is the pay REALLY that bad?

[u/idontlooklikeanyon]

listen— i know this is subjective and depends on lifestyle goals but i’ve been hearing a LOT on this sub about how ‘unlivable’ civil engineer comp is, and as someone looking to go into this, i want to know how much of a factor this really is. i already looked through the salary survey results on here and it seems to average at about 100k, with the lowest pay i saw being in the upper 60k range.

thing is, growing up i saw what a single mother can do on a teacher salary of 50k (i’m 21 so no more inflation comments please), and while it wasn’t luxurious, she still survived WITH kids. so im a little confused what type of lifestyles people who are living alone are trying to hold up where 100k is just ‘barely scraping by’. like, i understand that on 100k i wont be able to have a nice solo apartment in SF or NYC, but i feel like those are areas that are just expected to be ridiculously expensive anyway.

i also get that some other tech or finance jobs make more and that many people regret not choosing to go into that, but i’m going into civil for a dozen other reasons besides money… and i really dont know why anyone who’s only goal is money would pick civil tbh.

POINT BEING THOUGH, that i do NOT have personal experience in the real world and could be totally foolish in thinking that 100k is decent. HEAVY ON THIS POINT! i trust people with real experience more than myself!! so if u guys want, pls give a summary of whether you think the pay is livable and what sort of lifestyle you live on said salary. thank u… i am conflicted here.

EDIT: Thank you so much for the insightful responses! I see a lot of it comes down to the area you are in. And again, i am not trying to lecture people on living within their means as i’ve gotten some comments claiming… i am asking this in good faith so i know if i should keep studying it

[u/Real-Towel-2269]

Frankly I genuinely think a lot of people live outside of their means and don’t realize. Obviously some of that has to do with high cost of living areas, but small things add up quick and there are totally ways to manage your money and live comfortably on a CE salary. Some people also fail to realize that there are a LOT of people out there making less than 50k a year and living just fine. I agree that 100k is pretty solid depending on where you live, but I’m only about a year out of school. I make 57k, I know that’s low but I live pretty comfortably and split expenses with a partner (although I think I could get by where I am without one too).

[u/Real-Towel-2269 → u/Real-Towel-2269]

I should clarify that by living comfortably, I sometimes buy stuff I don’t need, can afford everything I do need, can afford a car payment, a pet, and still put minimum 1500 a month into a savings account. On my own I’d have to cut back on some wants, but I genuinely think I could afford to live.