The latest salary survey from the Institution of Civil Engineers shows pay rates have only risen by 2.5% since 2010.
Graduates fared better during the same period with a 6.8% rise to an average of £37,002.
The survey also revealed other signs of improvement in the sector:
- 62% of recent graduates were employed before or immediately after they graduated
- Recent graduate’s salaries are increasing at a quicker pace – salaries for those graduating in 2009 were 7.7% higher after two years. Salaries for those graduating in 2011 were 17.5% higher after two years.
- 65% of respondents feel either “secure” or “very secure” about their jobs – compared to 40% in 2010 – with young civil engineers feeling the most secure.
- A significant jump in the number of respondents seeing signs of economic improvement in their organisations -72% up from 20% in 2010.
- The number of civil engineers earning £100,000 or more increased from 2.8% in 2010 to 4.2% in 2013.
ICE Director General, Nick Baveystock, said: “While average salaries across the sector only increased marginally, reflecting the challenging economic conditions, the recovery in graduate salaries is more notable.
“This, coupled with the fact that so many young civil engineers coming into the profession are finding employment quickly and feel secure in their jobs – is very positive news.”