How To Become A Structures Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a structures technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A structures technician plays a vital role in the design of various types of buildings. Their job is to design construction plans of building projects to ensure that the structure is safe and is in line with the specifications of the client. More than that, their secondary duties include creating models for the design plan, selecting appropriate construction materials, and obtaining regulatory approvals.

Structures technicians work closely with engineers, architects, and other members of the design team. They use CAD software and computer modeling programs to develop building ideas and determine how their design plans will react to various natural conditions. They may also be responsible for inspecting buildings for structural integrity, as well as providing structure design advice as needed.

When hiring a structures technician, most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's or associate's degree in civil engineering or structural engineering. To increase chances of job placement, one can complete a structural engineering apprenticeship program from an accredited school.

Apart from engineering skills, a structures technician must be well-versed in design software, different types of construction materials, and planning and design requirements (as mandated by law).

The average salary for this role is $52,000 annually. One can increase their earning potential with apprenticeships, additional training, work experience, and specialized skills.

ScoreStructures TechnicianUS Average

Salary

4.6

Avg. Salary $58,608

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.8

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.62%

Asian 6.77%

Black or African American 9.10%

Hispanic or Latino 23.27%

Unknown 5.05%

White 55.19%

Gender

female 7.79%

male 92.21%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.2

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a structures technician

Explore structures technician education requirements

Most common structures technician degrees

Bachelor's

38.0 %

Associate

36.6 %

High School Diploma

9.4 %

Start to develop specific structures technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Hand Tools	21.15%
Engineering Drawings	10.51%
Revit	9.61%
Troubleshoot	9.44%
FAA	7.32%

Complete relevant structures technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New structures technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a structures technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real structures technician resumes.

Research structures technician duties and responsibilities

Remove, replace, repair, engines, rotor-heads, blades, gearboxes, and landing gear components.
Operate CNC and conventional metal brakes to bend and shape metal.
Work with engineering to modify structural changes and conformity to FAA regulations.
Appoint FOD program manager and implement new procedures to maintain a FOD free environment.

Prepare your structures technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your structures technician resume.

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