How to become traffic technicianseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Transportation Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$59,090

25th–75th pct. $46,440–$75,850

Top pay (est.)

$110,700

Top 10% $85,130

Pay in 5 years

$67,400est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$76,900est.

$66,100–$89,300

Outlook score

53/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

61%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+4.0%

900 openings / yr

How to become traffic technicians

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 Traffic Technicians

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

4.0

Active Listening

3.6

Complex Problem Solving

3.6

Systems Analysis

3.5

Critical Thinking

3.5

Operations Analysis

3.4

Speaking

3.4

Systems Evaluation

3.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics

4.5

Customer and Personal Service

4.3

Transportation

4.2

Engineering and Technology

4.2

Mathematics

4.0

Administrative

4.0

Public Safety and Security

3.9

Education and Training

3.9

What the work involves

Processing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing Data or Information

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionInformation OrderingWritten Expression

Education of workers

High school diploma

43%

Some college

23%

Associate's degree

12%

Bachelor's degree

12%

Post-secondary certificate

10%

Training before entry

1–3 months

35%

1–2 years

23%

6–12 months

14%

Up to 1 month

11%

2–4 years

None / short demo

3–6 months

Related work experience

2–4 years

43%

1–2 years

22%

None

17%

4–6 years

3–6 months

6–8 years

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

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

Career path and how to earn more as traffic technicians

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

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).	$58,640	53/100	42%
2	Light Truck Drivers Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver.	$44,860	56/100	35%
3	Driver/Sales Workers Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes or within an established territory and sell or deliver goods, such as food products, including restaurant take-out items, or pick up or deliver items such as commercial laundry.	$38,770	58/100	32%
4	Bus Drivers, School Drive a school bus to transport students.	$47,920	43/100	45%
5	Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis.	$37,290	63/100	37%
6	Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage.	$59,050	57/100	38%

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.