JOB REPORT / 17-2051 · 70 TASKS

Civil Engineers.

Can AI do the work of Civil Engineers?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

How does this fit your work?

How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

Drag the dot. There’s no wrong answer; it starts at our estimate.

Starting pointOur estimate

The mark shows what’s typical for this job.

The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates,…
Estimate quantities and cost of materials, equipment, or labor…
Develop or assist in the development of transportation-related computer…

Your free lesson plan builds the skills that keep you ahead of AI.

A free set of short lessons, about 20 minutes each, at your own pace. No payment, no experience needed.

TURN THIS INTO SKILLS YOU CAN PROVE Early access

Earn a certificate in your job

A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Civil Engineers work. It covers the 63 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

63 of 70 tasks reviewed

This job has 70 core tasks. We went through 63 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Civil Engineers actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.
AI DOES
Runs structural and hydraulic calculations, checks formulas, and flags errors in spreadsheets or models
YOU DO
Verify results against real site conditions and sign off with your professional license
TASK 02
Estimate quantities and cost of materials, equipment, or labor to determine project feasibility.
AI DOES
Generates cost databases, runs quantity takeoffs, and flags missing line items
YOU DO
Verify site-specific conditions and take professional responsibility for the final estimate
TASK 03
Develop or assist in the development of transportation-related computer software or computer processes.
AI DOES
Writes code drafts, suggests algorithms, finds bugs, and explains complex logic
YOU DO
Validate safety, test against real traffic systems, and make design calls
TASK 04
Check construction plans, design calculations, or cost estimations to ensure completeness, accuracy, or conformity to engineering standards or practices.
AI DOES
Scans documents for errors, checks calculations, and flags missing items against standard checklists
YOU DO
Apply professional judgment and sign off on safety-critical design decisions
TASK 05
Conduct cost-benefit analyses for the construction of water supply systems, runoff collection networks, water and wastewater treatment plants, or wastewater collection systems.
AI DOES
Pulls cost data, runs scenario calculations, and drafts structured analysis templates
YOU DO
Apply local site knowledge, regulatory context, and professional engineering judgment to finalize recommendations
TASK 06
Write technical reports or publications related to water resources development or water use efficiency.
AI DOES
Drafts report sections, formats citations, and suggests clearer wording
YOU DO
Bring real site data, interpret findings, and sign off on technical accuracy
TASK 07
Model transportation scenarios to evaluate the impacts of activities such as new development or to identify possible solutions to transportation problems.
AI DOES
Runs simulations, crunches traffic data, and flags patterns across scenarios quickly
YOU DO
Decide which scenarios matter, validate model assumptions, and communicate findings to stakeholders
TASK 08
Gather and analyze water use data to forecast water demand.
AI DOES
Crunches historical usage data, finds trends, and generates demand forecasts
YOU DO
Apply local knowledge, validate inputs, and stand behind the forecast professionally
TASK 09
Perform mathematical modeling of underground or surface water resources, such as floodplains, ocean coastlines, streams, rivers, or wetlands.
AI DOES
Generates model code, processes large datasets, explains equations, and flags anomalies in simulation outputs
YOU DO
Verify site conditions, choose the right model parameters, and take responsibility for public safety outcomes
TASK 10
Plan and design transportation or hydraulic systems or structures, using computer-assisted design or drawing tools.
AI DOES
Drafts layouts, runs hydraulic models, flags design conflicts, and suggests standard specifications
YOU DO
Apply site-specific judgment, verify safety compliance, and take professional responsibility for final designs
TASK 11
Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, or other topographical or geologic data.
AI DOES
Scans documents, extracts key measurements, highlights anomalies in maps and aerial photos, and summarizes geologic findings
YOU DO
Apply professional judgment to decide what risks matter and how design choices affect real structures and people
TASK 12
Plan alteration or modification of existing transportation structures to improve safety or function.
AI DOES
Analyzes traffic patterns, flags safety risks, and drafts modification concepts from existing data
YOU DO
Apply site-specific judgment, stakeholder input, and professional engineering sign-off
TASK 13
Evaluate the operation and maintenance of water or wastewater systems to identify ways to improve their efficiency.
AI DOES
Analyzes sensor logs, flags anomalies, benchmarks efficiency metrics, and drafts improvement reports
YOU DO
Visit the site, weigh safety and cost tradeoffs, and decide what fixes actually make sense
TASK 14
Investigate traffic problems and recommend methods to improve traffic flow or safety.
AI DOES
Analyzes traffic counts, crash data, and flow models to flag problem spots and suggest fixes
YOU DO
Visit the site, weigh community needs, and sign off on safety decisions
TASK 15
Estimate transportation project costs.
AI DOES
Pulls historical cost data, runs parametric models, and flags cost ranges for similar past projects
YOU DO
Apply local site knowledge, contractor relationships, and engineering judgment to validate final numbers
TASK 16
Identify design alternatives for the development of new water resources.
AI DOES
Searches literature, summarizes design options, and drafts comparison tables of water resource alternatives
YOU DO
Visit the site, apply local knowledge, and make safety-critical design judgments
TASK 17
Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, program modifications, or structural repairs.
AI DOES
Drafts technical summaries, looks up building codes, and flags common design issues
YOU DO
Apply site-specific judgment and sign off with your professional license
TASK 18
Provide technical support on water resource or treatment issues to government agencies.
AI DOES
Summarizes regulations, drafts technical memos, and helps analyze water quality data
YOU DO
Apply site-specific judgment and build trust with agency stakeholders
TASK 19
Review development plans to determine potential traffic impact.
AI DOES
Scans site plans, estimates trip generation, and highlights potential conflict points
YOU DO
Apply local road knowledge and take professional responsibility for findings
TASK 20
Develop plans for new water resources or water efficiency programs.
AI DOES
Drafts program frameworks, summarizes regulations, and analyzes usage data
YOU DO
Apply site knowledge and make regulatory and safety calls
TASK 21
Perform hydraulic analyses of water supply systems or water distribution networks to model flow characteristics, test for pressure losses, or to identify opportunities to mitigate risks and improve operational efficiency.
AI DOES
Runs hydraulic model simulations, spots pressure anomalies, and suggests efficiency improvements from data
YOU DO
Verify real-world conditions, apply engineering judgment, and own safety-critical design decisions
TASK 22
Identify environmental risks and develop risk management strategies for civil engineering projects.
AI DOES
Searches regulations, summarizes environmental risk databases, drafts risk checklists, and suggests mitigation strategies based on project type
YOU DO
Visit the site, apply local knowledge, weigh tradeoffs, and sign off on safety-critical decisions
TASK 23
Analyze environmental impact statements for transportation projects.
AI DOES
Summarizes long reports, pulls out key data, flags missing sections, and compares similar past projects
YOU DO
Weigh real-world tradeoffs, apply local knowledge, and take professional responsibility for findings
TASK 24
Prepare or present public reports on topics such as bid proposals, deeds, environmental impact statements, or property and right-of-way descriptions.
AI DOES
Drafts report sections, summarizes technical data, and formats documents
YOU DO
Verify facts, add site-specific judgment, and present to real audiences
TASK 25
Design energy-efficient or environmentally sound civil structures.
AI DOES
Runs energy simulations, suggests eco-friendly materials, and flags design inefficiencies
YOU DO
Balance safety, costs, local rules, and community needs in final design calls
TASK 26
Design water distribution systems for potable or non-potable water.
AI DOES
Runs hydraulic calculations, checks design standards, and generates draft layouts
YOU DO
Apply site-specific knowledge and take legal responsibility for a safe, stamped design
TASK 27
Design or prepare plans for new transportation systems or parts of systems, such as airports, commuter trains, highways, streets, bridges, drainage structures, or roadway lighting.
AI DOES
Generates design drafts, runs load and traffic calculations, flags code conflicts, and suggests layout alternatives
YOU DO
Visit the site, weigh community impact, and sign off on safety-critical decisions
TASK 28
Review and critique proposals, plans, or designs related to water or wastewater treatment systems.
AI DOES
Checks documents for missing sections, flags calculation errors, summarizes technical specs, and compares designs to standard codes
YOU DO
Apply site knowledge, safety sign-off, and professional engineering judgment that regulations require a licensed human to provide
TASK 29
Design pumping systems, pumping stations, pipelines, force mains, or sewers for the collection of wastewater.
AI DOES
Runs hydraulic calculations, suggests pipe sizing, and drafts design specs
YOU DO
Verify site conditions, apply professional judgment, and stamp final designs
TASK 30
Prepare final project layout drawings that include details such as stress calculations.
AI DOES
Generates drawing templates, checks stress calculation inputs, and flags common design errors
YOU DO
Apply professional judgment, verify site-specific conditions, and take legal responsibility by stamping final drawings
TASK 31
