Life As a Civil Engineering Technician
Occupation Description 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.
A Day in the Life of a Civil Engineering Technician
- Evaluate facility to determine suitability for occupancy and square footage availability.
- Respond to public suggestions and complaints.
- 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.
- Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.
- Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
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Civil Engineering Technician Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Civil Engineering Technicians say are important on the job.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Types of Civil Engineering Technician
- Sprinkler Design Technician
- Civil Engineer’s Aide
- Structural Technician
- Highway Technician
- Civil Engineering Assistant
Job Demand for Civil Engineering Technicians
There were about 74,500 jobs for Civil Engineering Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6,600 new jobs for Civil Engineering Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 7,200 positions for Civil Engineering Technician per year.

The states with the most job growth for Civil Engineering Technician are Utah, Florida, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maryland, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Civil Engineering Technician
The salary for Civil Engineering Technicians ranges between about $33,290 and $79,600 a year.

Civil Engineering Technicians who work in Alaska, Connecticut, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Civil Engineering Technicians make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $43,060 |
Alaska | $72,060 |
Arizona | $55,960 |
Arkansas | $48,760 |
California | $67,550 |
Colorado | $57,050 |
Connecticut | $70,880 |
Delaware | $45,880 |
Florida | $52,240 |
Georgia | $48,950 |
Hawaii | $55,170 |
Idaho | $49,710 |
Illinois | $63,170 |
Indiana | $58,000 |
Iowa | $52,410 |
Kansas | $48,390 |
Kentucky | $46,820 |
Louisiana | $51,380 |
Maine | $58,050 |
Maryland | $50,570 |
Massachusetts | $55,420 |
Michigan | $52,480 |
Minnesota | $61,440 |
Mississippi | $37,240 |
Missouri | $51,770 |
Montana | $46,260 |
Nebraska | $54,520 |
Nevada | $57,240 |
New Hampshire | $59,790 |
New Jersey | $59,780 |
New Mexico | $45,380 |
New York | $61,020 |
North Carolina | $48,090 |
North Dakota | $56,070 |
Ohio | $57,320 |
Oklahoma | $48,240 |
Oregon | $61,490 |
Pennsylvania | $55,040 |
Rhode Island | $56,790 |
South Carolina | $48,190 |
South Dakota | $43,740 |
Tennessee | $39,600 |
Texas | $51,810 |
Utah | $53,170 |
Vermont | $52,740 |
Virginia | $54,870 |
Washington | $66,230 |
West Virginia | $44,340 |
Wisconsin | $53,220 |
Wyoming | $47,970 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Civil Engineering Technicians
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Civil Engineering Technicians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Email software
- SAP
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Spreadsheet software
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- Graphics software
- Bentley Microstation
- Autodesk Revit
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
How to Become a Civil Engineering Technician
What education is needed to be a Civil Engineering Technician?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Civil Engineering Technician?

Where do Civil Engineering Technicians Work?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Related Careers
Career changers with experience as a Civil Engineering Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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