Architecture & Engineering

Civil Engineers

SOC Code: 17-2051

Explore H1B visa sponsorship data for Civil Engineers positions. View salary ranges, top employers, and geographic distribution from 6,485 H1B filings (FY2022-2025).

Occupation Statistics

Total Employers
2,324 Sponsoring this role
H1B Filings
6,485 Total filings
Median Salary
$87,934 P50 across all filings
Salary Range
$68,500 - $127,329 P10 to P90

Top States for Civil Engineers

Texas
TX
1,078
California
CA
906
New York
NY
620
Florida
FL
427
Illinois
IL
304
Virginia
VA
297
New Jersey
NJ
241
Guam
GU
240

All Civil Engineers H1B Sponsors

Employer Location Role Filings
WSP USA New York, NY 167
AECOM Technical Services Los Angeles, CA 139
Jacobs Engineering Group Houston, TX 101
Amazon Data Services Seattle, WA 95
HDR Engineering Omaha, NE 94
Arcadis U.S. Highlands Ranch, CO 74
California Department of Transportation Sacramento, CA 67
Core Tech Construction Tamuning, GU 63
Stantec Consulting Services Irvine, CA 59
Thornton Tomasetti New York, NY 56
Terracon Consultants Lenexa, KS 48
Langan Engineering and Environmental Services Elmwood Park, NJ 46
STV Douglassville, PA 44
Michael Baker International Pittsburgh, PA 42
Kiewit Engineering Group Omaha, NE 40
Clayco St. Louis, MO 39
DPR Construction Redwood City, CA 36
Moss & Associates Fort Lauderdale, FL 33
T.Y. Lin International Coral Gables, FL 31
Black & Veatch Kansas City, MO 31
Arup US New York, NY 30
Microsoft Redmond, WA 29
Mott MacDonald Group San Ramon, CA 29
Kleinfelder San Diego, CA 29
Flatiron Construction Firestone, CO 29
HNTB Kansas City, MO 28
Atkins North America Minneapolis, MN 25
Fluor Enterprises Aliso Viejo, CA 25
NAN Honolulu, HI 24
Bowman Consulting Group Chantilly, VA 24
WSP USA Buildings New York, NY 23
Black Construction Barrigada, GU 22
KPFF Phoenix, AZ 22
Webber The Woodlands, TX 22
Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company Kansas City, MO 22
AI Engineers Middletown, CT 21
Jacobs Project Management Golden, CO 21
Walter P. Moore & Associates Houston, TX 21
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Waltham, MA 19
CDM Smith Cambridge, MA 18
Gannett Fleming Camp Hill, PA 18
Rummel, Klepper & Kahl Baltimore, MD 18
DeSimone Consulting Engineering D. New York, NY 17
Transystems Kansas City, MO 17
Geosyntec Consultants Boca Raton, FL 17
LGC Global Detroit, MI 17
Tesla Irvine, CA 16
Schnabel Management Services Glen Allen, VA 16
Modjeski and Masters Poughkeepsie, NY 15
Moffatt & Nichol Long Beach, CA 15

Related Occupations in Architecture & Engineering

About Civil Engineers H1B Sponsorship

The landscape for Civil Engineers seeking H1B visa sponsorship in the United States is currently experiencing an unprecedented surge. Recent data indicates a massive 161.5% growth in H1B filings from FY2024 to FY2025, signaling a robust demand for international talent to support the nation’s expanding infrastructure and urban development projects. With a staggering 25,304 total H1B filings recorded for this occupation, Civil Engineers (SOC Code 17-2051) have become one of the most prominent groups in the professional visa category. This growth is driven by a diverse pool of 5,770 employers who are actively looking abroad to fill critical roles in structural design, transportation planning, and water resource management. What makes the Civil Engineers H1B landscape particularly notable is the breadth of opportunity across various sectors. Whether it is public infrastructure or private commercial development, the need for specialized engineering expertise has never been higher. For international graduates and experienced professionals, these figures represent a clear pathway toward a career in the U.S. The high volume of filings combined with the sheer number of participating employers suggests that the market is not dominated by just a few firms, but rather offers a competitive and healthy environment for job seekers looking for reliable H1B sponsorship opportunities in the engineering field.

