Occupation · SOC 53-6041
Traffic Technicians
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.
Median wage
$58,480
$38,060–$85,810
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
7,580
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
55 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionSpeakingWritingMonitoring
Knowledge areas
Public Safety and SecurityComputers and ElectronicsTransportationEnglish LanguageEngineering and Technology
Technology & tools
Computer aided design CAD softwareObject or component oriented development softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareGeographic information systemData base user interface and query software
Representative tasks
Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.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.Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.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.Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input.Lay out pavement markings for striping crews.Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians or laborers.Operate counters and record data to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic at specified times.Place and secure automatic counters, using power tools, and retrieve counters after counting periods end.Review traffic control or barricade plans to issue permits for parades or other special events or for construction work that affects rights of way, providing assistance with plan preparation or revision, as necessary.Time stoplights or other delays, using stopwatches.Maintain or make minor adjustments or field repairs to equipment used in surveys, including the replacement of parts on traffic data gathering devices.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.Establish procedures for street closures or for repair or construction projects.Provide traffic information, such as road conditions, to the public.Monitor street or utility projects for compliance to traffic control permit conditions.Develop plans or long-range strategies for providing adequate parking space.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Traffic delay observations — record times, vehicle counts, and speeds through congestion zones under direct supervisor guidance at assigned field sites.Basic traffic data — collect and log volume counts using manual tallies or portable counters on low-volume roadways under close supervision.Public inquiries — respond to routine traffic-related questions from residents using established scripts and approved department FAQs.Traffic control devices — identify and categorize signs, signals, and markings in the field by following standard inspection checklists.Spreadsheet software — enter field-collected traffic data into pre-formatted templates under the direction of a senior technician.Traffic ordinances — read and summarize applicable local traffic regulations with guidance from a supervising technician or engineer.Simple graphs and charts — produce basic bar and line charts from provided datasets using office suite or spreadsheet software.Field equipment — set up and retrieve portable traffic counters and speed-monitoring devices following step-by-step operating procedures.Complaint intake — document public complaints about traffic conditions accurately using department-provided forms and reporting systems.Safety protocols — follow personal protective equipment requirements and work-zone safety rules during all field data collection activities.
developing
Traffic delay studies — conduct timed delay observations independently, noting vehicle counts and speeds and compiling results into structured field reports.Speed and volume data — analyze collected traffic measurements to identify recurring congestion patterns on familiar corridor types with limited oversight.Public interaction — address moderately complex traffic-related complaints and requests by referencing ordinances, departmental policies, and prior case records.CAD and GIS software — draft basic traffic layout diagrams and plot study locations on geographic information system platforms for routine projects.Data visualizations — prepare clear graphs, charts, and diagrams that illustrate field observations and support engineering staff recommendations.Intersection counts — plan and execute turning-movement count studies at standard signalized intersections using approved counting software and equipment.Database queries — retrieve and organize historical traffic count records from department databases to support trend analysis and reporting.Traffic signal timing — review existing signal timing plans and flag apparent inefficiencies for engineer review using monitoring data and observation notes.Written reports — draft factual, well-organized field study summaries and technical memos suitable for internal department distribution.Work-zone coordination — coordinate with field crew members to set up temporary traffic control measures in accordance with approved traffic control plans.
proficient
Comprehensive delay studies — independently design and execute multi-location traffic delay studies, synthesizing speed, volume, and time data into actionable engineering reports.Complex problem resolution — diagnose non-routine traffic flow problems at high-volume intersections by applying critical thinking and inductive reasoning to field and historical data.Public and stakeholder communication — lead public-facing meetings and one-on-one discussions to explain traffic control policies, study findings, and planned improvements to diverse audiences.Advanced data analysis — use analytical or scientific software and GIS platforms to model traffic patterns, evaluate system performance, and support corridor-level recommendations.Technical graphics production — produce professional-grade diagrams, signal timing sheets, and traffic flow charts that meet departmental and engineering submission standards.Systems evaluation — assess the effectiveness of existing traffic control configurations across an entire corridor or district, identifying systemic deficiencies and improvement priorities.Legal and regulatory application — interpret and apply traffic law, government standards, and safety codes to field conditions, recommending compliant solutions without engineer prompting.Presentation development — create and deliver data-driven presentations using presentation software to communicate study results to department leadership and partner agencies.Multi-project time management — manage simultaneous field study assignments across multiple sites, independently scheduling resources and meeting established deadlines.Mentorship of junior staff — guide emerging technicians through field data collection procedures, equipment operation, and report writing in day-to-day work settings.
advanced
Program-level traffic monitoring — establish and oversee citywide or district-wide traffic data collection programs, setting standards, schedules, and quality benchmarks for all technician teams.Policy and procedure development — author and revise departmental traffic study protocols, public interaction guidelines, and technical reporting standards adopted across the organization.Workforce development — design and deliver formal training curricula for traffic technician staff, aligning skill-building activities with current O*NET competencies and industry best practices.Strategic systems analysis — lead comprehensive evaluations of the transportation network to identify systemic performance gaps and provide evidence-based recommendations to executive leadership.Interagency coordination — represent the department in cross-agency working groups, negotiating shared traffic management strategies with law enforcement, public works, and transit partners.Capital project support — provide authoritative technical guidance on traffic impact analyses for major infrastructure or development projects, influencing design decisions at the planning stage.Advanced technology integration — evaluate and direct the adoption of emerging traffic monitoring technologies—drones, connected-vehicle data, adaptive signal systems—into departmental operations.Personnel resource management — allocate technician assignments, manage workload distribution, and conduct performance evaluations to sustain a high-functioning traffic operations unit.Public safety leadership — develop department-wide incident response protocols for traffic emergencies, coordinating with public safety agencies and ensuring compliance with applicable law.Organizational reporting and advocacy — prepare executive-level briefings, board presentations, and legislative testimony that translate complex traffic data into clear policy recommendations.
Also known as
29 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Safety Inspector (Navy B22A)Transportation AnalystTraffic Survey TechnicianTraffic Control SpecialistTraffic Management SpecialistSign TechnicianTransportation Planning TechnicianStreet Light TechnicianCollection TechnicianPermit TechnicianTraffic TechnicianTraffic Monitor SpecialistTraffic Signal InstallerRadar Signal Processing EngineersField Traffic InvestigatorTraffic Control LaborerSurvey Field TechnicianTraffic AnalystPavement EngineerHighway Traffic Control TechnicianTraffic Control TechnicianTraffic CoordinatorTraffic Signal Technician (TST)Transportation TechnicianTransportation Operations Specialist (Transportation Ops Specialist)Traffic Engineering TechnicianTraffic SpecialistTraffic Management and Collision Investigator (Marine Corps 5813)Traffic Investigator