Employers

Approximately 64,800 civil engineering technicians are employed in the United States. Technicians work for various construction companies. Some choose to go into business for themselves after acquiring a great deal of experience working for others. State highway departments also employ many civil engineering technicians, as do railroads and airports. Technicians can also find work for city and county transportation services.

Starting Out

Technicians will need an associates degree to begin working and should contact their colleges career office early on in their program for career guidance. The offices will help the student or graduate prepare a resume of relevant school and work experiences, and they usually arrange personal interviews with prospective employers. Many schools also have cooperative work-study programs with particular companies and government agencies. With such a program, the company or government agency often becomes the new technicians place of full-time employment after graduation.

Civil engineering technicians must study and expand their skills throughout their careers. They must learn new techniques, master the operation of new equipment and the use of the most current design software, and gain greater depth of knowledge in their chosen fields to stay abreast of the latest developments. Some technicians move on to supervisory positions, while others pursue additional education to become civil engineers. Others teach civil engineering or civil engineering technology at colleges and universities.

High school students should take as many math and science courses as possible, in preparation for postsecondary training in civil engineering technologies.

Earn a degree. Most employers prefer to hire civil engineering technicians who possess an associates degree in the field.

Master the most current civil engineering design software to obtain an edge in the job market.

Get certified. While not required for employment in this profession, becoming certified can help advance your career.