How to become a civil engineering technologists and technician

Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What civil engineering technologists and technicians do

• Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities, using calculator or computer.
• Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
• Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
• Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.
• Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.

Skills that matter most

• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Mathematics
• Speaking
• Writing
• Monitoring
• Active Learning

Is civil engineering technologists and technician a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 27% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Oregon $85,390
• California $83,490
• Washington $79,580
• Illinois $79,190
• Minnesota $78,690

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.