Design water runoff collection networks, water supply channels, or water supply system networks.
AI DOES
Runs hydraulic calculations, generates layout options, checks design rules, and drafts specifications
YOU DO
Visit the site, apply local codes, make safety calls, and stamp the final design
TASK 32
Conduct feasibility studies for the construction of facilities, such as water supply systems, runoff collection networks, water and wastewater treatment plants, or wastewater collection systems.
AI DOES
Drafts report sections, summarizes data, runs cost estimates, and pulls comparable project benchmarks
YOU DO
Visit sites, apply local codes, weigh community needs, and sign off on engineering judgment calls
TASK 33
Evaluate transportation systems or traffic control devices or lighting systems to determine need for modification or expansion.
AI DOES
Analyzes traffic counts, sensor data, and system logs to spot problems and suggest improvements
YOU DO
Walk the site, weigh community needs, and sign off on safety decisions
TASK 34
Perform hydrological analyses, using three-dimensional simulation software, to model the movement of water or forecast the dispersion of chemical pollutants in the water supply.
AI DOES
Speeds up data prep, suggests model settings, and summarizes simulation results
YOU DO
Validate model choices and take responsibility for public safety outcomes
TASK 35
Analyze and recommend sludge treatment or disposal methods.
AI DOES
Summarizes treatment options, compares disposal costs, and flags relevant regulations
YOU DO
Visit the site, review real lab data, and sign off on the final engineering recommendation
TASK 36
Conduct environmental impact studies related to water and wastewater collection, treatment, or distribution.
AI DOES
Searches regulations, summarizes research, drafts report sections, and flags data patterns
YOU DO
Visit the site, collect field samples, and apply professional judgment to local conditions
TASK 37
Evaluate construction project materials for compliance with environmental standards.
AI DOES
Searches environmental regulations, cross-checks material specs against standards, and drafts compliance checklists
YOU DO
Apply site knowledge and professional judgment to make the final compliance decision
TASK 38
Design transportation systems or structures with sustainable materials or products, such as porous pavement or bioretention structures.
AI DOES
Searches material databases, compares sustainable options, and drafts preliminary design concepts
YOU DO
Visit the site, judge local conditions, and sign off on safe, code-compliant designs
TASK 39
Conduct studies of traffic patterns or environmental conditions to identify engineering problems and assess potential project impact.
AI DOES
Analyzes traffic datasets, flags patterns, summarizes environmental reports, and drafts impact assessments
YOU DO
Visit sites, weigh community context, and sign off on engineering judgment calls
TASK 40
Design or engineer systems to efficiently dispose of chemical, biological, or other toxic wastes.
AI DOES
Generates design drafts, looks up EPA rules, runs flow simulations, and flags code conflicts
YOU DO
Visit the site, take responsibility for safety, and stamp the final approved design
TASK 41
Present data, maps, or other information at construction-related public hearings or meetings.
AI DOES
Drafts presentation slides, summarizes traffic data, and generates map visuals
YOU DO
Show up, speak clearly, and respond to community concerns in the moment
TASK 42
Evaluate traffic control devices or lighting systems to determine need for modification or expansion.
AI DOES
Processes traffic counts, sensor data, and crash records to highlight where devices may need upgrades
YOU DO
Walk the site, weigh safety tradeoffs, and sign off on recommendations
TASK 43
Design sludge treatment plants.
AI DOES
Runs hydraulic calculations, suggests equipment sizing, and drafts specification documents
YOU DO
Visit the site, talk to regulators, and make safety calls no formula can replace
TASK 44
Analyze the efficiency of water delivery structures, such as dams, tainter gates, canals, pipes, penstocks, or cofferdams.
AI DOES
Processes flow data, flags anomalies in sensor outputs, and runs hydraulic models faster
YOU DO
Visit the site, trust your eyes and experience, and sign off on safety decisions
TASK 45
Design or select equipment for use in wastewater processing to ensure compliance with government standards.
AI DOES
Pulls together regulatory requirements, compares equipment options, and drafts compliance checklists
YOU DO
Visit the site, verify real conditions, and stamp the final design with licensed judgment
TASK 46
Participate in contract bidding, negotiation, or administration.
AI DOES
Drafts bid documents, summarizes contract terms, and flags cost inconsistencies
YOU DO
Negotiate terms, build trust with partners, and make final calls on risk
TASK 47
Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.
AI DOES
Scans regulations, drafts compliance checklists, and flags potential violations in project documents
YOU DO
Own the legal responsibility and make final calls on safety and compliance in the field
TASK 48
Analyze storm water or floodplain drainage systems to control erosion, stabilize river banks, repair channel streams, or design bridges.
