Basic income of civil engineers rose by 2.8% to £48,588 in the 2009/10 tax year while the higher figure included secondary income and bonuses.

Leaders of the Institution of Civil Engineers, who carried out the annual survey, welcomed the rise after the 2008/9 report showed a drop in salaries for the first time since the survey started in 2003.

The survey showed that most ‘recession proof’ were those in the later stages of their careers, particularly the 50-59s and over 65s age bands where the total salary increased more than the average, compared to the under 35s age group for which salaries decreased by approximately 4.5% across the board.

Recent graduates total salaries decreased for the second consecutive year, dropping 1.7% to £27,460.

ICE President Paul Jowitt said: “The last two years have been extremely tough on the civil engineering sector and it will be imperative as we move forward that the industry has the confidence to invest in long-term planning, skills development and retention.

“This requires ongoing Government support and commitment to progressing crucial infrastructure projects that will underpin our economic recovery and the shift to a low carbon economy. We hope that this will be reflected in the upcoming spending review.”

The survey also highlighted the ongoing gender gap, with men earning an average of 42% more across the board than women (£50,056 and £35,152 respectively).

But the difference is negligible for the younger age groups, only becoming pronounced from 30 upwards. It was greatest for the 60-65s, at 45%

Jowitt added “Although it has obviously been a really tough time for civil engineers, the salary rises in some areas of the profession is a sign of recovery.

“However, the continuing disparity between men’s and women’s salaries and the impact of reduced graduate recruitment on starting salaries remains a concern, and something the industry must seek to address.”