Civil engineering technologists and technicians
SOC Code: 17-3022
Civil engineering technologists and technicians carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $64,200 and +2.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 64,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Civil engineering technologists and technicians (SOC 17-3022) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 64,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +2.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $64,200, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Civil engineering technologists and technicians. Public companies with meaningful exposure to this occupation, such as NVIDIA CORP and Broadcom Inc., inherit a share of the same automation risk through their industry classification. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities, using calculator or computer.
- 2. Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.
- 3. Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
- 4. Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects to ensure conformance to specifications.
- 5. Conduct materials test and analysis, using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.
- 6. Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures.
- 7. Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
- 8. Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.
- 9. Prepare reports and document project activities and data.
- 10. Develop project budgets by estimating the cost of project activities.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Speaking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Building and Construction
- Design
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mechanical
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Civil engineering technologists and technicians?
Civil engineering technologists and technicians has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Civil engineering technologists and technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Civil engineering technologists and technicians is projected to grow by 2.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 64,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Civil engineering technologists and technicians?
Key skills for Civil engineering technologists and technicians include Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Civil engineering technologists and technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Civil engineering technologists and technicians is $64,200, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Civil engineering technologists and technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Civil engineering technologists and technicians is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Civil engineering technologists and technicians?
Public companies with significant Civil engineering technologists and technicians workforce shares include NVIDIA CORP, Broadcom Inc., MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC, among others. These employers are mapped by industry classification (SIC/NAICS) to BLS occupation-industry employment distributions. See the full employer rankings for AI displacement risk grades.
Employers with High AI Exposure in This Occupation Group
Public companies whose industry occupation mix includes a significant share of Civil engineering technologists and technicians roles.
| Company | AI Grade | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA CORP | B | 41.4% |
| Broadcom Inc. | B | 41.4% |
| MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC | B | 41.4% |
| ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC | B | 41.4% |
| APPLIED MATERIALS INC /DE | B | 41.4% |
| INTEL CORP | B | 41.4% |
| TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC | B | 41.4% |
| ANALOG DEVICES INC | B | 41.4% |
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).