Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Highway Maintenance Worker
What highway maintenance workers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a highway maintenance worker?
Get called in for snow. From there, the day usually includes patch pavement, plow snow, and spread salt. Full time, with call-ins for storms and emergencies.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a highway maintenance worker working full time.
- Get called in for snow.
- Pre-trip the plow.
- Plow the route.
- Reload salt.
- Patch potholes.
- Replace a sign.
- Clean equipment.
Where highway maintenance workers work
Workers are outdoors on roads in all weather.
Hours and schedule
Full time, with call-ins for storms and emergencies.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Patch pavement
- Plow snow
- Spread salt
- Mow and clear brush
- Repair guardrails
- Maintain signs
- Set up work zones
Tools you’ll use every day
- Plow trucks
- Dump trucks
- Asphalt patchers
- Mowers
- Chainsaws
- Signs and cones
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Public sector benefits
- Steady jobs
- Variety of tasks
- No degree needed
What’s hard
- Traffic hazards
- Storm call-ins
- Weather
- Physical work
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like outdoor work
- I like driving equipment
- I don’t mind storms
- I want public benefits
- I like variety
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Highway Maintenance Worker fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear high-visibility gear
- Set proper work zones
- Watch traffic
- Follow chainsaw safety