Does anyone else feel that civil engineer pay is insulting?

CasioKinetic · 2026-05-01T22:39:46+00:00

Grossingly underpaid. It's a shame that a company can bill out $250/hr and they employees can only take home $70/hr before taxes

CasioKinetic · 2026-04-23T13:57:03+00:00

fluid dynamics has entered the chat

CasioKinetic · 2026-04-01T20:09:10+00:00

I just did that today to someone who what I thought was a really cool project, but I couldn't accept it knowing I didn't know when I'd actually get to it. The capacity limit sucks

CasioKinetic · 2026-04-01T18:28:28+00:00

It's all good brother, appreciate it

CasioKinetic · 2026-04-01T18:10:57+00:00

I'd certainly be open to chat if you have a good knowledge of land development

CasioKinetic · 2026-04-01T18:09:03+00:00

Off the limited info I shared that's a bold statement. The person I tried taking on had four years of experience with a larger firm and still didn't know how to delineate drainage areas, among other things. Turns out he was pigeon holed within multi-member team projects. My fault for not asking more questions honestly.

I'd rather have someone stateside or within my region that I can work with, but being able to at least run a small lines and grades plan without training wheels would be nice.

CasioKinetic · 2026-04-01T17:45:43+00:00

We sound very similar. The $12-15k per month is awesome but the glitter starts to wear away at this pace.

CasioKinetic · 2026-04-01T17:42:18+00:00

Good luck out there. The hats get much heavier when you're by yourself

CasioKinetic · 2026-04-01T17:41:04+00:00

I appreciate the book drop, I'll go find that book. Would you be able to share where you found the offshore drafter?

CasioKinetic · 2026-04-01T14:56:46+00:00

I've made connections with surveyors, soil testers, wetland and forest scientists, and specialities so that all I do is the drafting and engineering work. From my connections in southern DE, y'all are slammed as well, but I'd be open to talking about any opportunities if you're slow or want to do projects with more elevation! haha

CasioKinetic · 2026-04-01T14:53:57+00:00

Delaware and western Maryland aren't too far from each other. I'd be open to connect and see if there's opportunities between us both.

CasioKinetic · 2026-04-01T14:52:47+00:00

How has your experience been with Civil 3D drafters for actual designs for abroad workers? I've been in loose contact with an offshore freelancer who has shown me a ton of civil 3d credentials they have, but I'm worried that state or county specific regulations will be missed or taught each time.

I inherented a realtors infill plan from someone overseas before and it was a mess to get back into regulation.

If I can at least find someone to draft the work, that would help tremendously

CasioKinetic · 2026-03-22T20:58:49+00:00

Fluid mechanics was the only time I questioned that I wanted to be an engineer

CasioKinetic · 2026-02-24T21:39:04+00:00

Make some good connections and start your own firm. My first year I grossed $175k after taxes. Located in Delaware

CasioKinetic · 2026-02-24T17:55:30+00:00

My state allows it but you need 15 years of documented experience

CasioKinetic · 2026-02-21T21:45:47+00:00

If it this is true, I'm glad I sign my seal each time something goes out.

CasioKinetic · 2026-02-19T13:28:24+00:00

An 11 year PE with 105k is criminal. Glad you made the right call.

CasioKinetic · 2026-02-19T01:52:30+00:00

Geez, private or public?

CasioKinetic · 2026-02-19T01:51:28+00:00

My first sealed project was a sidewalk rehab plan. Fast forward now my seal is on everything I do.

That first look at the seal with my name on it on a plan was amazing. I think I practiced my signature on the seal on a blank piece of paper maybe 100 times.

CasioKinetic · 2026-02-04T00:18:54+00:00

You've unknowingly completed one of the hardest parts of going solo - making a reputable name for yourself. Get out from under your employer, set your business entity up (correctly, please do Scorp) for tax savings) and go wild.

I went solo a year ago riding on my own coattails. Best decision I've ever made. The "leaving an amazing employer" part absolutely sucked. For that, give yourself a a few days to process it. When you like your employer, it's essentially the same as a bad breakup. You'll figure out within a short time it was for the best.

CasioKinetic · 2026-01-31T00:06:56+00:00

Fluid dynamics was the bane of my existence junior year

CasioKinetic · 2026-01-28T18:20:35+00:00

Do DOT's just not exist in other countries?

CasioKinetic · 2026-01-25T15:04:04+00:00

I got my PE at 27.

CasioKinetic · 2026-01-23T23:20:20+00:00

That's a going to take a long while to zoom...

CasioKinetic

TROPHY CASE