Civil engineering is a growing and popular field in the state of Washington. Undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered in most major universities in the state, including:
- The University of Washington
- Seattle University
- Washington State University
Civil engineering programs take approximately four years to complete for full time students. Areas of interest include:
- Urban Transportation Planning and Design
- Design of Metal Structures
- Foundation Design
- Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures
- Wastewater Treatment and Reuse
- Geographic Information system (G.I.S)
Students are encourage to take the Engineering in Training (E.I.T) exam after graduation, and are given a certificate upon successfully passing the exam. Licensing is regulated by the Department of Transportation Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, under the umbrella of the Washington State Department of Licensing.
After four years of experience under the direct supervision of a professional licensed engineer, junior civil engineers are eligible to apply for the Principles and Practices of Engineering exam. Alternatively candidates without a four year college degree in civil engineering from an accredited university, can apply for the exam after eight years of working under the direct supervision of a licensed professional engineer. A civil engineer with a Professional Engineer (PE) incense in the State of Washington, has more opportunities in the field including bidding for projects, signing and sealing technical drawings
Civil engineers in the state of Washington are employed in the private and public sector. Some of the latter employers include, the Washington State Department of Transportation, the City of Seattle, the transit system, and other local municipalities. There is a vast range of duties a civil engineer in the state of Washington can be responsible for. Civil engineers are involved in the design of sanitary, storm, and water mains as well as grading. Some are involved in construction, while others are involved in irrigation and land remediation.
The starting salary for civil engineers in Washington state is a little over $70,000. Associate engineers receive salaries in the mid 80s while city and senior engineers earn a little over $100,000.