We delve into current talent market trends of the lone star states civil engineering sector with Ben Jones, Co-founder and CEO of Technical Hires. Using LinkedIn talent insights data, we discover why Texas is becoming a magnet for engineering professionals.
‘Texas remains a top draw for engineering talent, and it’s no surprise. In fact, only last year Texas held two of the five top cities for civil engineers according to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Notably, Houston, maintained its number three spot from the year before, standing out for its excellent cost of living and competitive salaries.
2024 talent trends in Texas
Fast forward to 2024 and we can see the market is as active as ever. 1,327 engineering jobs were advertised in Houston alone. Civil engineers flocked to each of the major cities with numbers of engineers increasing pretty much across the board to meet the rising demand in Houston (8%), Dallas-Fort-Worth (2%), Austin (6%), San Antonio (-1%) and up-and-comer Corpus Christi (41%).
Emerging job titles and growth areas
Civil engineering encompasses a lot of disciplines, so which job titles are seeing the most growth right now among this talent?
Currently, we are seeing a massive 60% growth in field engineers since last year, with 54 total job postings and only 520 identifiable professionals. Reflecting the roles ubiquity across multiple sectors, including oil & gas, technology and transportation.
Similarly, transportation engineers, a key focus for Technical hires, has seen a 26% increase in job titles from the previous year. A total of 64 job postings and a comparatively small online presence of 213 professionals to match (although these engineers often go by other titles). Additionally, the role of construction engineer increased 38% with 176 professionals and 16 job postings.
Sources & shifts in engineering talent
So where is the talent coming from to meet the needs of the sector?
One of the largest net gains of talent is those moving from higher education. Given the rigorous assessment methods to achieve a P.E it is no surprise that organisations are making the most of budding new talent leaving universities. 253 professionals changed their industry from higher education to civil engineering in the last year alone. This trend is particularly pronounced in Houston, where there is a discernible migration of talent from Bryan-College Station, home to Texas A&M University’s engineering college.
Two other industries that seem to be losing talent to ‘civil engineering’ are construction (a +93 change) and oil & gas (+32). However, we must take these numbers with a pinch of salt as civil engineering is often an interchangeable term that could also refer to these industries. Much of it relies on how the engineers themselves designate which sector they are in.
Houston’s strategic position
Houston’s position as a top location for civil engineers is underscored by its net positive talent influx from other cities across Texas and further afield. It consistently wins talent from Dallas-Fort-Worth (+7), Austin (+8), San Antonio (+6) and Corpus Christi (+6).
More interestingly, it also nets big from another state: New York. A significant +21 net gain, compared to those leaving Houston for NYC. Perhaps attracted by the cost of living and salary advantages.
Summary: Texas the engineering talent magnet
The talent market for civil engineers in Texas seems as active as ever. The lone star state is clearly being recognised as a go-to location for talent, even drawing in engineers from coveted locations like NYC.
We can also see that the growth in jobs outstrips the supply of talent in many areas. As co-founder of a civil engineering staffing company with a primary focus on Texas, we’re ready to support organisations in their battle for skilled engineers. Likewise, I am excited to help talented individuals finding the best match for them in an ocean of opportunity.
