How much does a traffic technician make?

The median pay is $28.41 per hour — roughly $59,000 a year, with the real range running from about $18.79/hr (10th percentile) to $40.93/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a traffic technician?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a traffic technician actually do all day?

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.

Transportation

Traffic Technicians

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.

What it pays
Traffic Technicians earn a median of $28.41/hr — about $59,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $18.79/hr; the top 10% earn $40.93/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

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.
Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.
Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.
Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; much of the day is spent working solo; time pressure is a real part of the job. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 1.1% of traffic technicians are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, organized and detail-focused and analytical.

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Quick questions

How much does a traffic technician make?: The median pay is $28.41 per hour — roughly $59,000 a year, with the real range running from about $18.79/hr (10th percentile) to $40.93/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a traffic technician?: The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
What does a traffic technician actually do all day?: 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.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.