Civil engineers design structures to support various loads, such as people, heavy objects or vehicles. Their main task is to ensure that buildings are structurally sound and safe for those who use them. Electrical engineers design the wiring systems used in homes, businesses and factories. They also design the machines needed to produce electricity from various sources like coal or oil-burning power plants. In this article, we convey the details of Civil Engineering Vs Electrical Engineering, civil engineering vs electrical engineering salary, importance of electrical engineering in civil engineering, difference between civil mechanical and electrical engineering and civil engineering vs electrical engineering which is harder.
The difference between civil engineering and electrical engineering lies in their fields of specialization: civil engineers deal with construction projects such as roads, bridges and buildings; while electrical engineers focus on the design and development of systems that generate electricity or require an electric supply. Read on to know more about Civil Engineering Vs Electrical Engineering, civil engineering vs electrical engineering salary, importance of electrical engineering in civil engineering, difference between civil mechanical and electrical engineering and civil engineering vs electrical engineering which is harder.
Civil engineers focus on designing roads, bridges and buildings while electrical engineers are responsible for designing power supply systems for various applications ranging from solar panels to household appliances.
Civil and electrical engineers are problem-solving professionals who create designs depending on the technical specifications of a given project. Civil engineers work on bridges, roads, buildings and tunnels. Electrical engineers work on anything that generates electricity or requires an electrical power supply.
Both civil and electrical engineers have to consider all aspects of their projects, making sure they meet the needs of society while also working within budget and time constraints. Civil engineers must study surveying and structural design, while electrical engineers must focus on electronics and circuits. Both types of engineering require at least a bachelor’s degree in order to enter the field; however, an advanced degree is often needed for advancement in either field.
Civil engineers might specialize in environmental engineering, which deals with issues related to pollution control or clean water sources; transportation engineering; structural engineering; geotechnical engineering (which deals with soil types); hydraulics (the study of liquids); construction management; water resources development; site development plans for residential or commercial properties; architectural design (including residential homes).
Civil Engineering Vs Electrical Engineering
We begin with Civil Engineering Vs Electrical Engineering, then civil engineering vs electrical engineering salary, importance of electrical engineering in civil engineering, difference between civil mechanical and electrical engineering and civil engineering vs electrical engineering which is harder.
| Electrical Engineering | Civil Engineering |
Payscale reported average pay | $92,227 | $70,508 |
Job prospects | Good | Good |
Types of jobs you can qualify for | Systems engineer Radio frequency engineer Electrical engineer Controls engineer Software engineer | Civil engineer Project engineer Structural engineer Transportation engineer Geotechnical engineer Water resources engineer Construction engineer |
Difficulty of the major | Hard | Hard |
Key things to note | A very employable bachelor’s degree. High average pay. High job satisfaction. Average predicted job growth for the next decade. | A relatively secure field once you are able to land a job. Employable with just a bachelor’s degree. High-stress work environment in the early years. High job satisfaction and fulfillment. Low predicted job growth over the next decade. The work environment can be more physically active than most jobs since you’ll need to go to the construction locations occasionally. However, there is also a lot of meetings and design work using computer software. |
There are a number of things to consider when choosing between the two degrees. Below, are details about each major, their differences and reasons to choose one or the other.
Details about the electrical engineering major
Below are details about the electrical engineering major.
Pay
According to payscale, the average pay of someone with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is $92,227. This is much higher than the reported pay for most other majors including civil engineering which has a reported average pay of $70,508.
Jobs
According to the BLS, it is reported that the demand for electrical engineers will grow by 5% between 2019 and 2029. This is slightly higher than the average growth across all jobs. They mention that increasing demand for things such as solar arrays, semiconductors and communications technologies will drive demand for electrical engineers. However, they also mention that certain industries are on the decline suchas utilities and manufacturing.
Electrical engineering is a major that will qualify you for a lot of jobs that pay well with just a bachelor’s degree. Jobs you can get with a degree in electrical engineering can include:
- Systems engineer
- Radio frequency engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Controls engineer
- Software engineer
civil engineering vs electrical engineering salary
Now we consider civil engineering vs electrical engineering salary, importance of electrical engineering in civil engineering, difference between civil mechanical and electrical engineering and civil engineering vs electrical engineering which is harder.
If you are deciding between majoring in civil engineering or electrical engineering, you might want to know more about what each major has to offer. This post will show you the key facts about each major and help you to decide which would be a better degree for you.
At a glance:
| Electrical Engineering | Civil Engineering |
Payscale reported average pay | $92,227 | $70,508 |
importance of electrical engineering in civil engineering
More details coming up on importance of electrical engineering in civil engineering, difference between civil mechanical and electrical engineering and civil engineering vs electrical engineering which is harder.
