Best colleges for Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers, engineering contractors and other professionals engaged in the construction of buildings and related structures.
146 U.S. institutions graduated 5,391 Construction Engineering Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 15.1001, a specialization of Construction Engineering Technology/Technician (CIP 15.10), and leads most directly to the Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 17-3022).
About Construction Engineering Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers, engineering contractors and other professionals engaged in the construction of buildings and related structures. Includes instruction in basic structural engineering principles and construction techniques, building site inspection, site supervision, construction personnel supervision, plan and specification interpretation, supply logistics and procurement, applicable building codes, and report preparation.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Construction Engineering Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to apply essential engineering principles and technical skills in support of construction projects. This program is ideal for those interested in working alongside engineers and contractors in the construction of buildings and related structures, focusing on practical applications in the field.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in basic structural engineering principles, construction techniques, building site inspection, and site supervision. Coursework typically includes instruction on interpreting plans and specifications, supply logistics, applicable building codes, and report preparation.
Credentials awarded
What Construction Engineering Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree2,986 graduates / yr · 60 institutions55%
- Associate's degree903 graduates / yr · 70 institutions17%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year600 graduates / yr · 31 institutions11%
- Master's degree574 graduates / yr · 20 institutions11%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years297 graduates / yr · 25 institutions5.5%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship11 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.2%
- Award of less than 12 weeks10 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate10 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.2%
Graduates over time
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 3,245 |
| 2013 | 2,939 |
| 2014 | 2,738 |
| 2015 | 2,621 |
| 2016 | 2,764 |
| 2017 | 3,083 |
| 2018 | 3,482 |
| 2019 | 3,806 |
| 2020 | 4,206 |
| 2021 | 4,313 |
| 2022 | 4,289 |
| 2023 | 4,757 |
| 2024 | 5,079 |
| 2025 | 5,391 |
Top 50 institutions for Construction Engineering Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field starting salary* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 478 | 84% | — | $77,799 |
| 2 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 262 | 68% | — | $78,253 |
| 3 | University of Houston Houston, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 258 | 65% | — | $73,694 |
| 4 | Dallas College Dallas, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 180 | 32% | — | — |
| 5 | Texas State University San Marcos, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 160 | 55% | — | $76,646 |
| 6 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, COPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 139 | 67% | — | $78,423 |
| 7 | Florida International University Miami, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 132 | 74% | — | $73,602 |
| 8 | Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GAPublicBachelor's | 124 | 55% | — | $67,235 |
| 9 | University of Florida Gainesville, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 114 | 91% | — | $79,410 |
| 10 | Seminole State College of Florida Sanford, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 100 | 41% | — | $65,994 |
| 11 | Clemson University Clemson, SCPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 100 | 87% | — | — |
| 12 | CUNY New York City College of Technology Brooklyn, NYPublicBachelor'sAssociate's | 91 | 21% | — | $67,476 |
| 13 | California State University - Chico Chico, CAPublicBachelor's | 83 | 63% | — | $88,648 |
| 14 | California State University - Sacramento Sacramento, CAPublicBachelor's | 82 | 56% | — | — |
| 15 | University of New Haven West Haven, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 81 | 63% | $32,614 | — |
| 16 | NorthWest Arkansas Community College Bentonville, ARPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 78 | 31% | — | — |
| 17 | University of North Florida Jacksonville, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 76 | 69% | — | $75,407 |
| 18 | Texas State Technical College Waco, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 75 | 46% | — | $38,682 |
| 19 | Houston City College Houston, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 72 | 17% | — | — |
| 20 | Columbus State Community College Columbus, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 71 | 28% | — | — |
| 21 | California State University - Fresno Fresno, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 69 | 57% | — | $78,716 |
| 22 | Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FLPublicBachelor's | 69 | 57% | — | — |
| 23 | Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NCPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 68 | 60% | — | $63,401 |
| 24 | Kansas State University Manhattan, KSPublicBachelor's | 63 | 71% | — | $74,253 |
| 25 | Ferris State University Big Rapids, MIPublicAssociate's | 63 | 47% | — | — |
| 26 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NEPublicBachelor's | 63 | 67% | — | $71,797 |
| 27 | Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TXPublicBachelor's | 63 | 55% | — | $72,116 |
| 28 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 61 | 81% | — | $74,518 |
