Career-PathGPS
← All education and training
Career

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Typical education: Certificate or apprenticeshipLower pressure

What they 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.

Kinds of work

  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $64,950 Median per year · $31.23/hr Most earn $44,220–$98,980

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Prepare reports and document project activities and data.
  • Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.
  • Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.
  • Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures.
  • Conduct materials test and analysis, using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.
  • Plan and conduct field surveys to locate new sites and analyze details of project sites.

Job outlook

United States
3% more jobs by 2035, about as fast as average · about 6,100 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Engineering services47.0%
  • State government, excluding education and hospitals22.8%
  • Local government, excluding education and hospitals18.6%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 6 to 8 years

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Certificate or apprenticeshipExperience before this job: 6 to 8 years

Civil engineering technicians usually aren't entry-level jobs. Most people train for one to two years through a certificate or apprenticeship, then spend several years in related work such as drafting or inspection before reaching this role, often 6 to 8 years in total.

  1. Certificate or apprenticeship in civil engineering technology or drafting

    1-2 years

    You learn the basics of construction materials, surveying, reading plans, and computer-aided design (CAD), which prepares you for your first technical job.

  2. Architectural and Civil Drafter

    2-3 years

    You turn engineers' sketches into detailed construction drawings, which teaches you how real structures and site plans are built and documented.

  3. Construction and Building Inspector

    2-4 years

    You check that work on job sites follows approved plans and building codes, which builds the hands-on field experience employers look for.

  4. Civil Engineering Technologist or Technician

    Ongoing

    You apply civil engineering principles to help plan, design, and oversee construction and maintenance of roads, buildings, and other facilities under engineers' direction.

Where it can lead

  1. Construction Manager

    4-6 years of experience first

    You take on responsibility for whole projects, including schedules, budgets, and crews, which often requires strong leadership and project management skills.

  2. Civil Engineer

    Varies; usually requires a bachelor's degree first of experience first

    You take on engineering design and decision-making work, which typically means completing a four-year engineering degree and may involve professional licensing.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take algebra, geometry, and trigonometryStrong math skills are used constantly for measurements, angles, and structural calculations.
  • Take a drafting or CAD class if your school offers oneLearning to make technical drawings gives you a head start on the software used in civil design.
  • Take physics or a shop or woodworking classThese classes teach how forces, materials, and tools work in real construction.
  • Join a technical or engineering student clubClubs that build projects or compete in technical challenges help you practice teamwork and problem solving.
  • Get a part-time or summer job on a job site or at a hardware or building supply storeEven basic exposure to construction materials and work crews helps you see if the field suits you.

In college

  • Enroll in a civil engineering technology certificate or associate degree programThese programs cover surveying, materials, building codes, and drafting, which is the core training for this career.
  • Learn AutoCAD or Civil 3DEmployers in civil work widely use these design programs, so proficiency makes you more hireable.
  • Apply for a paid internship with an engineering firm, contractor, or city or county public works departmentHands-on work experience is what moves you from training into a real technical role.
  • Take an OSHA safety training courseConstruction safety certification shows employers you understand job-site hazards and rules.
  • Join a student chapter of a professional group such as ASCE or a campus construction clubConnecting with working engineers and technicians can lead to mentorship and job leads.

Tips for getting started

  • Get comfortable with CAD software and spreadsheets early, since these skills show up in nearly every job in this field.
  • Look for summer or part-time work on construction crews, with surveying teams, or at public works departments to see the job up close and build experience.
  • Ask a technician or inspector you meet to describe their typical day. Their answers will help you decide whether this path fits you.

Related jobs that often lead here

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

Related careers