Traffic Technicians

SOC code 53-6041 · O*NET-SOC 53-6041.00 · Medium preparation needed · Transportation

Traffic Technicians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$59,090

a year

Hourly

$28.41

per hour

10th$39,090Median$59,09090th$85,130

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$62,050

$29.83 per hour

Middle 50%

$46,440 – $75,850

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$39,090 – $85,130

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

7,860

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $39,090; $18.79/hr
25th percentile: $46,440; $22.33/hr
Median percentile: $59,090; $28.41/hr
75th percentile: $75,850; $36.47/hr
90th percentile: $85,130; $40.93/hr

What does a traffic technician do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.
Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.
Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.
Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.
Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.
Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.
Visit development or work sites to determine projects' effect on traffic and the adequacy of traffic control and safety plans or to suggest traffic control measures.
Operate counters and record data to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic at specified times.

How to become a traffic technician

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 43% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: 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.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)43%
Some College Courses23%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree12%
Bachelor's Degree12%

Common questions

How much does a traffic technician earn?

The national median is $59,090 a year. The full range runs from $39,090 at the 10th percentile to $85,130 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a traffic technician without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.6/5
Reading Comprehension3.3/5
Speaking3.3/5
Critical Thinking3.3/5
Writing3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5
Active Learning3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Public Safety and Security3.9/5
Computers and Electronics3.9/5
Transportation3.9/5
English Language3.6/5
Engineering and Technology3.5/5
Law and Government3.3/5
Mathematics3.3/5
Customer and Personal Service3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness.