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.

SOC: 17-3022.00

Common Job Titles

  • Civil Engineering Technician
  • Engineer Technician
  • Engineering Assistant
  • Engineering Technician

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeEvaluate construction site conditions and materials compliance with engineering specifications using field data collectors, GPS receivers, and surveying equipment.
  • Hands-onOperate CAD software and digital terrain modeling systems to draft technical drawings and specifications for civil engineering projects.
  • KnowledgeInterpret engineering plans, technical specifications, and construction blueprints to communicate design intent and requirements to construction teams and stakeholders.
  • KnowledgeEstimate quantities of materials, labor, and project timelines using spreadsheet software and project management tools to support construction planning.
  • KnowledgeAssess construction progress and project deviations from design documents through on-site inspections and monitoring to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
  • MindsetPrioritize competing project demands and technical requirements while maintaining professional standards and meeting client expectations under time constraints.
  • KnowledgeApply civil engineering principles and mathematical calculations in planning and designing infrastructure projects under the direction of engineering staff.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze soil, concrete, and construction materials test data in laboratory settings using compression testing machines and analytical balances to ensure quality standards.
  • Hands-onExecute field surveying procedures using theodolites, total stations, and transit levels to collect accurate topographic and boundary data under varying site conditions.
  • MindsetEngage with interdisciplinary teams and external stakeholders to coordinate project activities and resolve technical conflicts in field and office settings.
  • Hands-onPerform geotechnical investigations and materials sampling using soil augers, split spoon samplers, and field testing equipment following established protocols.
  • Hands-onManipulate geographic information system (GIS) data and spatial analysis tools to support infrastructure planning and environmental impact assessments.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

62,130

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $43,550. 25th percentile: U.S. $51,730. 50th percentile: U.S. $64,200. 75th percentile: U.S. $79,550. 90th percentile: U.S. $97,840. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$43,550
10% of workers earn the following or more$97,840
Workers on average earn$68,450

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Engineering and Technology4.5/5
  • Mathematics4.2/5
  • Building and Construction4.2/5
  • Design4.2/5
  • Administrative3.6/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Autodesk Revit
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software

Technology Skills

  • Autodesk Land Desktop
  • Bentley Systems InRoads Suite
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
  • Coordinate geometry COGO software
  • Digital terrain modeling software
  • Email software
  • Geographic information system GIS software
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Analytical balances
  • Blueprint machines
  • Brickmasons' trowels
  • Bucket augers
  • Compression testing machines
  • Computer scanners
  • Dessicators
  • Dilatometers
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment