by our College Data Analytics TeamDo you ever wonder how skyscrapers are constructed? Or how buildings are able to withstand major storms and hold massive amounts of weight? A major in Construction Engineering Technology will show you how to use basic engineering standards and technical skills in order to assist engineers and professionals in planning the construction of structures and other buildings. Students studying Construction Engineering Technology will learn how to read blueprints, gain knowledge of construction fundamentals and safety regulations, understand land and environmental concerns, and learn how to supervise teams.
While studying this major, your course load will include Construction materials and systems, Electrical systems, Reinforced concrete design, and Computer-integrated construction. These classes will enhance your knowledge of this field. This major is offered as an Associate's Degree, but in some schools be found as a Bachelors.
A degree in Construction Engineering Technology covers Construction Engineering Technology/technician. Continue reading for the important information every construction engineering technology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering construction engineering technology programs.
Across the country, construction engineering technology draws strong interest, with 5,089 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Construction Engineering Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 143 schools to determine the best overall colleges for construction engineering technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of construction engineering technology programs later in this article.
Coursework for Construction Engineering Technology emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations construction engineering technology graduates commonly enter.
Skills built by a construction engineering technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a construction engineering technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several construction engineering technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 186 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 774 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 2,893 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,216 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 11 |
People currently working in careers related to construction engineering technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 41.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 16.2% |
| Some college courses | 13.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 12.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 9.9% |
| Master’s degree | 3.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 2.8% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in construction engineering technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in construction engineering technology can lead to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to construction engineering technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to construction engineering technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Managers | 496,716 | -0.3% |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 261,905 | 11.0% |
| Cost Estimators | 181,631 | 12.4% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of construction engineering technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $73,240 |
| 4 years | $83,841 |
| 5 years | $94,183 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for construction engineering technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers construction engineering technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $86,216 |
| Construction Managers | $83,791 |
| Cost Estimators | $80,966 |
With 143 different construction engineering technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased construction engineering technology school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in construction engineering technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician | 5,089 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
