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Boston Career Explorer

Architecture and Engineering

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

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.

Also called: Civil Designer, Civil Engineering Assistant, Civil Engineering Technician, Design Technician, Engineer Technician, Engineering Assistant

Median pay in Greater Boston
$69,430
$33.38/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
640
Massachusetts 2024–2034
−5.2%
80 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Associate's degree

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$49,110$60,010$69,430$86,030$106,650

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • 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.
  • Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
  • Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.
  • Prepare reports and document project activities and data.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Higher exposure69 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 70
  • Language-model AIOE 60
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 77

Observed AI use today: Some (Anthropic Economic Index)

AI exposure for this job is higher, and some workers already use AI tools. Software can help with calculations, drafting layouts, and drawing diagrams, which is part of why Massachusetts is projected to need about 5.2% fewer of these jobs by 2034. Checking field conditions, reviewing plans with supervisors, and making sure projects meet specifications still rely on people.

Likely to change

  • Calculating dimensions and material quantities
  • Drafting layouts, maps, and diagrams

Still relies on people

  • Evaluating real conditions at project sites
  • Working out project details with supervisors

What federal projections say

“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 2025–35, factors affecting this job (U.S.)

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

Next steps from here

Related jobs that build on what you already do.

  • First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

    Reading blueprints and knowing project specifications carry over to leading construction crews, with a Boston median pay of $99,890 and lower AI exposure.

    Pay difference
    +$30,460 median
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    MA growth
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    High school diploma or equivalent

  • Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

    Calculating dimensions and reading drawings and design data carry over to programming machine tools, in a field projected to grow 15.5%.

    Pay difference
    +$16,130 median
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    Postsecondary nondegree award

  • Machinists

    Working with precise measurements and tolerances carries over to machining parts, which has lower AI exposure and long-term on-the-job training.

    Pay difference
    +$2,630 median
    AI exposure
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    MA growth
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    To get started
    High school diploma or equivalent

Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

5 programs near Boston

Related occupations

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