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 TechnicianEngineer TechnicianEngineering AssistantEngineering 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

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
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Autodesk AutoCADAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DAutodesk RevitBentley MicroStationESRI ArcGIS softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft WordSAP software

Technology Skills

Autodesk Land DesktopBentley Systems InRoads SuiteComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided design and drafting software CADDCoordinate geometry COGO softwareDigital terrain modeling softwareEmail softwareGeographic information system GIS software

Tools & Equipment

Analytical balancesBlueprint machinesBrickmasons' trowelsBucket augersCompression testing machinesComputer scannersDessicatorsDilatometers