2121 — Civil engineers

Higher Skilled

Sources checked 26 October 2026. Match the actual duties before choosing a code.

Related job titles

What this occupation covers

Civil engineers undertake research and design, direct construction and manage the operation and maintenance of civil and mining engineering structures.

Typical duties


undertakes research and advises on soil mechanics, concrete technology, hydraulics, water and waste water treatment processes and other civil engineering matters

determines and specifies construction methods, materials, quality and safety standards and ensures that equipment operation and maintenance comply with design specifications

designs foundations and earthworks

designs structures such as roads, dams, bridges, railways, hydraulic systems, sewerage systems, industrial and other buildings and plans the layout of tunnels, wells and construction shafts

organises and plans projects, arranges work schedules, carries out inspection work and plans maintenance control

organises and establishes control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of materials and systems

Entry routes and qualifications

Civil engineers usually possess an accredited three or four year degree in civil engineering or engineering science or an accredited Higher National Diploma or Certificate. The status of ‘incorporated engineer’ is obtained upon the completion of further training at work and associate membership of a chartered engineering institution. The status of ‘chartered engineer’ is achieved through the completion of postgraduate training and full membership of a chartered engineering institution.

Sponsorship information

Higher Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

Full Table 1 going rate: £50,400 at 37.5 hours. The applicable salary requirement can differ: use the calculator.

DBS assessment

No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

Find this code and estimate salary

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Annaizu is independent of ONS, the Home Office and DBS.

Open salary calculatorExplore DBS checks

ONS SOC 2020 · Appendix Skilled Occupations