Salary Insights

Understanding the H1B salary for Civil Engineers is crucial for candidates negotiating their compensation packages. The data shows a median salary of $70,000, which serves as a solid baseline for professionals entering the U.S. workforce. However, compensation can vary significantly based on experience, specialization, and geographic location. The salary range for Civil Engineers spans from a P10 level of $56,160 to a P90 level of $100,000. This wide range reflects the progression from entry-level design roles to senior project management or specialized structural engineering positions that command higher premiums in the competitive H1B visa market. Several factors influence where an individual falls within this $56,160 to $100,000 range. For instance, Civil Engineers working in high-cost-of-living areas like California or New York often see higher starting offers to meet prevailing wage requirements. Additionally, those with advanced certifications or specialized knowledge in sustainable design or complex seismic modeling are more likely to reach the upper end of the salary spectrum. When evaluating H1B sponsorship offers, candidates should consider the total compensation package, including relocation assistance and professional development support, alongside these established salary benchmarks to ensure they are receiving a fair market rate for their expertise.

Top Employers Sponsoring This Role

For those seeking H1B sponsorship, targeting the right companies is half the battle. Leading the way in international recruitment are industry giants such as AECOM Technical Services, WSP USA, and Parsons Brinckerhoff. These firms are renowned for their global reach and their consistent history of filing H1B petitions for qualified Civil Engineers. Similarly, HDR Engineering and Thornton Tomasetti are major players that frequently seek out specialized talent to handle complex structural and environmental projects. These employers represent the gold standard for sponsorship, often providing structured support systems for international employees navigating the visa process. Beyond these top-tier firms, the fact that over 5,700 different employers have sponsored Civil Engineers indicates a highly decentralized market. While AECOM Technical Services and WSP USA lead in volume, many mid-sized regional firms are also active participants in the H1B program. For job seekers, this means that while the 'Big Five' are excellent targets, there is also significant opportunity within smaller consultancy firms that require niche expertise. These companies often value the diverse perspectives that international Civil Engineers bring to the table, particularly when working on international collaborations or innovative infrastructure designs that require a global technical outlook.

Skills & Qualifications

To successfully secure H1B sponsorship as a Civil Engineer, candidates must demonstrate that they possess highly specialized knowledge and skills that meet the 'specialty occupation' criteria. Most employers require at least a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field, though a Master’s degree can provide a significant competitive edge in the H1B visa lottery. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, and SAP2000 is often a non-negotiable requirement. Furthermore, a strong foundation in structural analysis, fluid mechanics, and geotechnical engineering is essential for passing the technical screenings of top-tier sponsoring firms. Beyond technical prowess, employers look for candidates who understand U.S. building codes and environmental regulations. Soft skills, such as project management and effective communication, are equally vital, as Civil Engineers must frequently collaborate with architects, contractors, and government officials. For international professionals, demonstrating progress toward a Professional Engineer (PE) license can be a game-changer. It not only proves a commitment to the U.S. engineering standards but also justifies a higher H1B salary for Civil Engineers. Combining these hard and soft skills makes an applicant a 'must-have' for firms that are willing to navigate the complexities of visa sponsorship.

Tips for Getting H1B Sponsorship

Strategizing your job search is essential given the +161.5% year-over-year growth in H1B filings for this field. If you are looking to maximize your chances of H1B sponsorship, focus your efforts on the top five states for Civil Engineers: Texas (TX), California (CA), New York (NY), Florida (FL), and New Jersey (NJ). These states have the highest concentration of infrastructure projects and the most active sponsoring employers. Texas and California, in particular, offer a wealth of opportunities in transportation and urban planning, while New York and New Jersey remain hubs for high-rise structural engineering and maritime projects. When applying, tailor your resume to highlight experience that aligns with the specific needs of major sponsors like Parsons Brinckerhoff or HDR Engineering. Be proactive in your search by networking with current H1B holders at these firms and seeking internal referrals. Since the median salary is $70,000, ensure your expectations are aligned with the prevailing wage for your specific metropolitan area to avoid issues during the Labor Condition Application (LCA) phase. By focusing on high-growth regions and refining your technical portfolio, you can position yourself as a top-tier candidate in a field that is increasingly reliant on international engineering talent.