Civil Engineer vs Respiratory Therapist: Career Comparison
Choosing between Civil Engineer and Respiratory Therapist? This side-by-side compares salary, outlook, education, skills, and what the work actually looks like day-to-day. Civil Engineer typically pays more at the median. Both are research-backed Qoollege career guides — read either in full below.
Side-by-side
Higher salary ceiling: Civil Engineer. Faster projected growth: Respiratory Therapist. Same education level: no.
| Attribute | Civil Engineer | Respiratory Therapist |
|---|---|---|
| Salary range | $60k – $118k | $61k – $80k |
| Outlook & demand | High · +5% by 2034 | Very high · +12% by 2034 |
| Education level | Bachelor | Associate |
| Top skills | Problem-solving, Math, Design, Teamwork, Attention to detail | Patient Care, Clinical Assessment, Ventilators, Communication, Problem Solving |
| Where they work | engineering firms, construction companies, government agencies, transportation, water resources, public works, consulting services | hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, diagnostic labs, sleep centers, clinics, long-term care facilities, emergency transport |
| Day-to-day work | Daily work in civil engineering is a mix of design, analysis, coordination, and field checks. Some hours are spent at a desk reviewing plans, writing documents, and running calculations, while other hours may be on construction sites checking progress, safety, and compliance. | A respiratory therapist’s day is a mix of patient assessment, hands-on treatment, equipment work, and communication. The job is often technical and fast-moving, with moments of routine care mixed with urgent situations that require quick judgment. |
| Education routes | Bachelor's in civil engineering; Bachelor's in related engineering field; Work after degree + PE licensure; Specialized master's after the bachelor's | Associate degree in respiratory therapy; Bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy; Certificate or bridge pathway |
| Projected growth | +5% | +12% |