FAQ
Civil Engineering Technician FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a civil engineering technician.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a civil engineering technician: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about civil engineering technicians
Do civil engineering techs need a degree?
An associate degree is typical.
Do they work outdoors?
Often, at construction sites.
Can techs become engineers?
Yes, with a bachelor’s degree and licensure.
How much does a civil engineering technician make?
The median annual wage for civil engineering technicians was $64,950 ($31.23 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,220 and the highest 10% earned more than $98,980.
How long does it take to become a civil engineering technician?
Most people need about 2 years of training. An associate degree in civil engineering technology is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a civil engineering technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
Is civil engineering technician a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +3.2% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 6,100 openings each year. Upsides include two-year path into engineering; a common challenge is that weather and site conditions.
What skills does a civil engineering technician need?
Key technical skills include cad drafting, materials testing, construction inspection, and quantity estimating. Employers also value attention to detail, communication, and teamwork.
What certifications are available for civil engineering technicians?
Common credentials include NICET certification, ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician, Nuclear gauge safety certification, and State DOT technician certifications. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Civil Engineering Technician fit quiz, compare with Civil Engineer, or explore Civil Engineering Technician training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-3022 (Civil engineering technologists and technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Civil engineering technologists and technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.