Civil Engineering Technician Career
Civil engineering technicians help plan roadways, utility space and land areas for public and city usage. They work under the guidance of, and with assistance from, civil engineers. They use verbal and written communication skills and possess the ability to visualize easily.
The desire to help cities expand by increasing the number of safe bridges, buildings, parks and roads are goals that can be met by becoming a civil engineering technician. They enjoy being able to contribute to the betterment of communities in their own areas and those of others. Making sure roads, bridges, parks and utility sites are safe for the environment and those employed there is a major factor in job satisfaction.
Civil Engineering Technician Career Snapshot
They spend most their time working inside in an office environment. There they spend much of their time making calculations, drawing while assisting engineers in planning projects. They may be required to visit a job site to actually see the area the project will be placed and how the landscape looks. They generally work 37-40 hour workweeks but overtime is possible when projects approach deadlines.
Further details on a career as a civil engineering technician are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the estimated yearly salary for civil engineers.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
civil engineering technicians were employed in 2014.
Civil Engineering Tech Education
Many civil engineering technicians positions require an associates degree, but it is not required. Some may be trained on the job under the auspices and supervision of a civil engineer.
Civil Engineering Tech Job Duties
Their daily job duties include testing materials and soil samples at potential job sites, prepare plans and cost analyses, read and review plans for construction, prepare reports on job progress and cost efficiency, use computer skills for utilizing design software, collect data and keep files and reports organized. Most of their job is performed indoors. Only minor risks of injury, such as a slip or fall, exist when visiting a potential job site.
Civil Engineering Tech Salaries
The salary range is from $32,500-$75,500 according to BLS.gov 2015 statistics. The average salary in 2015 was about $52,000 per year. Those that work in larger cities and who have an associate’s degree have the potential to make the most money. Continuing education can lead to a civil engineering degree, increasing responsibility and earning power.
Civil Engineering Tech Job Outlook
Since cities are expanding or rebuilding in most areas of the country, the job outlook for civil engineering technicians is growing. According to the United States Department of Labor, these jobs are expected to grow at a 5% rate at least until 2024. They will also be called upon to assist civil engineers in renewable energy projects such as wind and solar power jobs as communities expand their green energy.
Civil Engineering Technician Skills & Traits
| Civil Engineering Tech Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Civil Engineering Techs: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Reading Comprehension • Active Listening • Critical Thinking • Writing • Speaking | • Near Vision • Oral Comprehension • Oral Expression • Deductive Reasoning • Mathematical Reasoning | • Augers • Concrete or cement testing instruments • Drying cabinets or ovens • Soil core sampling apparatus • Theodolites | • Working with Computers • Communicating with Others • Getting Information • Processing Information • Evaluating Information |
Related Careers
Civil Engineers
Bachelor’s Degree
Drafters
Associate’s Degree
Surveying Technicians
High School Diploma or Equivalent
