NOC 21300: Civil engineers

The employment outlook will be Good for civil engineers (NOC 21300) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

The outlook for these engineers is closely related to professional, scientific and technical services and construction, especially major infrastructure projects.

The numerous large-scale projects of the various levels of government, such as the construction of seniors' homes, the renovation of schools, major public transport projects, and the maintenance and repair of bridges, tunnels, and roads, should allow this occupational group to maintain a stable level.

In addition, the recent initiatives by the federal and provincial governments aimed at addressing the housing shortage should also support jobs in the rental and residential housing construction sector.

Here are some key facts about civil engineers in Quebec:

Approximately 14,700 people work in this occupation.

Civil engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 44%

Construction (NAICS 23): 22%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 7%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 6%

79% of civil engineers work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

8% of civil engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 78% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 22% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 62% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 32% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for civil engineers (NOC 21300) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment for this occupation will be sustained by a steady growth in non-residential construction including engineering-construction and industrial, commercial, and institutional construction, supported by strong private sector investment into large scale projects in the resource extraction sector, and government’s record $4.6 billion capital investment into public infrastructure projects.

Employment will be supported by investments in residential expansion, and land development and revitalization to meet the demands of recent record level population growth.

Civil engineering jobs are concentrated in the Saskatoon area, which accounts for more than half of the province’s employment for this occupation.

Here are some key facts about civil engineers in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 1,600 people work in this occupation.

Civil engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 56%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 10%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 8%

Construction (NAICS 23): 7%

Utilities (NAICS 22): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 19% for all occupations

76% of civil engineers work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

8% of civil engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 79% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 21% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 9% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 65% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 22% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for civil engineers (NOC 21300) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

This occupation will benefit from major public and private infrastructure projects scheduled in Nunavut over the forecast period.

For example, the planned construction of a new air terminal in Rankin Inlet by 2026 and the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre in Iqaluit in 2027 are expected to generate employment in this occupation.

The Government of Nunavut's proposed $3.3 billion project to connect Manitoba Hydro's power grid to five western Nunavut communities and a gold mine, if built, would also lead to additional civil engineer jobs in the territory.

Here are some key facts about civil engineers in Nunavut:

Civil engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other Commercial Services (NAICS 54-56, 81): 55%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 35%

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: n/a

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 6% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for civil engineers (NOC 21300) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment opportunities in this occupation are closely tied to construction activities, especially large infrastructure projects. Government infrastructure spending is expected to keep employment fairly stable over the forecast period. Candidates must be registered as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL) to practice as a civil engineer. However, employers will often hire university graduates with degrees in civil, construction or transportation engineering, who are working towards accreditation. Digital literacy is an asset, and most employers will expect candidates to be comfortable working with some type of computer-aided design (CAD) software. Other credentials may be required, depending on the field of work. For instance, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by companies who specialize in green building. Civil engineers may be expected to work outdoors, on occasion.

Here are some key facts about civil engineers in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 700 people work in this occupation.

Civil engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 44%

Construction (NAICS 23): 21%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 9%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

75% of civil engineers work all year, while 25% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

7% of civil engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 83% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 17% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 14% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 62% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 17% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for civil engineers (NOC 21300) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

The demand for workers in this occupation is expected to remain positive due to healthy levels of non-residential investment over the forecast horizon. Civil engineers work in architectural and engineering firms, construction companies, and all levels of government. Employment is closely tied to infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, water systems, and public buildings, with growth supported by federal and provincial investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and urban development. Individuals pursuing this career should focus on gaining experience with project management software, environmental regulations, and sustainable design practices. Strong communication and teamwork skills are also essential, as civil engineers often collaborate across disciplines on large-scale projects.

Here are some key facts about civil engineers in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Civil engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 56%

Construction (NAICS 23): 25%

Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 16% for all occupations

81% of civil engineers work all year, while 19% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

26% of civil engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 94% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 6% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: 5% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a

bachelor's degree: 76% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 16% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for civil engineers (NOC 21300) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Some larger civil engineering firms in Nova Scotia function as national organizations, so hiring conditions are not strictly reliant on the demand for engineering services within the province. Demand for civil engineers has been supported by a large volume of government capital projects in recent years. Intermediate and senior engineers are in high demand, so jobseekers with several years of experience should find hiring conditions to be favourable. The job market is expected to be more competitive for junior engineers and recent graduates, however. Applicants with experience or expertise in environmental engineering may have an advantage as this is a growing field.

