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.
SOC: 53-6041.00
Common Job Titles
Traffic Control Technician
Traffic Signal Technician (TST)
Traffic Technician
Transportation Technician
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key 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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
