FAQ
Highway Maintenance Worker FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a highway maintenance worker.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a highway maintenance worker: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about highway maintenance workers
Who hires highway maintenance workers?
State DOTs, counties and cities.
Do I need a CDL?
Often.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects about average growth.
How much does a highway maintenance worker make?
The median annual wage for highway maintenance workers was $50,260 ($24.16 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,230 and the highest 10% earned more than $71,970.
How long does it take to become a highway maintenance worker?
Most people need about Months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical; a CDL is often required.
Do you need a degree to be a highway maintenance worker?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is highway maintenance worker a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +3.4% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 11,800 openings each year. Upsides include public sector benefits; a common challenge is that traffic hazards.
What skills does a highway maintenance worker need?
Key technical skills include snowplowing, pavement patching, equipment operation, and work zone setup. Employers also value reliability, safety awareness, and teamwork.
What certifications are available for highway maintenance workers?
Common credentials include CDL, Flagger certification, Chainsaw safety, and Pesticide applicator. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Highway Maintenance Worker fit quiz, compare with Paving Equipment Operator, or explore Highway Maintenance Worker training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-4051 (Highway maintenance workers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Highway maintenance workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.