construction sector in Poland.

Who is a Civil Engineer and What Do They Do?

A civil engineer is involved in designing construction structures, developing construction technologies, and supervising and directing work related to specific construction projects. The role of a civil engineer can involve creating work schedules, maintaining documentation, managing teams, creating cost estimates, and conducting construction expertise. In addition to technical knowledge, important attributes include spatial imagination, creativity, and precision. Another crucial part of a civil engineer's duties is coordinating the project team and construction workers. Establishing effective communication, motivating the team to achieve set goals, and providing the necessary resources and tools are key elements of construction project management. A civil engineer needs to be a leader capable of efficiently organizing work, setting priorities, and adapting to changing conditions.

How to Become a Civil Engineer?

To become a civil engineer, you should be a graduate of civil engineering studies. Due to the wide range of topics related to construction, several specializations have emerged that allow students to focus on specific areas such as civil engineering, road engineering, bridge engineering, geotechnics, and hydrotechnics. It's important to note that to hold independent technical positions in construction, acquiring appropriate qualifications is necessary. These qualifications can be obtained after completing professional internships and passing a state exam. This comprehensive approach to obtaining qualifications equips civil engineers to responsibly work on diverse projects, ensuring safety, durability, and quality of structures.

Where Can a Civil Engineer Work?

There are many employment possibilities for civil engineers. Graduates of civil engineering can find jobs as construction managers, site supervisors, or construction engineers. They can seek employment in companies specializing in residential, commercial, or industrial construction. Additionally, they can take on roles in design and project offices, state and local government units related to construction, architecture, and construction supervision. Civil engineers also play an important role in companies producing construction materials and elements. Civil engineers can also be employed in companies specializing in various types of construction, such as residential, commercial, or industrial. They can work on projects related to residential buildings, shopping centers, industrial facilities, or transportation infrastructure. Thanks to this diversity of opportunities, they can tailor their careers to their interests and preferences.

What Is the Salary of a Civil Engineer?

The salaries of civil engineers depend on various factors such as work experience, job role, acquired qualifications, company location, and project size. Construction engineers can earn gross salaries ranging from 5,500 to even 10,000 PLN. Individuals with extensive experience and higher responsibilities, such as managerial positions, can earn gross salaries ranging from 10,000 to even 23,000 PLN.

How Is the Construction Sector Situation?

The period of the pandemic, followed by conflicts on the eastern border, significantly impacted the construction industry. During various industry discussions, it's mentioned that the condition of the construction market should be improving. This is confirmed by the latest report from the Central Statistical Office (GUS), indicating that in July, the business climate index in construction was the best since January of the previous year.

What Are the Employment Prospects?

The demand for civil engineers has been increasing in recent months. There is particularly high demand for construction managers with qualifications in structural and construction specialties. Additionally, there has been significant interest in industrial construction recently. This area offers significant development opportunities for building innovative production facilities, which are becoming more prevalent in the Polish market. It's also important to emphasize that the growth of the construction sector largely depends on market needs and overall economic development. Investments in infrastructure, modernization of existing facilities, and rising quality requirements contribute to a sustained increase in demand for skilled civil engineers.

In conclusion, the profession of a civil engineer requires completing studies and obtaining relevant qualifications. With experience, the opportunity to assume roles such as Site Supervisor or Construction Manager arises, allowing for supervision of more demanding projects. The directions for growth in this field are diverse enough for individuals with technical aptitude to find their niche and become specialists.

Weronika Skiba, Consultant at Antal, Engineering & Operations