Traffic technicians
SOC Code: 53-6041Also known as:
Collection Technician, Field Traffic Investigator, Highway Traffic Control Technician, Pavement Engineer, Permit Technician
Median Annual Salary
$58,480
+3.7% growth (2024-2034)
800
Openings/Year
8K
Current Jobs
What Traffic technicians Do
Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.
💰 Salary
$58,480
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.7%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
800
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
7,900
Projected Employment (2034)
8,200
Related Careers
Civil engineering technologists and technicians
$64,200 •
+2.1% growth
Construction and building inspectors
$72,120 •
-0.8% growth
Highway maintenance workers
$49,070 •
+3.0% growth
Air traffic controllers
$144,580 •
+1.2% growth
Railroad conductors and yardmasters
$74,080 •
+1.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.
- Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.
- Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.
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 Traffic technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a traffic technicians:
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
1,132 degrees awarded •
118 colleges offer this program
Transportation and Infrastructure Planning/Studies
18 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Traffic technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become traffic technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do traffic technicians make?
The median annual salary for traffic technicians is $58,480.
What education do traffic technicians need?
Most traffic technicians positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Transportation and Infrastructure Planning/Studies.
Is becoming traffic technicians a good career choice?
Traffic technicians is projected to see +3.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for traffic technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring traffic technicians include
University of Southern California, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, State Technical College of Missouri, Farmingdale State College, Murray State University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to traffic technicians?
Traffic technicians may also be known as: Collection Technician, Field Traffic Investigator, Highway Traffic Control Technician, Pavement Engineer, Permit Technician, Radar Signal Processing Engineers, Sign Technician, Street Light Technician, Survey Field Technician, Traffic Analyst, Traffic Control Laborer, Traffic Control Specialist, Traffic Control Technician, Traffic Engineering Technician, Traffic Investigator, Traffic Management Specialist, Traffic Monitor Specialist, Traffic Signal Technician (TST), Traffic Specialist, Traffic Survey Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.