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Engineer technician: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 26, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$64,950median pay per year, or $31.23 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $44,220lowest 10% earn less
  2. $51,49025th percentile
  3. $64,950median
  4. $80,65075th percentile
  5. $98,980top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[5]

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians had a median pay of $64,950 a year in May 2025[1]. An associate's degree is the typical way in, and jobs are projected to grow 3.2% from 2025 to 2035[2][3].

Job growth, 2025–35
+3.2%[3]
Openings per year
6,100[6]
Typical entry education
Associate's degree[2]

How much do engineer technicians make?

The BLS category is Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians. In May 2025, the median wage was $64,950 a year, or $31.23 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $68,990 a year, or $33.17 an hour[7].

All occupations together had a median of $50,980 a year[5]. So the median for this job was higher than the all-occupations median[1][5].

Here is how the range looked across the pay scale:

Point Annual wage Hourly wage
10th percentile[4][8] $44,220 $21.26
25th percentile[4][8] $51,490 $24.76
Median[1] $64,950 $31.23
75th percentile[4][8] $80,650 $38.78
90th percentile[4][8] $98,980 $47.59

A percentile is a boundary. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $44,220[4][9]. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[9].

These figures cover full-time and part-time workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed, bonuses that are not tied to production, and the cost of benefits[10].

Pay by state and city

Oregon had the highest median wage among the states, at $85,390[11]. California came next at $83,490, then Washington at $79,580, Illinois at $79,190 and Minnesota at $78,690[11]. Mississippi had the lowest published state median, at $46,430[11].

California had the most jobs, with 7,250[12]. Texas had 4,470, Illinois 4,190, Florida 4,030 and Georgia 3,840[12].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA had the highest median at $98,020[13]. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA followed at $97,510, then Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA at $97,410[13]. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN had the most jobs, at 2,250, with a median of $81,360[14].

Show median pay in 50 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Oregon[11]$85,390970
California$83,4907,250
Washington$79,5802,090
Illinois$79,1904,190
Minnesota$78,6902,030
Nevada$74,810800
Vermont$74,100200
Wisconsin$73,9701,560
New York$73,7901,710
Connecticut$73,430330
Iowa$72,5401,130
Massachusetts$71,350680
Alaska$70,990230
New Jersey$70,650760
Louisiana$68,030410
Maine$67,540290
Virginia$67,1001,480
Nebraska$66,590370
North Dakota$65,030400
Ohio$64,7301,790
Utah$64,490630
New Hampshire$64,480300
Hawaii$64,410120
Indiana$64,3901,040
Pennsylvania$63,6502,290
Rhode Island$63,650140
Arizona$63,5601,050
Florida$63,4104,030
Idaho$63,200440
Maryland$62,760620
New Mexico$62,440710
Delaware$62,120350
Montana$61,410310
Missouri$61,3501,300
South Dakota$60,880460
Oklahoma$60,050400
Kentucky$59,7101,860
Kansas$59,4401,060
Texas$59,3904,470
Colorado$59,0501,820
North Carolina$58,7002,760
Michigan$57,9902,930
Tennessee$57,2701,650
Wyoming$56,150300
South Carolina$53,7101,480
West Virginia$53,340520
Alabama$52,7501,800
Arkansas$51,750n/a
Georgia$50,3603,840
Mississippi$46,430800

How to become an engineer technician

Some workers come in from a related job, especially drafters or CAD operators at an engineering firm[19]. Certification is not required to enter the job, but it may help with career growth[20].

In an O*NET survey of 36 workers, 30% said a post-secondary certificate was required, 28% said some college courses, 21% said an associate's degree or other 2-year degree, and 18% said a bachelor's degree[21]. This is a small survey, so read it as a snapshot and not as the whole field.

The skills that BLS highlights are critical thinking, decision-making and math[22][23][24].

What engineer technicians do

These workers apply civil engineering ideas to the planning, design and oversight of construction and upkeep of structures and facilities. They work with engineering staff or physical scientists directing the work[25]. Tasks reported to O*NET include:

Job titles that workers report include Civil Designer, Civil Engineering Assistant and Transportation Engineering Technician[27].

