Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

SOC code 17-3022 · O*NET-SOC 17-3022.00 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$64,950

a year

Hourly

$31.23

per hour

10th$44,220Median$64,95090th$98,980

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$68,990

$33.17 per hour

Middle 50%

$51,490 – $80,650

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$44,220 – $98,980

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

68,520

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $44,220; $21.26/hr
25th percentile: $51,490; $24.76/hr
Median percentile: $64,950; $31.23/hr
75th percentile: $80,650; $38.78/hr
90th percentile: $98,980; $47.59/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+2%

Growing about as fast as average

64,900

jobs in 2024

66,200

projected for 2034

About 1,300 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do civil engineering technologists and technicians do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities, using calculator or computer.
Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.
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.
Conduct materials test and analysis, using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.
Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures.
Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 30% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: 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.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Secondary Certificate30%
Some College Courses28%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree21%
Bachelor's Degree18%

Common questions

How much does a civil engineering technologists and technicians earn?

The national median is $64,950 a year. The full range runs from $44,220 at the 10th percentile to $98,980 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a civil engineering technologists and technicians without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is civil engineering technologists and technicians in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 2% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.9/5
Reading Comprehension3.8/5
Active Listening3.8/5
Mathematics3.6/5
Speaking3.4/5
Writing3.3/5
Monitoring3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology4.5/5
Mathematics4.2/5
Building and Construction4.2/5
Design4.2/5
Administrative3.6/5
Administration and Management3.6/5
Computers and Electronics3.5/5
Customer and Personal Service3.5/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination.