In the world of construction and infrastructure, the roles of civil engineers and structural engineers often overlap, leading to further confusion. If you’ve ever wondered who’s responsible for designing the road you drive on or making sure a skyscraper doesn’t topple in the wind, this guide is for you.
While both professions are essential in shaping the built environment, their responsibilities, tools, and focus areas differ. For those looking for a career path in engineering or contemplating hiring a civil or structural engineer, we are here to clarify the difference between civil engineering vs structural engineering in more depth and highlight which profession could be more beneficial for you.
What Is Civil Engineering?
Civil engineering is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines. At its core, civil engineering is about designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure that supports daily life. That includes everything from roads and bridges to water systems and airports. While the tools have changed, the mission remains the same: create safe, efficient, and sustainable public works that stand the test of time.
Put simply, civil engineers are the masterminds behind the systems that make modern living possible.
Types of Projects Civil Engineers Handle
Civil engineers focus on how the pieces of a city or community work together. They plan large-scale projects, manage public safety concerns, and make sure everything, from flood drainage to road slope, meets code and works smoothly.
Typical Projects Include:
- Roads and highways
- Water treatment plants
- Stormwater management systems
- Dams and levees
- Airports and public transit systems
Their work often requires coordination with environmental engineers, surveyors, urban planners, and government agencies.
What Is Structural Engineering?
Structural engineering is a highly specialized branch of civil engineering that zeroes in on the safety and integrity of individual structures. Think of them as the people who make sure a building, bridge, or tower doesn’t collapse under its own weight or the forces of nature.
While civil engineers think broadly, structural engineers think deeply about every beam, bolt, and load-bearing wall.
Types of Projects Structural Engineers Handle
Structural engineers are concerned with making structures stable and secure. They use advanced calculations, simulations, and design principles to determine the right materials and dimensions for each component.
Typical Projects Include:
- High-rise buildings
- Bridges and overpasses
- Towers and antennae
- Parking structures
- Stadiums and grandstands
They’re especially important in areas prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, or heavy snow, where failure isn’t an option.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table: Civil Engineering vs Structural Engineering
| Aspect | Civil Engineer | Structural Engineer |
| Scope | Broad infrastructure systems | Individual structural elements |
| Focus Area | Planning, site work, systems | Load-bearing analysis and safety |
| Education Path | B.S. in Civil Engineering | Civil + M.S. in Structural Engineering |
| Licensing | PE license | PE + SE license (some states) |
| Collaborators | Urban planners, environmental engineers | Architects, contractors |
| Tools Used | GIS, project management software | CAD, FEA, structural modeling |
Education & Licensing: How Each Profession Is Trained
Both require a solid foundation in math, physics, and design principles, but there is a key noticeable difference between civil and structural engineer.
Civil Engineering Degree Curriculum
A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering typically covers:
- Fluid mechanics and hydraulics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Transportation engineering
- Construction project management
Many programs also include lab work, real-world design projects, and summer internships.
Structural Engineering Coursework
Structural engineers start with the same civil background but often pursue a master’s degree. Their advanced training includes:
- Structural analysis and mechanics
- Earthquake engineering
- Steel and concrete design
- Advanced mathematics and physics
- Wind load simulation and material science
All engineers must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Civil engineers pursue the Professional Engineer (PE) license. Structural engineers in some states must also earn a Structural Engineer (SE) license, which requires additional exams and years of experience.
Civil Engineer Responsibilities
Civil engineers wear many hats and often manage multiple systems at once. Their responsibilities typically include:
- Designing site layouts, grading plans, and drainage systems
- Planning stormwater retention and erosion control systems
- Managing zoning, building permits, and code compliance
- Coordinating infrastructure for residential and commercial projects
- Overseeing construction progress and conducting inspections
- Working closely with surveyors, contractors, and municipalities
Their job is to look at the big picture and make sure everything fits together.
Structural Engineer Responsibilities
Structural engineers go deeper into each element of the design. Their tasks focus on making sure the physical structure can stand up to all forces it will encounter.
- Performing detailed structural calculations and simulations
- Choosing appropriate materials (steel, wood, concrete)
- Designing the skeleton of a building, bridge, or other load-bearing form
- Evaluating the effects of environmental conditions like wind, earthquakes, or snow
- Inspecting aging or damaged structures for stability
- Working with architects to ensure safe design integration
- Creating detailed reports, CAD drawings, and engineering specs
When to Hire a Civil Engineer vs Structural Engineer
The right engineer depends on the nature of your project.
If you’re starting from scratch with undeveloped land, a civil engineer is typically your first point of contact. They’re the experts in site preparation, handling tasks like grading, stormwater drainage planning, and roadway layout. Civil engineers are also essential when developing infrastructure such as parking lots, sidewalks, and sewer lines. If your project involves zoning approvals, environmental regulations, or permit coordination, they’re the professionals who make sure everything meets local standards before a shovel hits the ground.
If your focus is on the design, alteration, or integrity of a specific structure, you’ll want a structural engineer. If you are planning to add a second story to your home or remove a load-bearing wall, a structural engineer will assess how these changes impact the building’s stability. They also lead the design of bridges and other load-sensitive structures. If your project requires selecting specific materials, calculating structural loads, or meeting seismic safety codes, their deep technical expertise is essential.
When Do You Need Both?
When the project involves both land infrastructure and complex structural systems, having both professionals on board ensures a smooth, coordinated process, from concept to construction. Large-scale developments like hospitals, schools, or commercial complexes typically require civil engineers to manage the site as a whole and structural engineers to ensure each building is safe and code-compliant.
Working together, they help avoid delays, reduce risk, and bring the entire vision to life safely and efficiently.
Career Paths & Salary Comparison
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, both careers are in demand and pay well. The latest statistics are from 2024, when the average salary was:
- Civil Engineer Salary: $99,590 per year
- Structural Engineer Salary (2024 avg): $92,000–$120,000/year
The job outlook for both civil and structural engineers is strong and continuing to grow. Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
In terms of specialization and career flexibility, civil engineers have a broad range of directions they can take. Many move into project management, environmental planning, transportation systems, or even government roles tied to zoning and public utilities. Structural engineers, while more narrowly focused, have opportunities to specialize in high-impact areas like earthquake-resistant design, historic preservation, high-rise construction, or even aerospace structural systems.
Conclusion
We’ve outlined civil engineering vs structural engineering. Civil engineers create the system. Structural engineers make sure it holds up. Together, they bring a project from idea to reality, safely and efficiently.
If you’re unsure who to hire, consider your project goals:
- Need full-site development? Start with a civil engineer.
- Need to alter a building’s structure or ensure load capacity? Call a structural engineer.
- Need both? Bring them together early for a smoother process and fewer surprises.
Hiring the right expert protects your investment, timeline, and, most importantly, your safety.