Bridge Engineer, Great Place to Work, Inadequate Pay
Pros
- Many complex bridge design projects completed in house. - Own your design and get a seat at the decision table as opposed to consulting engineers. - Fairly low stress, very well staffed, up to date software. - Variety of work, including field support and inspection. - Good managers, collegial atmosphere, good location. - Plenty of room for growth, especially outside of the bridge realm. - Of course, job security!
Cons
- The workload could sometimes be too low, feast and famine. This happens everywhere though. - TxDOT makes it seem like their standard benefits are amazing and this "hidden" source of money. In reality, their benefits are standard and the pay is low. I used to joke that TxDOT pays you with days off since there are quite a few. - High monthly premium for family health insurance; 10% of salary deducted for a good pension...but it has no COLA and its benefits are subject to the whims of a Republican controlled legislature. - Low salaries that can be pitifully low after taxes, health insurance, and pension are deducted. Sad reality is that in the US, we lose 30% to 40% of our salaries to insurance, taxes, social security, 401K etc...
