Highway maintenance workers
SOC Code: 47-4051Also known as:
Asphalt Raker, Caltrans Equipment Operator, Certified Flagger, Construction Flagger, Equipment Operator (EO)
Median Annual Salary
$49,070
+3.0% growth (2024-2034)
12K
Openings/Year
159K
Current Jobs
What Highway maintenance workers Do
Maintain highways, municipal and rural roads, airport runways, and rights-of-way. Duties include patching broken or eroded pavement and repairing guard rails, highway markers, and snow fences. May also mow or clear brush from along road, or plow snow from roadway.
💰 Salary
$49,070
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.0%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
12K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
159,100
Projected Employment (2034)
163,900
Related Careers
Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
$51,650 •
+3.2% growth
Pile driver operators
$70,510 •
+4.3% growth
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
$58,710 •
+3.6% growth
Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators
$67,370 •
+1.6% growth
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
$49,140 •
+7.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Monitoring
Coordination
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Set out signs and cones around work areas to divert traffic.
- Flag motorists to warn them of obstacles or repair work ahead.
- Perform preventative maintenance on vehicles and heavy equipment.
- Drive trucks to transport crews and equipment to work sites.
- Erect, install, or repair guardrails, road shoulders, berms, highway markers, warning signals, and highway lighting, using hand tools and power tools.
- Clean and clear debris from culverts, catch basins, drop inlets, ditches, and other drain structures.
- Drive heavy equipment and vehicles with adjustable attachments to sweep debris from paved surfaces, mow grass and weeds, remove snow and ice, and spread salt and sand.
- Haul and spread sand, gravel, and clay to fill washouts and repair road shoulders.
- Inspect, clean, and repair drainage systems, bridges, tunnels, and other structures.
- Remove litter and debris from roadways, including debris from rock and mud slides.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Highway maintenance workers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a highway maintenance workers:
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
1,131 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Highway maintenance workers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become highway maintenance workers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do highway maintenance workers make?
The median annual salary for highway maintenance workers is $49,070.
What education do highway maintenance workers need?
Most highway maintenance workers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.
Is becoming highway maintenance workers a good career choice?
Highway maintenance workers is projected to see +3.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 12,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for highway maintenance workers?
Top colleges for aspiring highway maintenance workers include
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Pontotoc Technology Center, Buckeye Joint Vocational School.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to highway maintenance workers?
Highway maintenance workers may also be known as: Asphalt Raker, Caltrans Equipment Operator, Certified Flagger, Construction Flagger, Equipment Operator (EO), Flagger, Highway Maintainer, Highway Maintenance Crew Worker, Highway Maintenance Technician, Highway Maintenance Worker, Highway Technician (Highway Tech), Highway Worker, Hot Oiler, Lane Marker Installer, Maintenance Repairer, Maintenance Technician, Maintenance Worker, Material Handler, Materials Handling Equipment Operator, Oil Spreader Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.