Career comparison
Civil Engineering Technician vs. Surveying Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Civil engineering technicians earn more at the median ($64,950 vs. $54,240), while surveying technicians usually get to work faster (1–12 months of training). Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers plan, design and test roads, bridges and infrastructure. Surveying technicians collect measurements in the field and help surveyors map land.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Civil Engineering Technician | Surveying Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $64,950 ($31.23/hr) | $54,240 ($26.08/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $44,220 – $98,980 | $37,520 – $81,630 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.2% (about as fast as average) | +5.8% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 6,100 | 6,900 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 2 years | 1–12 months |
| Key credential | NICET certification | NSPS Certified Survey Technician (CST) |
| Work setting | Technicians split time between offices and construction sites, in all weather.. | Technicians work outdoors in all terrain and weather, plus office time.. |
What each job does
Civil Engineering Technician
- Draft plans and drawings
- Estimate quantities and costs
- Test soil, concrete and asphalt
- Inspect construction sites
- Collect and analyze field data
Surveying Technician
- Operate GPS and total stations
- Hold rods and prisms
- Set construction stakes
- Clear brush for sight lines
- Record field notes
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors, hands-on work, and teamwork. Both are part of the science, engineering & lab field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose civil engineering technician if…
- I like construction and design
- I enjoy math
- I want field and office work
Choose surveying technician if…
- I like working outdoors
- I enjoy technology
- I’m detail-oriented
Still torn? Take the Civil Engineering Technician fit quiz and the Surveying Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, civil engineering technician or surveying technician?
Civil Engineering Technicians earn more at the median: $64,950 versus $54,240 for surveying technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Surveying Technicians typically train faster (1–12 months) than civil engineering technicians (2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects surveying technicians to grow +5.8% from 2025–35, compared with +3.2% for civil engineering technicians.