Construction technology associate degrees are short-term programs to get students up to speed with construction technologies. Modern technology has ensured that cost estimations, computer programs for automation, and project management have increased productivity and efficiency in the construction industry. According to a Statista survey, residential construction is at its peak.
Whether you are a professional construction worker, or you are looking to break into the industry, you will benefit from our list of the best colleges for construction technology. Our guide will help you identify the top programs available to you, construction technology associate degree requirements, and how much it will cost to obtain an associate’s degree.
What Is Construction Technology?
Construction technology is the use of different types of technology within the construction industry. It is the collection of innovative tools, software, modifications, and machinery used in a project’s construction phase.
Construction technology allows workers to build stronger, more stable, and more energy-efficient structures. It increases productivity, provides safer working environments, and allows construction workers to solve more complex problems.
What Is a Construction Technology Associate Degree?
A construction technology degree is a two-year program aimed at providing students with job-ready skills for the construction industry. It can also be used as the first step in obtaining a four-year bachelor’s degree. This degree will help you land a wide variety of jobs such as a building inspector, construction manager, field engineer, or project manager.
Upon successful completion, students will exhibit knowledge and technical skill in the fundamentals of construction management, basic concepts of building codes, building systems, code authority enforcement, and ensuring quality in construction. They will also use computer software to manage either a construction project or a construction process.
Construction Technology Associate Degree Requirements.
Most colleges will require you to have a high school diploma or a GED to enroll in a construction technology associate degree program. You must also be at least 18 years of age on the first day of classes to enroll and some colleges may have grade point average (GPA) requirements varying according to each institution’s academic plan.
How Much Does a Construction Technology Associate Degree Cost?
A construction technology associate degree costs on average $4,244 for residents and $9,513 for out-of-state students. This includes both tuition and fees for the 2019-2020 academic year. The cost per academic credit can vary depending on the institution.
Construction Technology Associate Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Construction Technology Associate Degree?
If you wish to finance your associate’s degree, you can apply for financial aid through the FAFSA form. You can also apply for scholarships and grants. Alternatively, you can apply for a student loan at a bank. These loans can often be paid back once you get an entry-level job. The success of financial aid has slowly risen over the last five years and in 2019, 86.4 percent of applicants were successful.
Best Construction Technology Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
| College of Southern Nevada | Building Construction Technology | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Erie Community College | Construction Management Engineering Technology | Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET |
| Idaho State University | Building Construction Technology | American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Building/Construction Site Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Monroe Community College | Construction Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Pasadena City College | Building Construction Technology | Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | Building/Construction Site Management | American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education |
| Southern Utah University | Building Construction Technology | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| The University of Montana | Sustainable Construction | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Building Construction Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Colleges for Construction Technology: Top Construction Technology Associate Degree Programs
It may be overwhelming when it comes to finding the best college for construction technology. That is why we have carefully selected the best colleges in the US and examined the programs they offer.
Building Construction Technology | College of Southern Nevada
The College of Southern Nevada is located in Las Vegas and offers a comprehensive construction technology degree. As a large, public university, it aims at equipping its students for entry-level jobs by providing hands-on training in project management, construction automation, and basic aspects of construction.
Construction Management Engineering Technology, A.A.S. | Erie Community College
Erie Community College is located in Buffalo, NY. The construction management engineering technology course is a four-year associate degree program that equips students with basic construction management skills and hands-on skills in the field of construction. Skills include cost estimations of residential and commercial projects.
Building Construction Technology | Idaho State University
Idaho State University is a large public university situated in Pocatello, ID. The building construction technology program covers areas of commercial construction, construction scheduling, and project management. Graduates will also learn how to use computer programs and software for construction jobs.
Building/Construction Site Management | Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is a large public institution located in Indianapolis, IN. Graduates of the construction site management associate degree have hands-on experience in overseeing construction projects. They also learn about hiring, budgeting, scheduling, safety compliance, and collaboration with other professionals in the projects.
Construction Technology | Monroe Community College
Monroe Community College is based in the state of New York. Their construction technology associate degree program offers practical training in topics such as surveying, drafting, estimating, construction, and inspection, and a variety of elective courses. It covers the basics of construction management and is led by experienced professors in the construction industry.
Building Construction Technology | Pasadena City College
Pasadena City College is a 2-year college located in Pasadena, CA, and offers various degree programs in construction technology. Students cover the basics of construction, design, budget control, plan reading, all using computer programs. The course also entails managing construction projects and ensuring quality is maintained.
Building/Construction Site Management | Pennsylvania College of Technology
This is a small, four-year public university located in Williamsport, PA. Students pursuing construction site management learn about environmental issues, overseeing construction projects, budgeting, hiring, and safety compliance. They are also trained in various aspects of construction management.