Electrical site engineers are vital to the success of civil engineering projects. They help develop cost estimates for both material and labor at the onset of the construction planning process. They also estimate manpower and timelines in order to give project managers the information needed for contractor bids and to ensure that the project stays within budget.
In addition, electrical site engineers must be able to troubleshoot problems that occur on site and make sure that all safety procedures are followed correctly. This can involve working with other contractors as well as with clients or customers. They also need to be familiar with all aspects of electrical engineering so they can provide advice on how best to proceed if there is a problem with wiring or power sources on site.
Electrical site engineers are a valuable part of any construction team. In this role, you’ll be responsible for developing cost estimates for both material and labor at the onset of the construction planning process. You’ll also estimate manpower and timelines to give project managers the information they need for contractor bids, as well as to ensure that the project stays within budget.
As an electrical site engineer, you’ll have a lot of responsibility—but also a lot of opportunity! If you’re interested in becoming an electrical site engineer, here’s what you need to know about the job:
The average salary for an electrical site engineer is $71,000 per year
Electrical site engineers usually work full time (40 hours per week), although they may be asked to work overtime during busy periods
Electrical site engineers typically need at least 5 years’ experience working as an electrician or electrical engineer before moving into this role.
difference between civil mechanical and electrical engineering
Mechanical engineers and electrical engineers are both trained to solve problems, but they approach them in different ways.
Whereas electrical engineers focus on power generation — such as electricity — mechanical engineers focus on power application – getting physical parts, motors and components to behave or act in a desired manner.
For example, an electrical engineer might design a circuit board for a computer that will make sure that all the parts work together seamlessly; a mechanical engineer might design bearings for the same computer so that it can be moved without overheating or breaking down.
civil engineering vs electrical engineering which is harder
Civil engineering is one of the most difficult degrees a student can pursue. Civil engineering is considered to be more difficult than humanities and liberal arts majors, but slightly easier than other engineering disciplines. This is because civil engineers must take several tough math courses, challenging technical classes, and multiple lab sessions.
Civil engineers are responsible for designing buildings and infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters such as tornadoes or earthquakes. They must also design roads, bridges, dams, and airports that will last for decades or centuries with minimal maintenance.
This is a great question, and one that we get asked a lot! Both civil engineers and electrical engineers are involved in projects that require an incredible amount of problem-solving and creativity—they both have to think outside the box to solve problems.
However, it’s important to note that each field has its own set of challenges. Civil engineers deal with the physical aspects of construction—they design roads, bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure. Electrical engineers work on the electrical systems within these structures. They design circuits, write computer code and work with software programs to make sure their designs are functioning properly.
Civil engineers tend to have more hands-on experience than their electrical engineering counterparts because they work directly with construction crews on site; however, both types of engineering require an understanding of math and science concepts such as trigonometry, physics and chemistry in order to be successful in the field.
Responsibilities of a Civil Engineer vs. an Electrical Engineer
Engineers design ways to fix problems. In their designs they must consider factors such as cost, efficiency, safety and other parameters defined by project specifications. Civil engineers work on projects that involve infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and water supply and sewage treatment. Electrical engineers work on projects that involve electrical components, such as wireless communication devices and navigation systems. Regardless of the type of project or type of engineer, strong math and analytical skills are required to be successful.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers plan and design projects that physically support human activities, from housing and transportation to renewable energy. Therefore, civil engineers often develop reports for public approval and may work for a city or governmental agency. They are responsible for determining the appropriate strength of materials necessary to withstand local conditions. They ensure human safety while also evaluating the environmental impact of the project. Civil engineers analyze maps, blueprints, and geological data to develop the best location, configuration and stability parameters for a project. For example, the foundation for a new apartment building must be designed to fit the slope of the terrain and also withstand predictable fluctuations in water level and seismic activity. The civil engineer designing the foundation would need to understand the characteristics of different types of bedrock to choose the appropriate building materials and anchoring technique.
Job responsibilities of a civil engineer include:
- Compiling economic feasibility estimates for funding authority approval
- Submitting permits to verify that construction meets all standards and regulations
- Directing the surveying team to establish guide markers for construction
- Inspecting the work of the construction crew to verify the work adheres to the building plan
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers plan and design projects that involve the flow of electricity through circuits and power supplies. Their work may involve the design of a power-generating plant, a navigation system for airplanes, or a hybrid engine for automobiles. They often use computer software to map out the electrical grid for a specific project and perform tests on the circuits during manufacturing. Electrical engineers research ways to reduce the amount of electricity required for a given task. They work with the public to address issues around the transmission and distribution of electricity in communities. For example, an electrical engineer might work with community officials to minimize the impact of power lines on conservation areas while also supplying residences in the most efficient way.
Job responsibilities of an electrical engineer include:
- Inspecting installations to verify compliance with specifications
- Computing requirements for processors, current and voltage
- Drawing technical schematics for installation workers
- Monitoring power systems to identify and correct problems