Civil Engineering Technician

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Work Tasks

CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS use the principles and theories of science, engineering, and mathematics to solve technical problems in research and development, construction, inspection, and maintenance. Civil engineering technicians assist civil engineers to plan and build highways, buildings, bridges, dams, wastewater treatment systems, and other structures, and perform related surveys and studies. Civil engineering technicians who work in research and development build or set up equipment, prepare and conduct experiments, and calculate or record results. They also assist in design work. Some civil engineering technicians inspect water and wastewater systems to ensure that pollution control requirements are met. Others may set up and monitor instruments used to study traffic conditions.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $49,500 average per year ($23.75 per hour)
• A medium occupation (77,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.7% per year)

Entry Requirements

Most employers prefer to hire CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS with at least a 2-year degree in engineering technology. Training is available at technical institutes, 2-year colleges, public and private vocational-technical schools, and through the armed forces. Prospective engineering technicians should take as many high school science and mathematics courses as possible to prepare for post-secondary programs in engineering technology. No special licensing or certification is required for civil engineering technicians, however, the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology (NICET) has established a voluntary certification program for engineering technicians.