Career Overview
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 Known As
- Traffic Control Technician
- Traffic Signal Technician (TST)
- Traffic Technician
- Transportation Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- 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 Coordinator
- Traffic Engineering Technician
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Transportation
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
- Near Vision
- Far Vision
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Stress Tolerance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Independence
- Relationships
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Bentley MicroStation
- C++
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
Tools & Equipment
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Data collectors
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Digital plotters
- Drafting instruments
- Dynamic message signs
- Electric timing devices
- Notebook computers
- Pavement cutting saws
- Personal computers
- Pneumatic traffic counters
- Portable two way radios
- Portable weight scales
- Radar guns
Work Environment
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $38,060 |
| Median | $58,480 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $85,810 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 7,580
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $64,200
Construction and Building Inspectors
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $72,120
Air Traffic Controllers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $144,580
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $74,080
Highway Maintenance Workers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,070
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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.