Where they work

Much of the work happens in offices, where these workers help civil engineers plan and design projects. They also visit construction jobsites to gather or test materials, or to observe work as a project inspector[28]. Some move between sites and use a car or truck as a mobile office[28].

They often work on teams with civil engineers, surveyors, construction workers and others[29]. Engineering services was the largest employer, at 47% of jobs in 2025[30].

The job is usually full time. At construction sites, schedules can depend on things like weather and on the timing of the project[31].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to grow 3.2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 70,900 to 73,200 jobs[3]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5%[32]. These counts include self-employed workers[3].

BLS expects about 6,100 openings a year on average[6]. Openings include jobs left open when workers retire or switch to other occupations, as well as new jobs[6]. Each year, 3% of workers leave the labor force and 5.2% move to a different occupation[33].

BLS names one factor that affects demand. Better drafting software such as CAD raises productivity, so fewer of these workers are needed[34].

Is it a good fit?

The pay was above the all-occupations median, and the usual entry point is a 2-year degree[1][5][2]. Pay varies widely, from $44,220 at the 10th percentile to $98,980 at the 90th[4]. Growth is slightly slower than the average for all occupations, though openings come up every year[3][32][6]. The work mixes office design tasks with visits to jobsites[28]. People who like math and careful reading of plans may find the tasks familiar[26][24].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[35].

Frequently asked questions

How much does an engineer technician make an hour?
The median hourly wage for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians was $31.23 in May 2025[1]. The 10th percentile was $21.26 and the 90th was $47.59[8].
What degree do you need to be an engineer technician?
BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry education[2]. Some employers require a bachelor's degree for technologists[18].
Is civil engineering technician work in demand?
BLS projects 3.2% growth from 2025 to 2035, against 3.5% for all occupations[3][32]. About 6,100 openings are projected each year[6].
What is the highest paying state for engineer technicians?
Oregon had the highest median wage at $85,390, followed by California at $83,490[11].
Do you need certification to work as an engineer technician?
Certification is not required to enter the job, but it may help in a career[20].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians in the US was $64,950 per year and $31.23 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians: education needed for entry: Associate's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians is projected to grow 3.2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 70,900 to 73,200 jobs (a change of +2,300). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians: 10th percentile $44,220, 25th percentile $51,490, 75th percentile $80,650, 90th percentile $98,980. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 6,100 openings for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians was $68,990 per year and $33.17 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians: 10th percentile $21.26, 25th percentile $24.76, 75th percentile $38.78, 90th percentile $47.59. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. Median annual wage for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians jobs: California 7,250; Texas 4,470; Illinois 4,190; Florida 4,030; Georgia 3,840. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $98,020; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $97,510; Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $97,410; Salem, OR $86,200; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $84,930; Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $84,690; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $84,660; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $83,990. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians jobs: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 2,250 (median $81,360); Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 1,840 (median $57,220); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 1,820 (median $58,780); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 1,670 (median $83,990); Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 1,330 (median $63,650); San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA 1,270 (median $97,510). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Other Experience. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. O*NET 17-3022.00 survey of workers (36 respondents), education level they say is required: Post-Secondary Certificate 30%, Some College Courses 28%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 21%, Bachelor's Degree 18% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. O*NET description of Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians. O*NET OnLine
  26. O*NET task list for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians. O*NET OnLine
  27. O*NET 17-3022.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Civil Designer, Civil Engineering Assistant, Civil Engineering Technician, Design Technician, Engineer Technician, Engineering Assistant, Engineering Technician, Transportation Engineering Technician. O*NET OnLine
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of civil engineering technologists and technicians in 2025: Engineering services 47%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  33. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians: 3% of workers leave the labor force each year and 5.2% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  34. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians: Productivity change - share decreases as fewer civil engineering technicians are needed due to improved drafting software, such as CAD, which increases their productivity. BLS Employment Projections
  35. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.