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.
Common Job Titles
- Traffic Control Technician
- Traffic Signal Technician (TST)
- Traffic Technician
- Transportation Technician
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate roadway lighting adequacy and traffic signal timing in field studies to determine compliance with public safety standards.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess traffic control device placement and functionality through on-site inspections and compliance evaluations against engineering standards.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate traffic monitoring equipment including radar guns, pneumatic counters, and data collectors in field environments to gather traffic volume and speed data under supervision of traffic engineers.Developing
- KnowledgeAnalyze traffic flow data and signal effectiveness metrics using statistical software and GIS systems to identify patterns and safety concerns.Developing
- Hands-onExecute field traffic studies and vehicle counts at multiple locations under varying conditions following established protocols.Developing
- KnowledgeApply CAD software and GIS mapping tools to create technical drawings and spatial analyses of traffic patterns and infrastructure.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret traffic engineering data and transportation regulations to prepare technical reports and recommendations for engineers and public stakeholders.Developing
- KnowledgeCalculate traffic volume metrics, speed distributions, and safety indices using mathematical and statistical methods to support traffic engineering decisions.Developing
- MindsetEngage with public stakeholders and interdisciplinary teams when communicating traffic study findings and addressing community concerns.Developing
- Hands-onManipulate digital data collection systems and imaging equipment to document traffic conditions and infrastructure characteristics in real-time.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Traffic Technicians (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
7,580
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $38,060. 25th percentile: U.S. $46,690. 50th percentile: U.S. $58,480. 75th percentile: U.S. $74,480. 90th percentile: U.S. $85,810. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $38,060 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $85,810 |
| Workers on average earn | $61,310 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Public Safety and Security3.9/5
- Transportation3.9/5
- Computers and Electronics3.9/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Engineering and Technology3.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Bentley MicroStation
- C++
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Database
- Python
- R
- SAS
- Salesforce software
- Tableau
- The MathWorks MATLAB
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
- Dowling Associates TRAFFIX
- ESRI ArcView
- Geographic information system GIS systems
- JAMAR Technologies PETRAPro
- Pd' Programming Intersection Magic
- Structure query language SQL
- Traffic control software
Tools & Equipment
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Data collectors
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Digital plotters
- Drafting instruments
- Dynamic message signs
- Electric timing devices