Employment of civil engineering technicians is expected to grow 12 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
The need to maintain and repair the country’s infrastructure continues to increase: bridges need rebuilding, roads need maintaining, and levees and dams need upgrading. Moreover, a growing population means that water systems must be maintained to reduce or eliminate loss of drinkable water. Additionally, more waste treatment plants will be needed to help clean the nation’s waterways. Civil engineers must plan, design, and oversee this work, and civil engineering technicians will be needed to help the engineers.
State and local governments will likely continue to face fiscal challenges over the decade, restricting their ability to fund all the projects that need attention. Eventually, however, infrastructure repairs and replacements will have to be made.
Civil engineering technicians learn to use design software that civil engineers typically do not. Thus, those who master it, keep their skills current, and stay abreast of the latest software will likely improve their chances for employment.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition