Traffic Technicians

Career summary

#No WOIS alt titles

Traffic technicians work with traffic engineers to create safe roads. They gather and analyze information about traffic conditions. They study accident-prone areas and attempt to determine what makes them dangerous.

To learn more about traffic patterns, technicians set up counters to find out how many vehicles use the road or intersection during the day. They may use radar to learn how fast cars travel at a site. They occasionally videotape intersections to learn how many drivers go through red lights. They observe the site at different times of the day. They time the delay at traffic signals.

Technicians gather information from people who have been in accidents at specific intersections. They find out how the accident occurred.

Traffic technicians analyze data they gather. They find sites that have a similar design, but low accident rates. They evaluate the similarities and differences between the sites. They make decisions about what changes could be made to improve the area.

Technicians write up their recommendations and include the traffic statistics they gathered. They may suggest changing:

• Traffic signal timing
• Speed limits
• Traffic patterns

Traffic technicians in larger cities work in traffic control centers. They improve highways for commuters and for moving products to market. Technicians in rural areas may work to create safety corridors or reduce speed limits in areas where there are high risk factors. All traffic technicians work closely with traffic engineers who supervise their work.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Construction and Building Inspectors
• Cost Estimators
• Energy Auditors
• Engineering Technicians
• Fire Investigators
• Surveying and Mapping Technicians
• Transportation Inspectors

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to traffic technicians.

• Conduct studies of traffic conditions.
• Observe lighting, visibility of signs and pavement markings, traffic signals, and width of streets.
• Analyze the number of vehicles on roads. Consider the road size.
• Interview motorists where congestion exists or where accidents occur on a regular basis.
• Determine average speed of vehicles, using timing devices or radar equipment.
• Time the delay at traffic signals.
• Draw graphs, charts, and diagrams to illustrate research findings.
• Compute mathematical factors for adjusting timing of traffic signals and speed restrictions.
• Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices.
• Recommend changes in traffic control devices and regulations to supervisors. Prepare work orders for repairs.
• Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints, and provide information on new changes.

Common work activities

Traffic technicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Use computers
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Process information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Document and record information
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Analyze data or information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Evaluate information against standards
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Perform for or work with the public
• Handle and move objects
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Control machines and processes
• Schedule work and activities
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Think creatively

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, traffic technicians:

Interpersonal relationships

• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis.
• Have a medium level of social contact.
• Often work as part of a team.
• Are often placed in conflict situations in which people might be rude or angry.
• Are responsible for the work done by others.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of drivers and pedestrians.

Physical work conditions

• Mostly work indoors, but do spend time outdoors testing traffic lights.
• Often wear protective attire, like hard hats.
• Are often exposed to traffic noises that might be distracting or uncomfortable.
• Travel to and from work sites in an enclosed vehicle, such as a car or van.
• May be exposed to very hot or very cold outdoor temperatures.
• May share office space with other technicians.
• Occasionally are exposed to contaminants, such as gas fumes and exhaust.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. Design errors could contribute to accidents.
• May repeat the same physical and mental tasks.
• Make decisions that strongly impact area residents and their employer's reputation. They often act without consulting a supervisor, but not always.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
• Must abide by weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work full time.
• May travel to different locations in the city or state to check traffic conditions.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Traffic technicians frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for traffic technicians to be able to:

• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for traffic technicians to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.

Skills and abilities

Traffic technicians need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Civil Engineering Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Applied Mathematics
• Civil Engineering
• Community and Regional Planning
• Engineering Technology, General
• Statistics

Training

To work as a traffic technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some traffic technicians prepare by attending formal training programs. They may earn an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in planning or civil engineering. Other useful programs include math, computers, and engineering technology.

In a typical four-year program, courses include math, basic science, introductory engineering, and social science. These courses may cover soil mechanics, fluid mechanics, and structural mechanics. You also study engineering materials and environmental engineering.

Work experience

It's a good idea to get an internship during college. This allows you to learn specific skills related to the work. It also helps you build connections within the traffic operations community. These connections are helpful when searching for a job.

On-the-job training

Most traffic technicians learn on the job. Once hired, you work with an experienced technician or engineer who teaches you the skills needed to do the job. This lasts up to a year.

Technology is always changing in this field. Continuing education is important to keep you up to date on the latest in traffic software and equipment.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Engineers use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Calculus and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Computer Applications
• Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
• Computer Science
• Drafting

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire traffic technicians who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers require two years of experience or an associate degree.

Employers look for technicians who have good communication skills. Since they interview the public, technicians must be good at asking questions and listening. Technicians also must be able to convey their findings in reports to their supervisors.

Costs to workers

Most workers belong to the United Transportation Union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Traffic Technicians 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Since most traffic technicians work for government agencies, their wages usually increase with their level of experience.

Typically, government agencies provide benefits to their full-time employees. These benefits usually include medical insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Traffic technician jobs are located throughout the nation. However, most positions are in larger cities that have problems with traffic congestion and accidents.

Major employers:

• Local and state government agencies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is steady, however it is a very small occupation and very few new jobs will be created. As cities and suburban areas continue to grow, the need for traffic technicians will increase. Most of these workers are government employees. If government budgets are cut, some technicians may lose their jobs.

Job openings occur as people retire of leave the occupation for other reasons.

Other resources

International Municipal Signal Association 
597 Haverty Court, Suite 100
Rockledge, FL 32955
800.723.4672
321.392.0500

Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Union 
1750 New York Avenue NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20006
800.457.7694
202.662.0800

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Traffic Technicians (53-6041.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Traffic Technician (199.267-030) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Investigative/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled