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.
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
SOC: 17-3022 O*NET: 17-3022.00
Median Salary
$64,200
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.1%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
5.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$43,550
10th percentile
Early Career
$51,730
25th percentile
Median
$64,200
50th percentile
Experienced
$79,550
75th percentile
Top Earners
$97,840
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$43,550
25th
$51,730
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$64,200
Mean: $68,450
75th
$79,550
90th
$97,840
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $54,290 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $51,730 and $79,550
- •Salary spread is 43.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 62,130 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:64,900
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services51.2%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services51.2%
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services49.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.1%
Annual Openings:5,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)64,900
Current
2034 (Projected)66,200
+2.1%
+1,400
Employment Change
+2.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
6,650 jobs$81,2400.91x
Texas
5,790 jobs$61,1901.04x
Illinois
3,490 jobs$73,5201.43x
Florida
2,760 jobs$64,7400.70x
North Carolina
2,530 jobs$60,4601.28x
Pennsylvania
2,480 jobs$62,1601.02x
Michigan
2,400 jobs$60,7101.36x
Kentucky
2,250 jobs$53,4502.80x
Washington
1,930 jobs$78,1101.35x
Georgia
1,910 jobs$57,4000.97x
Ohio
1,740 jobs$61,2200.78x
Tennessee
1,600 jobs$61,9201.22x
Alabama
1,570 jobs$51,7201.87x
Minnesota
1,480 jobs$78,2201.26x
Virginia
1,380 jobs$65,4800.84x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Mathematics
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Writing
66%
#7
Monitoring
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Coordination
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Mathematics
intermediate4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Writing
intermediate3.3
66%
Monitoring
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Accountants and Auditors100%
5 shared skills
Precision Agriculture Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Airfield Operations Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Quality Control Systems Managers82%
5 shared skills
Sustainability Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Monitoring
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Mathematics
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk Revit
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechESRI ArcGIS software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Autodesk Revit
Bentley MicroStation
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
ESRI ArcGIS software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
14
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (6)Planning & Development (7)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities, using calculator or computer.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects to ensure conformance to specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Prepare reports and document project activities and data.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping88% perform92%
6
Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Plan and conduct field surveys to locate new sites and analyze details of project sites.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •50% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians professionals typically have a RIC Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
IInvestigative
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.61
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.51
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.47
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.36
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.23
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.14
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.5
Dependability
4.5
Cooperation
4.4
Initiative
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Analytical Thinking
4.1
Self-Control
4.0
Persistence
4.0
Stress Tolerance
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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