Civil engineering technologists and technicians support the design and construction of infrastructure projects. You work with computers and data, solve real problems on job sites, and can start with a certificate. Here is what the role involves, what skills matter most, and how to get there.
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You assist civil engineers by gathering information, analyzing data, and checking that work meets standards and regulations. Your days involve computer work, site visits, and communication with supervisors and team members. You process technical information, identify issues, and write reports. You apply knowledge of engineering, mathematics, building codes, and design principles to support projects like roads, bridges, and buildings. This is hands-on problem-solving that keeps infrastructure moving forward.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $64,950 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 5,500 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most civil engineering technologists and technicians earn a certificate in civil engineering technology or a related field. This typically takes one to two years of focused study. You will learn engineering fundamentals, computer-aided design software, and building codes. Some people enter with a high school diploma and learn on the job, while others pursue an associate degree for broader opportunities. Look for programs that include both classroom instruction and practical experience so you can build skills employers want.
Your main routes are a certificate program or an associate degree, depending on your timeline and career goals. Both paths lead to real work in the field, so if you are deciding between them, Pathly can map the civil engineering technologist and technician path that fits you and work through the options with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a civil engineering technologist and technician, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You like working with your hands and mind together, solving concrete problems, and seeing tangible results. You are detail-oriented, curious about how things work, and comfortable with technical tools and data.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).