Architecture & Engineering
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Also called: Civil Designer, Civil Engineering Assistant, Civil Engineering Technician, Design Technician
US median pay
$64,950
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+3.2%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
6,100
70,900 employed
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
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 they do day to day
- Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities, using calculator or computer.
- Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
- Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
- Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.
- Prepare reports and document project activities and data.
- Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.
- Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.
- Conduct materials test and analysis, using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.
- Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Time Management2.9/5
- Systems Analysis2.9/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.9/5
- Systems Evaluation2.8/5
- Service Orientation2.8/5
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology4.5/5
- Mathematics4.2/5
- Building and Construction4.2/5
- Design4.2/5
- Administrative3.6/5
- Administration and Management3.6/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Associate's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Post-secondary certificate30%
- Some college28%
- Associate's degree21%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.