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How to become highway maintenance workerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$50,260
25th–75th pct. $43,500–$61,040
Top pay (est.)
$93,600
Top 10% $71,970
Pay in 5 years
$59,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$69,200est.
$59,500–$80,300
Outlook score
52/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
13%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+3.4%
12K openings / yr

How to become highway maintenance workers

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Highway Maintenance Workers

Key skills

Coordination
3.5
Operation and Control
3.1
Operations Monitoring
3.0
Quality Control Analysis
2.9
Active Listening
2.9
Complex Problem Solving
2.8
Troubleshooting
2.8
Reading Comprehension
2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Public Safety and Security
4.4
Customer and Personal Service
4.4
Mechanical
4.2
Engineering and Technology
3.7
English Language
3.5
Building and Construction
3.5
Transportation
3.3
Production and Processing
3.2

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentControlling Machines and ProcessesAssisting and Caring for Others

Important abilities

Multilimb CoordinationControl PrecisionStatic StrengthOral ComprehensionTrunk StrengthAuditory Attention

Education of workers

High school diploma
88%
Less than high school
5%
Associate's degree
5%
Post-secondary certificate
1%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
32%
1–2 years
25%
1–3 months
20%
3–6 months
16%
6–12 months
5%
None / short demo
1%

Related work experience

6–12 months
42%
2–4 years
25%
1–2 years
16%
None
16%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as highway maintenance workers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.