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Engineering Technology · Civil Engineering Technology Rank #3 of 12

Civil Engineering Technologyat Fairmont State University

Graduates earn $57,570/yr in their first year — about 5.0% below the national Civil Engineering Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $649K; scenarios range from $577K to $671K depending on AI disruption.

Fairmont, WV Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
61 SOLID
62
Optimistic
56
Pessimistic
Earnings
$57,570
1-year post-graduation
ROI
21.8x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$649K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
53% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Fairmont State University

Fairmont State's Civil Engineering Technologies program prepares you for vital support roles in infrastructure and development, particularly valuable in regions like West Virginia with ongoing needs in roadworks, utilities, and land management. The earnings trajectory reflects the specialized, hands-on nature of technician roles, which often involve implementing designs and managing projects rather than conceptualizing them. You'll likely find opportunities with state and local government agencies, such as the West Virginia Division of Highways, or regional private civil engineering firms focused on land development, energy infrastructure, or environmental projects across the Appalachian region.

However, the field's high AI risk score is a significant factor. Many routine tasks—from data collection and analysis to drafting and traffic pattern optimization—are increasingly being augmented or automated by AI. To thrive, focus on developing strong problem-solving skills, field expertise, and proficiency with advanced software and emerging technologies. Emphasize critical thinking and adaptability to ensure your skills remain indispensable as the industry evolves.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$577K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score56/100
Earnings Multiple17.1x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$649K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score61/100
Earnings Multiple19.2x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$671K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score62/100
Earnings Multiple19.8x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Fairmont State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Civil Engineering Technology graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Civil engineering technologists and technicians
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 5,500 openings/yr
$64,200/yr
High
2
Traffic technicians
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 800 openings/yr
$58,480/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Civil Engineering Technology

How Fairmont State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Rochester Institute of Technology
NY · Private nonprofit
46
DW Score
$73K
1-yr earn
2.4x
ROI
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
MD · Public
53
DW Score
$69K
1-yr earn
18.3x
ROI
Top score
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
NC · Public
63
DW Score
$63K
1-yr earn
26.2x
ROI
Colorado State University Pueblo
CO · Public
60
DW Score
$62K
1-yr earn
18.0x
ROI
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
NY · Public
63
DW Score
$62K
1-yr earn
23.5x
ROI
Also at Fairmont State University

Other top programs at Fairmont State University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Fairmont State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Civil Engineering Technology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Civil Engineering Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Civil Engineering Technology at Fairmont State University

How does Fairmont State University's Civil Engineering Technology program score?

This program scores 61/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Civil Engineering Technology graduates.

How vulnerable is Civil Engineering Technology to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Civil Engineering Technology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 53% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why does Fairmont State University rank so high for Civil Engineering Technology?

The #3 ranking out of 12 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.