AI DOES
Runs hydraulic calculations, summarizes flood data, and checks design codes
YOU DO
Visit the site, assess real conditions, and make final safety calls
TASK 49
Design domestic or industrial water or wastewater treatment plants, including advanced facilities with sequencing batch reactors (SBR), membranes, lift stations, headworks, surge overflow basins, ultraviolet disinfection systems, aerobic digesters, sludge lagoons, or control buildings.
AI DOES
Runs hydraulic calculations, drafts equipment specs, summarizes design standards, and suggests layout options
YOU DO
Apply site knowledge, regulatory experience, and safety-critical judgment to every design decision
TASK 50
Develop plans to deconstruct damaged or obsolete roadways or other transportation structures in a manner that is environmentally sound or prepares the land for sustainable development.
AI DOES
Drafts environmental impact summaries, pulls regulations, and generates template deconstruction plans
YOU DO
Walk the site, weigh safety tradeoffs, and stamp the final engineered plan
TASK 51
Conduct water quality studies to identify and characterize water pollutant sources.
AI DOES
Analyzes water quality datasets, flags pollution patterns, and helps summarize findings
YOU DO
Collect field samples, verify lab results, and apply local knowledge to identify real pollution sources
TASK 52
Design water or wastewater lift stations, including water wells.
AI DOES
Generates initial calculations, drafts spec sections, checks code references, and suggests equipment sizing based on flow data
YOU DO
Verify site conditions, apply local regulations, and make safety-critical design decisions
TASK 53SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare administrative, technical, or statistical reports on traffic-operation matters, such as accidents, safety measures, or pedestrian volume or practices.
AI DOES
Compiles data and generates first draft reports
YOU DO
Verify findings and approve recommendations
About this analysis
51% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 54
Develop or implement engineering solutions to clean up industrial accidents or other contaminated sites.
AI DOES
Models contaminant spread, suggests remediation methods, and drafts technical reports
YOU DO
Walk the site, test soil and water, and make safety calls in the field
TASK 55
Provide technical direction or supervision to junior engineers, engineering or computer-aided design (CAD) technicians, or other technical personnel.
AI DOES
Drafts review checklists, summarizes design standards, and flags common errors in CAD files or reports
YOU DO
Read the room, build trust with your team, and make judgment calls on complex site-specific problems
TASK 56
Investigate or test specific construction project materials to determine compliance to specifications or standards.
AI DOES
Reviews test data, compares results to specs, and highlights out-of-tolerance values
YOU DO
Collect samples, run physical tests, and make final compliance calls on-site
TASK 57
Direct the surveying, staking, or laying-out of construction projects.
AI DOES
Helps review survey data, flag errors in staking plans, and suggest layout approaches from digital files
YOU DO
Show up on-site and guide the crew through real terrain and conditions
TASK 58SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Confer with contractors, utility companies, or government agencies to discuss plans, specifications, or work schedules.
AI DOES
Drafts meeting agendas and summarizes technical specs
YOU DO
Build relationships and negotiate terms
About this analysis
37% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 59SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Design or engineer drainage, erosion, or sedimentation control systems for transportation projects.
AI DOES
Models water flow and generates system layouts
YOU DO
Judge site conditions and approve designs
About this analysis
31% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 60SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Test soils or materials to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, concrete, asphalt, or steel.
AI DOES
Analyzes test data and suggests material recommendations
YOU DO
Judge safety margins and site conditions
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 61SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Analyze and recommend chemical, biological, or other wastewater treatment methods to prepare water for industrial or domestic use.
AI DOES
Runs simulations and suggests treatment options
YOU DO
Judge safety and approve the system
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 62SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare project budgets, schedules, or specifications for labor or materials.
AI DOES
Drafts schedules and estimates material costs
YOU DO
Judge realistic timelines and risks
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 63SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Design water storage tanks or other water storage facilities.
AI DOES
Generates initial designs and runs structural calculations
YOU DO
Judge site conditions and safety requirements
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