Building Construction Technology | Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University is a public university that offers various associate’s degrees. The construction technology program prepares students for small and heavy construction projects. Some of the required courses include electrical systems, commercial construction materials, sustainable practices and designs, estimations, and mechanical systems.
Sustainable Construction | The University of Montana
This is a large public university located in Missoula, MT. The sustainable construction associate degree provides learners with construction and building skills. The program also works closely with professionals in active construction sites. Students learn the basics of construction such as power tools and hand tools, understanding blueprints, and window installation.
Construction Science | The University of Arkansas at the Little Rock
The University of Arkansas is a four-year medium-sized university. The construction science associate degree curriculum has a construction core which is twelve college credits. The course also focuses heavily on business.
Best Online Construction Technology Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
| Dakota County Technical College | AS in Construction Management | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Fox Valley Technical College | AAS in Construction Safety and Technology | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Front Range Community College | AAS in Highway Maintenance Management | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Harrisburg Area Community College | AAS in Building Construction Management | The Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Herkimer College (SUNY) | AS in Quality Assurance | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| Kaskaskia College | AAS in Construction Project Management | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Park University | AS in Construction Management | The Higher Learning Commission |
| San Joaquin Valley College | AS in Construction Management | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| South Dakota State University | AS in Construction Technology | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Washtenaw Community College | AAS in Construction Management | The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) |
Best Colleges for Construction Technology: Top Online Construction Technology Associate’s Degree Programs
If you are looking for flexible and convenient education, online academic programs are among the top education trends today. Continue reading as we look at the best online colleges for you to pursue an associate’s degree in the construction technology field.
AS in Construction Management | Dakota County Technical College
Dakota County Technical College prides itself on offering a construction management program that equips students with exceptional skills to secure various positions across the construction field. Students learn engineering, design, and management, to run construction projects successfully.
AAS in Construction Safety and Technology | Fox Valley Technical College
The Fox Valley online technology program is designed to provide students with the basics of construction safety. The training includes fall protection, material handling, and incident investigation. Students also get exposed to OSHA requirements and industry best practices.
AAS in Highway Maintenance Management | Front Range Community College
Front Range is a reputable college with four locations in Colorado. It offers unique online courses ensuring students are trained in highway management. This four-semester course consists of 60-course credits. It teaches team building, project management, and proper communication.
AAS in Building Construction Management | Harrisburg Area Community College
Harrisburg College strives to offer an all-rounded online associate’s degree that gets its students ready for the construction industry. Students learn estimating, accounting, bidding, sustainability, and design in construction. Other additional topics include site safety and surveying.
AS in Quality Assurance | Herkimer College (SUNY)
Located in New York, Herkimer College offers one of the best online programs in quality assurance in construction. Students learn about quality control and assurance to handle business and technical aspects of construction projects.
AAS in Construction Project Management | Kaskaskia College
Kaskaskia College is known for offering online market-oriented programs. The AAS in Construction Project Management teaches students how to read blueprints and understand building materials. The program also teaches estimation, budgeting, project management, and building information modeling (BIM).
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AS in Construction Management | Park University
Park University is located in Parkville, Missouri. The AS program covers the basics of construction business management. The curriculum includes site safety, scheduling, planning, budgeting, building materials, and legal aspects.
AS in Construction Management | San Joaquin Valley College
The San Joaquin Valley College is located in Hesperia, California. The construction management program takes about 14 months to complete. Graduates can manage commercial or residential projects with ease. Core courses include computer applications, scheduling, bidding, and estimations to ensure projects are on time and within budget.
AS in Construction Technology | South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University is located in Brookings, South Dakota. Through the engineering college, students pursuing construction technology learn the foundations of managing and overseeing construction projects through the use of various computer programs. Students can complete the program with 60 core and elective credits.
AAS in Construction Management| Washtenaw Community College
This online construction management program is for professionals who are part of a building trade union. Students need to complete apprenticeships such as ironworking, pipefitting, or plumbing to be eligible for this program. The program covers budgeting, planning, monitoring, and safety of structures.
What’s the Average Construction Technology Associate Degree Salary?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for a construction technology worker in the US is $58,086. Construction managers are the highest-paid workers. The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates an average income of $97,180 per year for construction managers.
Top Best Construction Technology Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Construction Technology Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
| Construction Manager | $97,180 |
| Cost Estimator | $66,610 |
| Construction and Building Inspectors | $60,710 |
| Civil Engineer Technologists and Technicians | $54,080 |
| Construction Equipment Operator | $49,100 |
Best Construction Technology Associate Degree Jobs Explained
Construction Manager
- Average Salary: $97,180
- Job Outlook: 11%
- Number of Jobs: 448,000
- Highest-Paying States: California, North Carolina, and Florida
A construction manager prepares budgets, cost estimates, and work schedules while interpreting contracts and explaining technical details to other employees. They collaborate with construction specialists such as engineers and architects to ensure projects operate smoothly. They can also coordinate activities, monitor and report progress, and ensure legal and safety compliances are met.
