Civil Engineer
28AI EXPOSURE TODAY28
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST73%
NOT A FORECAST73%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £38,000
MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIEDA real score, but the moat is not yet classified. No claim either way.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY →
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers n.e.c. play a pivotal role in shaping our built environment, ensuring the infrastructure we rely on is safe, efficient, and sustainable. Their contributions are vital in tackling global challenges like climate change, urbanization, and resource management, making this a highly impactful career path in the UK and beyond.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
AI exposure is modest for this work today
AI exposure today for this job is modest on our index (28), an estimate rather than a measurement. We have not yet classified what, if anything, structurally protects it, so we make no claim either way about a moat. Learn the tools, and build the judgement that stays human.
Career progression path
Is this the only route?
This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.
0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£67,350Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior Petroleum EngineerIn this entry-level role, you will assist senior engineers in conducting surveys and analysing data, gaining hands-on experience in the field.£30,000 - £38,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Petroleum EngineerAs a mid-level engineer, you will take on more responsibility, leading projects and mentoring junior staff while continuing to develop your technical skills.£45,000 - £55,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Petroleum EngineerIn this peak career stage, you will oversee large projects, drive innovation in extraction techniques, and play a key role in strategic decision-making within your organisation.£70,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Astronautics and Space EngineeringThe University of Surrey · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£41,500 median
🎓Electrical & Electronic EngineeringColeg Sir Gar · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Electronic Engineering with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Mechanical and Offshore EngineeringRobert Gordon University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Bath · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
All Engineering and Technology courses as cards →
Real apprenticeship standards
Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.
L6Civil engineer60 months typicalnot published
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Music TechnologyLeeds Beckett University · DegreeAstronautics and Space EngineeringThe University of Surrey · DegreeElectrical & Electronic EngineeringColeg Sir Gar · DegreeElectronic Engineering with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · DegreeMechanical and Offshore EngineeringRobert Gordon University · DegreeMechanical EngineeringThe University of Bath · Degree