How Much Can A B. Tech Graduate Make? (With Job Duties)

Updated 9 July 2022

Civil engineering is one of the oldest disciplines of engineering and has job opportunities under its many sub-disciplines such as construction, mining and academia. You might be interested in a career in civil engineering because of the many available career roles and growth potential.

If you are, it helps to know how much a graduate in B. Tech civil engineering can make working at these jobs. In this article, we describe the earning potential and typical responsibilities of ten typical civil engineering jobs so you can see which one interests you and start working towards a career in that role.

How much can a B. Tech graduate make in civil engineering jobs?

To help understand the answer to the question, "How much can a B. Tech graduate make?", it can be beneficial to review the different jobs and duties in this field. Here are a few typical jobs that graduates of the B. Tech civil engineering course may pursue:

1. Structural engineer

National average salary: ₹22,061 per month

Primary duties: A structural engineer makes sure that a constructed structure is stable. They ensure that buildings, bridges, tunnels and other structures can handle their loads without collapsing. For example, in a commercial establishment like a shopping mall, the structural engineer considers factors like the location, expected foot traffic, earthquake zones, groundwater levels, soil types and loads on the building to design a suitable foundation and internal structure made using steel, concrete and other construction materials. Structural engineers have a sound understanding of geology, structural analysis, physics and maths.

2. CAD technician

National average salary: ₹15,717 per month

Primary duties: A CAD technician works with architects and other civil engineers to render blueprints and technical drawings using 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software. CAD technicians design and implement technical blueprints for structural, electrical, HVAC and security systems. They may also work to ensure that all the CAD drawings for a particular project or company comply with industrial quality standards and government safety codes. These civil engineers may work as solo consultants or within teams.

3. Construction manager

National average salary: ₹63,432 per month

Primary duties: Construction managers oversee entire construction projects, making sure that all the various departments, vendors, contractors, suppliers and labourers function well together from the conception of a project to its completion. They review work progress, oversee hiring and budgeting, track inventory, generate reports and negotiate contracts, leases, permits and licences. They also work with risk assessment experts to mitigate losses and delays before they occur. Construction managers are experts in crisis management, big-picture thinking, leadership, human resources, industry standards, and all the aspects of the construction process.

4. Site engineer

National average salary: ₹18,561 per month

Primary duties: Site engineers are a crucial part of construction project management teams. They work directly with teams of labourers who report to them. They manage specific parts or tasks within a construction project. For example, one site manager may oversee the cement pouring procedure in a multi-level building project. Sometimes, a site engineer may supervise an entire project if it is suitably small, such as a two-storey individual house. Site engineers run surveys, oversee the work of labourers, manage budgets and timelines and make sure that a construction project adheres to safety laws and government codes.

5. Civil engineering teaching faculty

National average salary: ₹52,548 per month

Primary duties: Civil engineering graduates can choose to take up an academic role, typically in engineering colleges. They may teach students enrolled in the civil engineering course, or teach civil engineering-related subjects to students from other disciplines. Responsibilities within this role include teaching through lectures and presentations, grading semester exams and internal assessments and supervising student projects. In academia, civil engineers often have a postgraduate degree like an M. Tech in civil engineering. To progress along this career path, you can complete your Ph.D. and start applying for prestigious posts like heading the civil engineering department.

6. Geotechnical engineer

National average salary: ₹21,171 per month

Primary duties: Using knowledge of soil mechanics and rock mechanics, geotechnical engineers solve common engineering challenges and problems. They may often work with the army, mining companies, petroleum companies and offshore construction projects. Sometimes, geotechnical engineers may consult on construction projects in challenging terrain such as deserts. Geotechnical engineers usually lead teams in a fast-moving engineering consultancy environment. Companies expect to hire geotechnical engineers with PhDs and considerable experience in leading roles that pay well. Often, projects for geotechnical engineers require them to travel to remote locations.

7. Mining engineer

National average salary: ₹24,038 per month

Primary duties: Mining engineers work in the public sector with mining, drilling and ore extraction companies, or with government bodies like the mining department of the central government, also known as the Ministry of Mines, or mining departments in each state. They consult for these institutions, using their expert knowledge to sign off on decisions like the location of mines, drilling and ore extraction equipment and what safety gear the company should use. This is a constantly evolving field that involves a lot of travelling, so it requires dedicating a considerable amount of time.

8. Marine engineer

National average salary: ₹31,707 per month

Primary duties: Marine or maritime engineering is a specialised branch of engineering that requires its own undergraduate degree. Since a civil engineering syllabus overlaps with this discipline, a civil engineer can pursue a marine engineering career by taking up a diploma in marine engineering. This science teaches engineers how to design, produce and maintain equipment used at sea or on off-shore facilities such as oil rigs and sea vessels like boats, yachts and ships. A marine engineer is an expert at the various systems on board sea-faring vessels, such as propulsion systems, power generation infrastructure, HVAC, fuel supply and water distillation.

9. Traffic engineer

National average salary: ₹26,209 per month

Primary duties: Traffic engineers work with government bodies to evaluate, design and oversee public works projects like new roads, highways and flyovers. They study current traffic loads and patterns, evaluate how the proposed project will affect the flow of traffic and then design it suitably. They liaise with the government on one side and construction project vendors on the other. Traffic engineers handle traffic flow using traffic signals, lane systems, road extension projects and the construction of new roads and other infrastructure.

10. Water resources engineer

National average salary: ₹37,588 per month

Primary duties: Water resource engineers develop ways to bring clean, uncontaminated and safe water to people for drinking, living and recreational purposes. They conceptualise, design and develop water resource management infrastructure such as dams, reservoirs and storm drain networks. They work to ensure a healthy water supply, wastewater disposal and flood damage protection. Water resources engineers often work with government bodies and deal daily with public agencies, individuals, local authorities, contractors and vendors.

How to earn a civil engineer salary

If you are interested in how much a B. Tech civil graduate makes, here are the steps to follow:

1. Complete class XII

To pursue any job as a civil engineer, it's essential to have a B. Tech in civil engineering or a similar engineering degree. This means it's best to clear class XII first. Pick a subject group that includes maths, physics and chemistry as subjects. These are the subject scores that most engineering colleges look for when you apply to them. During this time, it helps if you prepare for an engineering entrance exam like the JEE through additional classes in the break right after you complete your class XII board exams.

2. Earn an undergraduate degree

A career in civil engineering starts with a four-year B.Tech degree in civil engineering. If you are interested in a specific job discipline like marine engineering, you can choose to enrol in a marine engineering course instead. Prepare for your preferred college's admission criteria. For example, the prestigious IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) require you to take the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination).

3. Complete a certification course

If you add a relevant certification course to your CV, this helps it stand out from other competing candidates at a job interview. For instance, you could complete a certificate course in project management. HR teams processing candidates for a project management role might consider you ahead of others with a similar degree and job experience.

4. Earn a postgraduate degree

While most entry-level jobs in civil engineering don't require this, many employers may prefer candidates to earn a postgraduate degree. An M. Tech degree in material science can help you when applying to geotechnical engineer positions. Other disciplines, like management, also offer degrees relevant to civil engineering jobs. For example, an MBA in project management after your B. Tech can set you up for a career in construction project management.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.