Career Overview
Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such places as streets, schools, railroad crossings, or construction sites.
Also Known As
- Adult Crossing Guard
- Community Service Officer
- Crossing Guard
- School Crossing Guard
Alternate Job Titles
- Adult Crossing Guard
- Campus Supervisor
- Community Service Officer
- Construction Site Crossing Guard
- Crossing Flagman
- Crossing Gateman
- Crossing Guard
- Crossing Tender
- Crossing Watchman
- Draw Tender
- Flagger
- Flagman
- Freight Flagman
- Gate Operator
- Guard
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Direct or escort pedestrians across streets, stopping traffic, as necessary.
- Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such places as street and railroad crossings and construction sites.
- Monitor traffic flow to locate safe gaps through which pedestrians can cross streets.
- Communicate traffic and crossing rules and other information to students and adults.
- Direct traffic movement or warn of hazards, using signs, flags, lanterns, and hand signals.
- Report unsafe behavior of children to school officials.
- Record license numbers of vehicles disregarding traffic signals, and report infractions to appropriate authorities.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Public Safety and Security
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Expression
- Far Vision
- Selective Attention
- Speech Clarity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Speech Recognition
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Independence
- Recognition
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Computer data input scanners
- Computer laser printers
- Copy machines
- Digital video cameras
- Handheld calculators
- Laser facsimile machines
- Mobile radios
- Personal computers
- Reflective gloves
- Reflective vests
- Smart phones
- Stop sign paddles
- Traffic cones
- Warning flags
- Warning whistles
Work Environment
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Spend Time Standing
- Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Exposed to Contaminants
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $29,940 |
| Median | $37,700 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $61,440 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 90,180
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Transit and Railroad Police
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $82,320
Subway and Streetcar Operators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $84,830
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $74,080
Security Guards
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $38,370
Parking Enforcement Workers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $47,150
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.