Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians Salary 2025: Median $64,950, Top Earners Near $99,000
The median Civil Engineering Technologist and Technician earned $64,950 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $31 per hour, with the highest-paid 10% taking home more than $98,980. The role bridges the gap between engineers and construction crews — inspecting projects, testing materials, and preparing drawings.
How much Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn
The typical salary range runs from $44,220 at the 10th percentile to $98,980 at the 90th. The mean (average) wage is $68,990, or about $33.17 an hour. Entry-level positions — often those with an associate degree and minimal experience — tend to land near the lower end, while senior technicians with specialized skills and certifications hit the upper band.
Pay varies meaningfully by industry. Technicians working in engineering services — the largest employer — earn a mean of $68,520. Those in local government average $73,490, reflecting the complexity of public infrastructure projects. The federal executive branch pays a mean of $83,050.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. The five highest-paying states for civil engineering technicians, all with mean wages above $78,000, are: Oregon ($85,390), California ($83,490), Washington ($79,580), Illinois ($79,190), and Minnesota ($78,690).
Cost of living plays a role — Oregon and California salaries partly reflect higher housing and labor costs. The lowest-paying states: Arkansas ($51,750), Georgia ($50,360), and Mississippi ($46,430). Relocating can be a straightforward way to boost pay by $30,000 or more.
- Oregon: $85,390
- California: $83,490
- Washington: $79,580
- Illinois: $79,190
- Minnesota: $78,690
- Arkansas: $51,750
- Georgia: $50,360
- Mississippi: $46,430
How to become Civil Engineering Technologists and Technician
Most employers require an associate degree in civil engineering technology or a related field. These two-year programs cover surveying, computer-aided drafting (CAD), materials testing, and basic project management. Accreditation from ABET is common but not mandatory for all jobs.
Licensing is less common for technicians than for engineers, but the NICET certification (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) is widely recognized and can boost salary. Many technicians start as trainees or interns while completing their degree, then move to full field roles. A bachelor's degree can open doors to senior technician or engineering technologist positions, but is not required to enter.
- Get an associate degree in civil engineering technology (2 years).
- Complete an internship or co-op to gain hands-on experience.
- Earn NICET certification in a specialty like construction materials testing or transportation.
- Apply for entry-level technician roles at engineering firms, government agencies, or construction companies.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 2.1% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 5,500 openings per year, most of which come from workers retiring or moving to other fields. There are currently 68,520 people employed in this occupation.
Growth is tied to maintaining and upgrading the nation's infrastructure — roads, bridges, water systems, and levees. As public investment in infrastructure continues, demand for technicians who can inspect sites and produce technical reports should remain steady. The best opportunities will go to those with CAD skills and NICET certification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a civil engineering technician?
Entry-level positions typically pay near the 10th percentile of $44,220, but can be higher in high-cost areas or with prior internship experience.
Do civil engineering technicians need a license?
Not a professional engineer (PE) license, but voluntary certification from NICET is common and can lead to higher pay and advancement.
How is the job outlook for civil engineering technicians?
Employment is expected to grow 2.1% through 2034, about average, with around 5,500 job openings each year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians data.