START LEARNING AI

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.

There are 63 short lessons for this job, about 15 minutes each. Each one starts from a task above and teaches the part that stays with you.

Try a free lesson

AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Civil Engineers
SOC code: 17-2051
Tasks reviewed: 63 of 70

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $100,840 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): $101,420 · BLS OEWS 2025
Employed (national): 367,840
Employed in Colorado: 13,290
Job outlook: +5% by 2034 · ~23,600 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

Earn a certificate in your job

Your job, task by task.

Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.

Estimate quantities and cost of materials, equipment, or labor to determine project feasibility.

Develop or assist in the development of transportation-related computer software or computer processes.

Check construction plans, design calculations, or cost estimations to ensure completeness, accuracy, or conformity to engineering standards or practices.

Conduct cost-benefit analyses for the construction of water supply systems, runoff collection networks, water and wastewater treatment plants, or wastewater collection systems.

Write technical reports or publications related to water resources development or water use efficiency.

Model transportation scenarios to evaluate the impacts of activities such as new development or to identify possible solutions to transportation problems.

Gather and analyze water use data to forecast water demand.

Perform mathematical modeling of underground or surface water resources, such as floodplains, ocean coastlines, streams, rivers, or wetlands.

Plan and design transportation or hydraulic systems or structures, using computer-assisted design or drawing tools.

Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, or other topographical or geologic data.

Plan alteration or modification of existing transportation structures to improve safety or function.

Evaluate the operation and maintenance of water or wastewater systems to identify ways to improve their efficiency.

Investigate traffic problems and recommend methods to improve traffic flow or safety.

Estimate transportation project costs.

Identify design alternatives for the development of new water resources.

Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, program modifications, or structural repairs.

Provide technical support on water resource or treatment issues to government agencies.

Review development plans to determine potential traffic impact.

Develop plans for new water resources or water efficiency programs.

Perform hydraulic analyses of water supply systems or water distribution networks to model flow characteristics, test for pressure losses, or to identify opportunities to mitigate risks and improve operational efficiency.

Identify environmental risks and develop risk management strategies for civil engineering projects.

Analyze environmental impact statements for transportation projects.

Prepare or present public reports on topics such as bid proposals, deeds, environmental impact statements, or property and right-of-way descriptions.

Design energy-efficient or environmentally sound civil structures.

Design water distribution systems for potable or non-potable water.

Design or prepare plans for new transportation systems or parts of systems, such as airports, commuter trains, highways, streets, bridges, drainage structures, or roadway lighting.

Review and critique proposals, plans, or designs related to water or wastewater treatment systems.

Design pumping systems, pumping stations, pipelines, force mains, or sewers for the collection of wastewater.

Prepare final project layout drawings that include details such as stress calculations.

Design water runoff collection networks, water supply channels, or water supply system networks.

Conduct feasibility studies for the construction of facilities, such as water supply systems, runoff collection networks, water and wastewater treatment plants, or wastewater collection systems.

Evaluate transportation systems or traffic control devices or lighting systems to determine need for modification or expansion.

Perform hydrological analyses, using three-dimensional simulation software, to model the movement of water or forecast the dispersion of chemical pollutants in the water supply.

Analyze and recommend sludge treatment or disposal methods.

Conduct environmental impact studies related to water and wastewater collection, treatment, or distribution.

Evaluate construction project materials for compliance with environmental standards.

Design transportation systems or structures with sustainable materials or products, such as porous pavement or bioretention structures.

Conduct studies of traffic patterns or environmental conditions to identify engineering problems and assess potential project impact.

Design or engineer systems to efficiently dispose of chemical, biological, or other toxic wastes.

Present data, maps, or other information at construction-related public hearings or meetings.

Evaluate traffic control devices or lighting systems to determine need for modification or expansion.

Design sludge treatment plants.

Analyze the efficiency of water delivery structures, such as dams, tainter gates, canals, pipes, penstocks, or cofferdams.

Design or select equipment for use in wastewater processing to ensure compliance with government standards.

Participate in contract bidding, negotiation, or administration.

Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.

Analyze storm water or floodplain drainage systems to control erosion, stabilize river banks, repair channel streams, or design bridges.

Design domestic or industrial water or wastewater treatment plants, including advanced facilities with sequencing batch reactors (SBR), membranes, lift stations, headworks, surge overflow basins, ultraviolet disinfection systems, aerobic digesters, sludge lagoons, or control buildings.

Develop plans to deconstruct damaged or obsolete roadways or other transportation structures in a manner that is environmentally sound or prepares the land for sustainable development.

Conduct water quality studies to identify and characterize water pollutant sources.

Design water or wastewater lift stations, including water wells.

Prepare administrative, technical, or statistical reports on traffic-operation matters, such as accidents, safety measures, or pedestrian volume or practices.

Develop or implement engineering solutions to clean up industrial accidents or other contaminated sites.

Provide technical direction or supervision to junior engineers, engineering or computer-aided design (CAD) technicians, or other technical personnel.

Investigate or test specific construction project materials to determine compliance to specifications or standards.

Direct the surveying, staking, or laying-out of construction projects.

Confer with contractors, utility companies, or government agencies to discuss plans, specifications, or work schedules.

Design or engineer drainage, erosion, or sedimentation control systems for transportation projects.

Test soils or materials to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, concrete, asphalt, or steel.

Analyze and recommend chemical, biological, or other wastewater treatment methods to prepare water for industrial or domestic use.

Prepare project budgets, schedules, or specifications for labor or materials.

Design water storage tanks or other water storage facilities.

Practice AI.Use your judgment.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.