Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Civil engineering technologists and technicians support the design and construction of infrastructure projects like bridges, roads, buildings, and water systems. Working under the direction of civil engineers, they apply engineering principles to planning, design, and oversight. They work in offices, at construction sites, and in the field across both public and private sectors.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against civil engineering technologists and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves site inspections to monitor construction progress and verify compliance with plans, office work preparing reports and technical drawings, and meetings with engineering staff and contractors. Technicians may test materials, take measurements, operate surveying equipment, or troubleshoot construction issues. Work splits between fieldwork in varying weather and indoor desk tasks, with schedules often tied to project timelines and site activity.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy hands-on problem-solving and understanding how systems work—hallmarks of realistic and investigative interests. You're detail-oriented, comfortable with both technical equipment and mathematics, and work well following established procedures while adapting to site conditions.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Maintenance Shop Technician · Republic Services · Dixon, Solano County · $71,014–$71,014
- US Tech - Vendor Alliance Senior Manager · PwC · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $218,956–$218,956
- Emergency Department Technician II · KAISER · Roseville, Placer County · $56,302–$56,302
- Customer Service Technician · Agiliti Health · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $39,748–$61,172
- Financial Accounts Technician · Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration · Leavenworth, Kansas · $46150–$59994
- Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient Oncology) · Veterans Health Administration · Long Beach, California · $80677–$104876
- Medical Technician · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Maxwell AFB, Alabama · $50460–$65599
- Surgical Technician · Veterans Health Administration · Saint Cloud, Minnesota · $55012–$71517
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $77,030 | $85,390 | $97,970 | 970 |
| California | $65,610 | $83,490 | $101,790 | 7,250 |
| Washington | $64,430 | $79,580 | $93,640 | 2,090 |
| Illinois | $62,390 | $79,190 | $99,820 | 4,190 |
| Minnesota | $71,490 | $78,690 | $90,890 | 2,030 |
| Nevada | $51,920 | $74,810 | $90,680 | 800 |
| Vermont | $64,770 | $74,100 | $81,520 | 200 |
| Wisconsin | $61,990 | $73,970 | $80,350 | 1,560 |
| New York | $60,190 | $73,790 | $87,020 | 1,710 |
| Connecticut | $58,010 | $73,430 | $89,910 | 330 |
| Iowa | $60,670 | $72,540 | $80,950 | 1,130 |
| Massachusetts | $60,790 | $71,350 | $86,030 | 680 |
All 50 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Engineering Technician - Special Hazards Suppression Systems (CET) — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Diplomate, Geotechnical Engineering (D.GE) — Academy of Geo-Professionals
- Certified Plumbing Design Technician (CPDT) — American Society of Plumbing Engineers
- Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) — Construction Specifications Institute
- Concrete Strength Testing Technician (CSTT) — American Concrete Institute International
- Corrosion Technician — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against civil engineering technologists and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-3022.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.