| "Average" civil engineering salaries typically appear low relative to those in other engineering disciplines. But salaries alone aren't the whole picture. Keep the following points in mind:
(1) A relatively high proportion of CEs work in the public sector (for federal, state, or local governments). Public sector salaries are generally lower than those in the private sector, so this brings down the "average" CE salary. But benefits (especially retirement packages) are usually better in the public sector, so these CEs aren't necessarily hurting. The lower salary vs. better benefits tradeoff is one that many CEs are willing to make.
(2) A relatively high proportion of CEs work in smaller cities, towns, and rural areas. Every community in the US -- no matter how small or remote -- needs CEs, while most other types of engineers are concentrated in large urban areas with high-tech or other industry. The salaries outside major urban areas tend to be lower, so again this brings down the "average" CE salary. But the cost of living (especially housing) is usually lower outside urban centers, so these CEs aren't necessarily hurting. The lower salary vs. lower cost-of-living tradeoff is one that many CEs are willing to make.
My guess is that salaries for structural engineers, working in the private sector in NYC, are significantly higher than the "average" for CEs. My guess is also that structural engineers, even in NYC, are not falling out of the middle class. Or do you see people on the street holding up signs reading: "Will design bearing walls for food" ? |