Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians at South Central College
a compact campus enrolling 1,890 students in North Mankato, MN.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $55,224/yr, roughly in line with the $55,299 national median for Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
With a 61.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 27% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
With first-year pay of $55,224 far exceeding the $10,319 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians is offered at just 3 schools in our analysis. South Central College's #3 ranking should be read in that context.
A 35% earnings increase from $55,224 to $74,712 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil engineering technologists and technicians | $64,200 | +2.1% | 41% |
| Traffic technicians | $58,480 | +3.7% | 54% |
About Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians Careers
You'll spend your days bridging the gap between the engineer's office and the construction site. One morning, you could be in the field using a total station to survey a new road layout or testing the strength of concrete samples. The afternoon might find you back in the office, turning field data into precise construction plans using CAD software. Alternatively, you could specialize as a traffic technician, where your focus is on analyzing traffic flow, conducting vehicle counts, and helping to program traffic signals to keep a city moving.
Read the full Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians career guide →
Compare & Explore
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians Overview
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Other Schools
Other Majors at South Central College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.