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Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

SOC: 17-3022 • Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & O*NET

What They Do

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians typically perform the following tasks: • Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities, using calculator or computer. • Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements. • Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects to ensure conformance to specifications. • Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions. • Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings. • Prepare reports and document project activities and data. • Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts. • Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes. • Conduct materials test and analysis, using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge. • Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures. • Develop project budgets by estimating the cost of project activities. • Plan and conduct field surveys to locate new sites and analyze details of project sites. • Respond to public suggestions and complaints. • Negotiate with contractors on prices for new contracts or modifications to existing contracts. • Operate drones for site surveying and inspection, providing detailed aerial views of project sites.

Career Video

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Key facts

Median: $64,200
Employment: 64,900
Growth (2024–2034): +2.0%
Education: Associate's degree

Career Intelligence Metrics

Automation Risk Assessment

Low Risk
17.0% probability of being automated in the next 10-20 years. This job is relatively safe from automation due to its creative, social, or complex problem-solving requirements.

Work-Life Balance Score

8.0/10
Excellent work-life balance based on typical work schedules, stress levels, and time demands.

Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)

8.2
Realistic
8.8
Investigative
6.4
Artistic
5.2
Social
5.8
Enterprising
6.6
Conventional
Powered by O*NET Career Profiling

Personality Match: The higher the score (out of 10), the better this career matches that personality type. People with similar interests and work styles tend to be most satisfied in careers that match their personality profile.

O*NET Official Logo Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor

Top Skills

Critical-thinking skills Decision-making skills Math skills Observational skills Problem-solving skills Writing skills

Strengths

  • High Demand
  • Flexible Work
  • Continuous Learning

Challenges

  • Burnout Risk
  • Rapid Technological Change

Median Salary Comparison

Employment projection (2024–2034)

Geographic Employment & Wage Analysis

BLS OEWS Data Updated 2024-05
View Interactive BLS Maps

States with Highest Employment

  • California 6,650
  • Texas 5,790
  • Illinois 3,490
  • Florida 2,760
  • North Carolina 2,530
  • Pennsylvania 2,480
  • Michigan 2,400
  • Kentucky 2,250
  • Washington 1,930
  • Georgia 1,910
BLS OEWS data (2024-05)

Regional Wage Variations

  • California +27%
    $81,240
  • Texas -5%
    $61,190
  • Illinois +15%
    $73,520
  • Florida 1%
    $64,740
  • North Carolina -6%
    $60,460
  • Pennsylvania -3%
    $62,160
  • Michigan -5%
    $60,710
  • Kentucky -17%
    $53,450
  • Washington +22%
    $78,110
  • Georgia -11%
    $57,400
BLS OEWS state wage data
Top Metropolitan Areas
New York-Newark-Jersey City
Employment: High Growth: +3.2%
Los Angeles-Long Beach
Employment: High Growth: +2.8%
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Employment: Medium Growth: +1.5%
Dallas-Fort Worth
Employment: Medium Growth: +4.1%
San Francisco-Oakland
Employment: High Growth: +2.3%
Based on BLS metropolitan area data
Industries with Highest Concentrations
Local government, excluding education and hospitals
85%
Engineering services
70%
State government, excluding education and hospitals
55%
Regional Job Market Outlook
Strong
West Coast
Stable
Northeast
Growing
South