Want To Be A Civil Engineer Abroad? Here’s How Much You Can Earn in 2024

Dreaming of building a career overseas? The world’s appetite for towering skyscrapers and sprawling infrastructure is insatiable, and civil engineers are at the heart of it all. With the global construction boom in full swing, now’s the perfect time to take your skills abroad.

Ready to explore your opportunities in other countries? It won’t hurt to know! In this article, let’s take a look at the potential salary range that you can expect as a civil engineer in other countries—these opportunities are helpful for Filipino civil engineers who are looking to make their mark overseas!

Salary Ranges for Civil Engineers in 2024

According to the research-based international database World Salaries, civil engineers in the Philippines will earn between ₱225,700 and ₱772,900 per year. The median salary is ₱487,600 with a monthly salary of ₱40,633. 

It is important to know that this salary average depends on the professional’s level of work experience. The professional level (entry-level, mid-career, and senior-level) is the biggest factor that determines which salary grade a professional can receive. 

Below, let’s look at how much a civil engineer can earn annually in different countries located in various regions of the world. 

North America 

Source: Indeed, Glassdoor, Salary Expert Powered by ERI
* Mexico data focuses on the city of Guadalajara as a general reference for the salary average.

Europe

Source: Indeed, Glassdoor, Economic Research Institute (ERI)
* Data for the Netherlands and Ireland focuses on the cities of Amsterdam and Dublin (respectively) as a general reference for the salary average in each country. 

Asia 

Source: Salary Expert Powered by ERI

Oceania

Source: Economic Research Institute (ERI) 

South America and Africa

In South America and Africa, while salaries are generally lower, there are growing opportunities. Emerging economies are investing in infrastructure, creating a rising demand for civil engineers. Salaries in these regions may be lower, but they can offer a rewarding career path as the markets develop.

Source: Economic Research Institute (ERI), World Salaries

Key Factors That Impact a Civil Engineer’s Salary

Educational Background 

Holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering is crucial for securing well-paying positions—this is true in just about any country. Advanced degrees and specialized qualifications, such as a PhD, can lead to even higher salaries.

Specialized Skills and Certifications 

Specializing in areas like structural, geotechnical, or environmental engineering can enhance earning potential. Certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) are highly valued and often come with salary boosts.

Work Experience and Seniority

 Experience is a major factor in salary progression. Note that the salary kept changing as the professional level upgraded. As civil engineers advance in their careers and take on more senior roles, their earnings typically increase significantly.

Location-Specific Factors 

Cost of living adjustments play a role in determining net pay. Consider how your salary aligns with living expenses in different regions, as a higher cost of living in major cities may offset higher salaries.

Is Civil Engineering Abroad Worth It?

The global landscape for civil engineers in 2024 offers attractive earning potential and numerous opportunities for career growth. With varying salaries across regions and stages of a career, it’s important to weigh factors like location, education, and personal career goals. For those considering a move abroad, the prospects are promising, and a global perspective can be a significant asset in advancing your civil engineering career.

Reference:
All information sources used are indicated under every chart.