| 29 | Tarleton State University Stephenville, TXPublicBachelor's | 58 | 48% | — | $70,481 |
| 30 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 57 | 34% | — | — |
| 31 | Louisiana Tech University Ruston, LAPublicBachelor's | 55 | 64% | — | $58,151 |
| 32 | Crowder College Neosho, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 55 | 49% | — | — |
| 33 | Jefferson State Community College Birmingham, ALPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 54 | 26% | — | — |
| 34 | Washington State University Pullman, WAPublicBachelor's | 54 | 60% | — | $80,404 |
| 35 | California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Pomona, CAPublicBachelor's | 46 | 68% | — | $87,960 |
| 36 | California State University - Long Beach Long Beach, CAPublicBachelor's | 43 | 69% | — | $89,003 |
| 37 | Itawamba Community College Fulton, MSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 43 | 50% | — | — |
| 38 | North Dakota State University Fargo, NDPublicBachelor's | 43 | 64% | — | $74,199 |
| 39 | Valencia College Orlando, FLPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 41 | 48% | — | — |
| 40 | Brazosport College Lake Jackson, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 41 | 56% | — | — |
| 41 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZPublicMaster's | 39 | 0% | — | — |
| 42 | South Texas College McAllen, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 38 | 27% | — | — |
| 43 | Southeast Technical College Sioux Falls, SDPublicAssociate'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 37 | 59% | — | — |
| 44 | Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OKPublicBachelor's | 36 | 68% | — | $73,900 |
| 45 | San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 36 | 30% | — | — |
| 46 | Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, COPublicBachelor's | 35 | 41% | — | — |
| 47 | Grays Harbor College Aberdeen, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 35 | 39% | — | — |
| 48 | Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CTPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 33 | 24% | — | — |
| 49 | Hudson Valley Community College Troy, NYPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 33 | 35% | — | $44,162 |
| 50 | Broward College Fort Lauderdale, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 32 | 39% | — | — |
* Field starting salary (1 yr): median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Construction Engineering Technology/Technician field (CIP 15.10) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 41 states
Where Construction Engineering Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Construction Engineering Technology/Technician programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-3022, Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Construction Engineering Technology/Technician program can pursue careers as Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Construction Managers, and Cost Estimators. The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an annual growth rate of 2.1% and approximately 5,500 annual openings, offering a median wage of $64,200 for those with an Associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 15.1001
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Civil Engineering Technologists and Techniciansprimary SOC 17-3022 | $64,950 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~5,500 | Associate's degree |
Construction Managers SOC 11-9021 | $114,990 | +8.7% Much faster than average | ~46,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Cost Estimators SOC 13-1051 | $78,740 | -4.2% Decline | ~16,900 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Construction Engineering Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- 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.
Tools and technology used
Common questions
What degree can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop critical thinking, mathematics, reading comprehension, and active listening skills.
What types of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as a Civil Engineering Technologist, Construction Manager, or Cost Estimator.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with 5,500 annual openings and a median wage of $64,200.
What is the CIP code for Construction Engineering Technology/Technician?+
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician is CIP 15.1001 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Construction Engineering Technology/Technician (CIP 15.10). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers, engineering contractors and other professionals engaged in the construction of buildings and related structures. Includes instruction in basic structural engineering principles and construction techniques, building site inspection, site supervision, construction personnel supervision, plan and specification interpretation, supply logistics and procurement, applicable building codes, and report preparation.
How many institutions offer Construction Engineering Technology/Technician programs?+
146 U.S. institutions reported Construction Engineering Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 41 states, awarding 5,391 credentials in the year. That is 100.0% of all Construction Engineering Technology/Technician graduates.
How much do Construction Engineering Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupation, which Construction Engineering Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $64,950 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Construction Engineering Technology/Technician field report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $72,266, College Scorecard.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. This specialization accounts for nearly all Construction Engineering Technology/Technician graduates, so its figures match the Construction Engineering Technology/Technician program page.
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