Cost Estimator
- Average Salary: $66,610
- Job Outlook: 1%
- Number of Jobs: 199,400
- Highest-Paying States: California, New York, and Virginia
Cost estimators visit construction sites to collect and analyze. This provides estimations of time, materials, labor, and money required to complete a construction project. They often use software or computer programs to assist them and display their findings.
Construction and Building Inspectors
- Average Salary: $60,710
- Job Outlook: 3%
- Number of Jobs: 14,300
- Highest-Paying States: California, New York, and Texas
Construction and building inspectors assess structures to ensure quality is maintained. They check and approve building codes, specifications, safety measures, and other regulations. They do this using their engineering skills.
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Average Salary: $54,080
- Job Outlook: 2%
- Number of Jobs: 68,800
- Highest-Paying States: California, Illinois, and North Carolina
Civil engineering technologists work with civil engineers to help design, plan, and inspect projects. They are usually based in offices but must regularly visit construction sites to assess materials and inspect projects.
Construction Equipment Operator
- Average Salary: $49,100
- Job Outlook: 5%
- Number of Jobs: 457,200
- Highest-Paying States: California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania
A construction equipment operator operates and maintains heavy machinery used in construction projects. It is a highly-skilled job that is usually learned on the job. It requires a strong knowledge of safety practices.
Construction Technology Bootcamp vs Construction Technology Associate Degree: Which Is Better?
Overall, an associate’s degree will give you a more rounded education and some programs will supply students with basic coding and AI knowledge. Associate degrees will also provide graduates with general construction training which will increase their job prospects.
However, coding is becoming increasingly popular within the construction industry. Professional programmers can adopt machine learning, AI algorithms, big data analysis, and BIM to the field of construction. As such, coding bootcamps can be used to break into construction technology. Let’s further examine what each of these programs can offer.
Benefits of a Construction Technology Associate Degree
- Broad curriculum. Construction technology associate degrees allow you to learn a broader range of subjects related to construction. This gives graduates a better understanding of the construction industry.
- More career opportunities. Bootcamps train you for specific career opportunities, whereas an associate’s degree allows you to pursue a wider range of career paths, such as construction management, carpentry, or construction design.
- Transferable education. An associate’s degree can be used to transfer to four-year colleges and pursue further education such as a bachelor’s degree.
- More time to learn the skills. Associate degrees give you more time to practice and learn via real-world projects. This allows you to better master construction skills, even if you are a slow learner.
- Interact with other students. An associate degree allows you to interact with other students pursuing alternative careers. This allows you to network with business majors or accountants which may benefit you later in your career.
Benefits of a Construction Technology Bootcamp
- Fast-paced. Bootcamps can be completed in about 12 weeks. This is ideal if you are looking to quickly upskill or change careers.
- Intensive and specific. Construction technology bootcamps focus on very specific skills, so you only learn what you need to know.
- More affordable. Construction technology bootcamps are cheaper than associate degrees. It is easier to get a full scholarship for bootcamps.
- Market-led curriculum. In a bootcamp, you’ll be exposed to a curriculum that is particular to the market needs of your field. This allows you to focus on in-demand skills.
- Built-in career services. Bootcamps offer hands-on learning. This means you spend the majority of your time learning on construction sites. Bootcamps also have excellent apprenticeship opportunities in construction companies.
Should You Get an Associate Degree in Construction Technology?
Yes, you should get an associate degree in construction technology if you want to break into this new and in-demand career. Earning an associate degree only takes two years, is relatively cheap, and can be completed online, on-campus, or as a hybrid program.
Furthermore, as technology continues to advance, the world of construction will grow and become more adept. This is a very exciting field to be part of, whether you are coming from the construction industry or the world of technology.
Construction technology associate degrees will teach you about computerized techniques and programs in design, planning, and project management. You’ll also have an opportunity to collaborate with other specialists across various construction trades. With proper career development and planning, you can rise to managerial levels and enjoy a lucrative salary.
Construction Technology Associate Degree FAQ
Construction technology associate degrees can be applied across a wide variety of jobs within the construction industry. For example, you can be a senior construction manager, construction inspector, cost estimator, field engineer, field engineer technician, or even a construction superintendent.
You can earn an associate’s degree in construction technology in numerous colleges across the US. The programs can be online, hybrid, or on-campus. Apart from the colleges mentioned in the article, construction technology associate degrees can also be earned from Penn College and College of the Sequoias.
Apart from working in the construction industry, It is easy to switch careers from the construction field without additional training. You can be a property developer, project manager in the manufacturing field, or even a web developer.
Yes, construction technology is a branch of civil engineering. Graduates learn basic civil engineering principles such as project management, cost analysis, advanced math skills, and communication skills.
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