Here are some key facts about civil engineers in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 1,300 people work in this occupation.

Civil engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 44%

Construction (NAICS 23): 23%

Utilities (NAICS 22): 6%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 6%

80% of civil engineers work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

16% of civil engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 85% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 15% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 8% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 64% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 26% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for civil engineers (NOC 21300) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Most civil engineers are employed in architectural and engineering firms, providing engineering, design and consulting services, often relating to construction activities. A number of these workers are also employed with local and provincial governments, as these levels of government are typically responsible for maintaining public infrastructure.

Population growth will lead to greater infrastructure use, resulting in higher demand for this type of work. Transportation, utilities, recreation and various other types of infrastructure will all need to be maintained, improved and expanded. For instance, the Port of Saint John continues to grow and to adapt to emerging trends and technologies.

Significant infrastructure investments in the region will enhance job prospects for civil engineers.

An increased focus on infrastructure renewals and green engineering, have also impacted the type of work required of this occupation. The region has seen an increase in active transportation infrastructure projects in recent years, including public athletic facilities and trail systems.

Candidates must be registered as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of New Brunswick, in order to practice as a Civil engineer. However, employers will often hire university graduates with degrees in civil, construction or transportation engineering, who are working towards accreditation. Digital literacy is an asset, and most employers will expect candidates to be comfortable working with some type of computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Other credentials may be required, depending on the field of work. For instance, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by companies who specialize in green building. Civil engineers may be expected to work outdoors, on occasion.

Here are some key facts about civil engineers in New Brunswick:

Approximately 1,250 people work in this occupation.

Civil engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 52%

Construction (NAICS 23): 17%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 10%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 16% for all occupations

85% of civil engineers work all year, while 15% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

11% of civil engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 82% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 18% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 9% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 66% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 21% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for civil engineers (NOC 21300) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Leading share employed in architectural, engineering and related services

Public administration, mainly municipal governments

Construction

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Public-sector infrastructure investments

Population growth, which is resulting in significant levels of new residential construction

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

Generally, engineering is a regulated occupation in Ontario. Individuals must be licensed by Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) to practise professional engineering in the province

An unlicensed engineering graduate can carry out work in the occupation.However, a licensed engineer must take responsibility and sign off on the work

Knowledge of drafting and engineering design software

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

In general, Bridging Programs are available to assist internationally trained professionals in various fields enter the labour market more quickly in the province

Engineers may travel to various sites across the province.

Here are some key facts about civil engineers in Ontario:

Approximately 24,100 people work in this occupation.

Civil engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 56%

Construction (NAICS 23): 14%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 19% for all occupations

80% of civil engineers work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

11% of civil engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 81% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 19% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 53% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 33% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for civil engineers (NOC 21300) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about civil engineers in Manitoba:

Approximately 1,900 people work in this occupation.

Civil engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 60%

Construction (NAICS 23): 13%

Utilities (NAICS 22): 9%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

80% of civil engineers work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

8% of civil engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 85% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 15% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 6% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 9% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 54% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 28% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for civil engineers (NOC 21300) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about civil engineers in Alberta:

Approximately 9,900 people work in this occupation.

Civil engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 59%

Construction (NAICS 23): 14%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 20% for all occupations

76% of civil engineers work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

12% of civil engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 80% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 20% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 55% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 31% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for civil engineers (NOC 21300) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation is in the non-residential construction sector.

Non-residential sector growth is variable over the forecast period, with a peak in 2027 due to major engineering and ICI (industrial, commercial, institutional) projects.

The education, transportation (for example public transit and highways), utilities (for example power lines), high tech (for example AI data centres), mining, oil and gas (for example pipelines and LNG terminals) sectors have major infrastructure investments planned.

Here are some key facts about civil engineers in British Columbia:

Approximately 11,450 people work in this occupation.

Civil engineers mainly work in the following sectors:

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 59%

Construction (NAICS 23): 13%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 8%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 22% for all occupations

78% of civil engineers work all year, while 22% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

15% of civil engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 82% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 18% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 8% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 55% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 33% compared to 12% for all occupations

An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.