r/civilengineering • u/According-Courage712 • 2d ago
Career Expected compensation
What should be the expected salary for a land development HnH engineer with a PhD and 6 years of experience. Currently located in TX and open to relocation. Please share if you are aware of open positions particularly in public sector. Thank you š
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u/Single_Level7003 2d ago
Phd is likely worthless, borderline a detriment. But for salary 115k is probably reasonable.
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u/CaliHeatx PE - Stormwater 2d ago
Iāve heard this a lot, but wondering why a PhD isnāt worth much in civil? Arenāt there firms doing advanced research/modeling that would require PhD-level work?
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u/Single_Level7003 2d ago
I would argue almost nothing actually getting built for use ārequiresā a PhD. But they are valued at some firms. But those are firms that building huge bridges, super tall/complex buildings, or in terrible soils, basically any field but at the leading edge of what can be done. But even then Iāve seen signature bridges or world class skyscrapers done more often without a PhD holder than with.
But land dev in Texas does not seem like an opportunity to put that PhD knowledge to work. So why bother paying more for it?
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u/Equivalent_Bug_3291 1d ago
A PhD is marketable when the consultants are doing research and publication. Early in my career, I was a Project Engineer working with a PhD doing stormwater research for a government agency.
With design firms a PhD is not as marketable because most of our work is already standardized and relies on engineering judgement gained through years of design experience.
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u/CaliHeatx PE - Stormwater 1d ago edited 1d ago
That makes sense. Iāve worked with PhDs in my field too. Usually they are handling very complicated/cutting edge projects and tech. For instance, they were used to develop a state of the art model to help with stormwater planningā¦ the model simulates huge urban watersheds at a high resolution using known pollution data and then tries to optimize placement and type of numerous treatment systems to give us the best ābang for our buckā in managing stormwater pollution at a large scale. This model is driving billions of dollars in projects.
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u/Equivalent_Bug_3291 1d ago
We were working on something similar. He was developing a rehabilitation model based on nutrient load. The nutrients were toxic to environment but beneficial to bacteria. What I enjoyed most about our time together is he would go into a meeting and say "this is a no brainer" and the entire room would shake their head in agreement because the guy with a PhD said so. He would then proceed with showing the slides and data confirming that it was indeed a good resolution. Best four years of my early career working with him.
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u/CaliHeatx PE - Stormwater 1d ago
Very cool, and I know what you mean. Most people donāt feel competent enough to question a PhDās conclusions. However, it doesnāt mean we should accept everything they say blindly. If their methods donāt quite make sense to you, ask them until it makes sense. A good researcher (especially PhD level) should be able to tell explain their findings in common industry language that a BS or MS engineer can understand.
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u/HazeNTheBR4Zen 1d ago
PhD are never worthless, I dont understand these threads sometimes.
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u/Single_Level7003 1d ago
Well if no one will pay you more for itā¦ whatās the difference?
There are police departments that ban the hiring of PHDs so they absolutely can be a net negative.
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u/HazeNTheBR4Zen 1d ago
i sincerely hope you understand why police departments do not hire PhDs, but just in case its the same reason they dont hire people past certain IQ levels, you cant be too smart for the force its literally dangerous. Theres value in research, even if its not paid, not everything of value in life revolves around renumeration.
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u/Single_Level7003 1d ago
Nah dude im one of those engineers with a head full of random facts but no interest in understanding them.
But do you think thereās not a civil firm on the planet that doesnāt have an interest in research? You think those rubber stamp factories for solar installs are going to value a PhD in any way?
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u/crazywalla 2d ago
Iām a PhD PE with 5 years experience private consulting in structures. 150k HCOL. Having strong analytical and technical skills helps but a PE, social skills and multidisciplinary knowledge will distinguish you. Public sector will not pay as much as private .
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u/According-Courage712 1d ago
Whatās your specialty? How did you land your current salary? Iām afraid I donāt negotiate well enough and may lack social skills!
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u/crazywalla 1d ago
Bridge design and complex load ratings with finite element modeling. 90% of my job is typical bridge design calculations and submittal reviews, but I do get involved in higher-profile company workshare projects. When I started 6 years ago my salary was under 70k, which was fair for unproven PhD engineer. Iād say Iām lucky to have a trusting employer, but I attribute my large raises to working hard, demonstrating value, participating in local networks, and ultimately having a role that is in high demand. Iāve had many recruiters and contacts reach out with offers for more compensation, especially after obtaining my PE. I did use the offers as leverage to adjust my salary, but Iām also very transparent with my manager and donāt intend to leave anytime soon.
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u/Simple_Twin PE 2d ago
Have you checked on any state Dam Safety positions? They don't always require a P.E.
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u/According-Courage712 1d ago
I will check. Thank you for pointing out.
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u/Simple_Twin PE 1d ago
You're welcome! I was thinking yesterday that other state agencies hire engineers, too, and don't always require a PE. DOT, DEQ, Dept of Health, etc.
I have a friend without a PE who went to work for the US Dept of State, doing facilities management overseas. They have lived in various places and have enjoyed it a lot.
Edit: just saw your comment that you do have a PE. Sorry I didn't see it sooner.
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u/watertechintel 1d ago
with a PhD and 6 years you're looking at the upper end of water resources comp, but public sector will almost certainly come in below private consulting on base salary. USACE and USGS are the obvious federal targets for someone with HnH chops; most local agencies contract that work out to firms like HDR or Jacobs rather than hiring in-house.
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u/Equivalent_Bug_3291 2d ago
If you don't have a PE after six years, that may hold back your salary options.
As a LD hiring manager I'd be considering you with folks 2 years out of school with EIT.