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.
Also called: Field Traffic Investigator, Highway Traffic Control Technician (Highway Traffic Control Tech), Permit Technician (Permit Tech), Street Light Technician (Street Light Tech), Traffic Control Technician (Traffic Control Tech), Traffic Field Investigator
Median pay
$59,090
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$39,090 – $85,130
People employed
7,860
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 2.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 3.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 4.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 5.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 6.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Tight deadlines are common
Traffic Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (36 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What traffic technicians do
- 01Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.
- 02Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.
- 03Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.
- 04Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.
- 05Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.
- 06Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from traffic technicians
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians91% · +10%
- Construction and Building Inspectors88% · +26%
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians84% · −8%
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers84% · +81%
- Air Traffic Controllers82% · +151%
Change into traffic technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians81% · $64,950
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians81% · $54,240
- Transportation Engineers80% · $100,840
- Airfield Operations Specialists78% · $56,850
- Geodetic Surveyors78% · $75,440
Majors that lead here
- Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Transportation and Infrastructure Planning/Studies
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.