Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
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.
Also called: Bridge Construction Inspector, CADD Technician (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Technician), Civil Designer, Civil Engineer Helper, Civil Engineer's Aide, Civil Engineering Assistant
Median pay
$64,950
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$44,220 – $98,980
People employed
68,520
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians pay by state
Annual median pay by state (50 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians salary in every state →
What civil engineering technologists and technicians do
- 01Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities, using calculator or computer.
- 02Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.
- 03Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
- 04Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects to ensure conformance to specifications.
- 05Conduct materials test and analysis, using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.
- 06Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Speaking
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Building and Construction
- Design
- Administrative
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 8 years, up to and including 10 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from civil engineering technologists and technicians
- Construction and Building Inspectors88% · +15%
- Transportation Engineers83% · group pay
- Traffic Technicians81% · −9%
- Industrial Engineers79% · +58%
- Civil Engineers78% · +55%
Change into civil engineering technologists and technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Traffic Technicians91% · $59,090
- Transportation Engineers88% · $100,840
- Construction and Building Inspectors87% · $74,690
- Surveyors80% · $75,440
- Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar79% · $122,930
Majors that lead here
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
- Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
- Building Construction Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.