What is a Civil Engineering Technician?
Civil Engineering Technician Definition 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.
List of Civil Engineering Technician Job Duties
- Conduct materials test and analysis using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.
- Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.
- Negotiate prices for new contracts or for modifications to existing contracts with contractors.
- Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.
- Plan and conduct field surveys to locate new sites and analyze details of project sites.
- Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures.
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Qualities of a Civil Engineering Technician
These are the skills Civil Engineering Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Other Civil Engineering Technician Job Titles
- Fire Protection Engineering Technician
- Engineering Specialist
- Civil Designer
- Civil Engineering Assistant
- Parking Analyst
Job Outlook for Civil Engineering Technicians
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 74,500 jobs in the United States for Civil Engineering Technician. 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. The BLS estimates 7,200 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Average Civil Engineering Technicians Salary
Civil Engineering Technicians make between $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 do I Become a Civil Engineering Technician?
Individuals working as a Civil Engineering Technician have obtained the following education levels:

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

Where Civil Engineering Technicians Work

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

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those who work as a Civil Engineering Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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