Maintain highways, municipal and rural roads, airport runways, and rights-of-way. Duties include patching broken or eroded pavement and repairing guard rails, highway markers, and snow fences. May also mow or clear brush from along road, or plow snow from roadway.
SOC: 47-4051.00
Common Job Titles
Equipment Operator (EO)
Highway Maintainer
Highway Maintenance Worker
Transportation Maintenance Specialist (TMS)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate heavy equipment including dump trucks, graders, and snowplows on highways and municipal roads under varying weather conditions.
Proficient
KnowledgeOrganize daily maintenance tasks and crew activities prioritizing emergency repairs and seasonal operations independently.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess road surface conditions and drainage systems to determine appropriate repair methods and material requirements.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute winter maintenance operations including snow plowing and ice control operating spreaders and snowplows under time pressure and adverse weather.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute pavement patching and repair procedures using asphalt equipment and compactors following safety protocols.
Developing
KnowledgeIdentify roadway hazards and maintenance needs through routine inspections of highways, bridges, and right-of-way structures.
Developing
MindsetEngage with motorists and the public while performing maintenance work in high-traffic areas, ensuring safety and service quality.
Developing
KnowledgeApply public safety and traffic control procedures when establishing work zones on active roadways.
Developing
Hands-onPerform vegetation management activities including mowing, brush clearing, and herbicide application using tractor-mounted equipment and manual tools along road rights-of-way.
Developing
MindsetSupport team coordination and communication when working with crew members and supervisors using two-way radios in the field.
Developing
Hands-onOperate pavement striping and marking equipment applying thermoplastic and paint materials to roadways following regulatory standards.
Developing
KnowledgeApply mechanical knowledge for equipment troubleshooting and basic repairs maintaining operational readiness of highway maintenance vehicles and tools.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Highway Maintenance Workers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
151,750
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $35,030. 25th percentile: U.S. $41,540. 50th percentile: U.S. $49,070. 75th percentile: U.S. $59,600. 90th percentile: U.S. $69,210. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$35,030
10% of workers earn the following or more
$69,210
Workers on average earn
$51,410
+ 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 Security4.2/5
English Language3.5/5
Transportation3.3/5
Building and Construction3.2/5
Education and Training3.0/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
