Most Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs take two years to complete. Graduates start earning $59,381 right after finishing, climbing to $76,549 four years out.
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians is a focused area of study within Engineering Tech. Graduates typically earn around $76,549 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 158 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 1,199 students complete this program each year, most earning a associate's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$59,381
Median Earnings · 4yr
$76,549
Colleges Offering
158
Graduates / Year
1,199
Avg Net Price / yr
$12,394
How Much Do Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians Graduates Earn?
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn $76,549 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,862 and $91,215.
$59,381
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$76,549
4-Year National Median
Above the national median for college graduates.
$75,356
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$61,86225th pct.
$76,549Median
$91,21575th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $76,549 against an estimated $49,576 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 35 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 1,199 students who complete Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs each year, the majority (65%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
65%26%
Associate's65%
Bachelor's26%
Certificate7%
What Can You Do With a Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians Degree?
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians leads at $64,950/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
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.
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.
High school diploma or equivalent800 openings/yr8K employed nationally
Active ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingCritical ThinkingSpeaking
Day-to-day responsibilities
Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.
Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.
Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.
Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.
Top Colleges for Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Engineering Tech Programs
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians is one of 19 specializations within Engineering Tech. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
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The data on Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians shows 3 measurable strengths and 0 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $76,549 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
High upside potentialTop earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $91,215, a strong ceiling for high performers.
Flexible credential pathsPrograms are available from certificate and associate levels through bachelor's and graduate degrees, giving students real options based on timeline and goals.
How much do Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn a national median of $76,549 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,862 and $91,215. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree?
One year after graduation, Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree holders earn a median of $59,381. That climbs to $76,549 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree?
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree holders pursue careers including Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians, which pays a median of $64,950/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians program take?
A Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians?
158 colleges and universities in the United States offer Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $76,549 and an average net price of roughly $12,394/yr, a Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians and Engineering Tech?
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering Tech field. The Engineering Tech major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates?
Employers hiring Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates?
The job outlook for Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +2.9% job growth over the next 10 years. Traffic Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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