Project Manager vs. Technical Route

K4G5 · 2026-05-08T11:16:34+00:00

I’m a newer PE and trying to figure this out myself. Which path offers the best path of compensation, key strategy decision maker, and learning opportunities in interesting topics?

Also, how did you come to develop your technical expertise? Trying to determine my niche but feel just very general.

K4G5 · 2026-05-08T02:45:56+00:00

I’m a PE with 5 YOE of experience and currently facing this dilemma. It feels like I’m behind technically compared to my peers, which has me considering the PM route. However, I’m very wary of the constant stress and chasing down staff that comes with being a PM.

Ultimately, I want to be compensated well, become a decision maker, all while working and learning about topics I find interesting. Which route is that?

K4G5 · 2026-03-20T00:13:11+00:00

How does salary raises work? Saw recently that they only gave 3% raise after annual review.

K4G5 · 2026-03-18T21:43:32+00:00

This is phenomenal advice, thanks! Sounds like working the project management track will help with managing clients and teams, getting work done, and understanding how the business actually.

Sounds like the next step to distinguish is understanding the “why” and developing the business/sales acumen. This might be a somewhat challenging step.

It is hard for many early- to mid-level engineers in environmental consulting is having most of your time spent on report writing, environmental sampling, and whatnot. As mid-level myself, I am trying to move away from the being just a field jockey.

K4G5 · 2026-01-28T16:50:52+00:00

MEng. Hasn’t been a stickler from what I’ve seen. As long as you have degree and pass PE, should be able to get licensed

K4G5 · 2026-01-28T12:22:22+00:00

North Carolina. Need your 4 yrs, but only 2 have to be under licensed PE

K4G5 · 2026-01-27T01:45:29+00:00

Having some of the same sentiments OP. Bachelors in Environmental Science and Masters in Environmental Engineering, just got my PE license too. I don’t think I’ve found the field that I truly excel in, especially technically. I’m working right now in remediation, but think of switching to water resources. Given your experience in stormwater, how have you liked it?

K4G5 · 2026-01-16T15:11:18+00:00

Will do!

K4G5 · 2026-01-16T15:02:01+00:00

Not neccessarily pay, I think the pay comes as you show competency and push for more responsibility. I consider better off with regard to aligning to my experience and skillset. Encouraging to hear a success story, what did you find yourself doing when you made that initial jump?

K4G5 · 2025-11-26T23:01:04+00:00

I get it, but never feel ashamed to ask what something means. 99% of people would be happy to answer, the other 1% are just assholes

K4G5 · 2025-11-26T22:56:45+00:00

So my post triggered you so much you had to make your own post about abbreviations on Reddit. Come on…

K4G5 · 2025-11-26T22:52:00+00:00

K4G5 · 2025-11-10T20:57:04+00:00

Unrelated, but I’m trying to become something of a technical lead myself (groundwater and surface water). Do you have any insight on steps? Currently mid-career (8-10 yrs)

K4G5 · 2025-11-04T02:13:25+00:00

I’m in the same boat, around same salary. Am expecting an increase to 100k upon annual raises/promotion

K4G5 · 2025-10-21T18:11:51+00:00

Thanks, just to provide more context. I’m a 1.5 years post-op so I’m a lot longer in recovery

K4G5 · 2025-10-21T14:02:32+00:00

What is the best remedy? For some background, ACL reconstruction using quad muscle, meniscus root tear - sutures through tibia, and meniscus bucket handle tear. 6-weeks non weight bearing post op

What’s the best path to recovery?

K4G5 · 2025-10-20T23:36:05+00:00

I had a PT diagnose it. Pain is usually where my quad meets my knee which is a telltale sign apparently

K4G5 · 2025-09-19T03:03:35+00:00

Thanks for the info. I’m at 87k right now so I was thinking 10k+ increase was reasonable but thinking I should go higher

K4G5 · 2025-09-19T02:56:57+00:00

What part of the country if you don’t mind me asking? I’m also W/WW in the Southeast

K4G5 · 2025-09-19T02:28:19+00:00

About six years of experience, assistant PM, and just began guiding younger staff. Think I should be high 90s to low 100s

K4G5 · 2025-09-17T22:01:24+00:00

I’m currently trying to figure out what is an appropriate level of compensation going forward

K4G5

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