How much does a civil engineering tech make?
a year · about $31 an hour
A typical civil engineering tech in the United States makes $64,950 a year, about $31 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They may start at a computer, checking plans or drawing a road detail, then head to a construction site to inspect work and test soil or building materials. They record measurements and send reports to the engineer.
Did you know? Some civil engineering techs use drones to survey and inspect construction sites, giving the team a bird’s-eye view.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $44,220 and $98,980How do you become one?
In the U.S., take math and science in high school, then usually earn an associate degree in civil engineering technology; related drafting or CAD work can also lead in. Certification is optional, and a registered apprenticeship is another route.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience and optional certifications can affect pay; NICET offers specialties such as concrete testing and highway inspection. Pay also differs by place and employer, including local government, engineering services, and construction.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Oregon ($85,390), lowest in Mississippi ($46,430).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $44,220 | $64,950 | $98,980 | about 69,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $85,390 | about 970 |
| California | $83,490 | about 7,000 |
| Washington | $79,580 | about 2,000 |
| Illinois | $79,190 | about 4,000 |
| Minnesota | $78,690 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineering-technicians.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-3022.00
- www.nicet.org/certification-programs
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY