Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Traffic Technician
What traffic technicians 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 traffic technician?
Set up tube counters. From there, the day usually includes count traffic, study speeds, and time signals. Full-time daytime hours, with some night work.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a traffic technician working full time.
- Set up tube counters.
- Watch a busy intersection.
- Check a signal timing plan.
- Inspect signs.
- Enter count data.
- Review crash reports.
- Pick up counters.
Where traffic technicians work
Technicians work in the field and in city or state offices.
Hours and schedule
Full-time daytime hours, with some night work.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Count traffic
- Study speeds
- Time signals
- Inspect signs and markings
- Set up counters
- Analyze data
- Support engineers
Tools you’ll use every day
- Tube counters
- Traffic cameras
- Radar guns
- Signal controllers
- GIS software
- Spreadsheets
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Public sector benefits
- Mix of field and office
- Improve safety
- No degree needed
What’s hard
- Traffic hazards
- Weather
- Repetitive counts
- Budget limits
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like data
- I like improving safety
- I like field work
- I like public service
- I’m detail-oriented
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Traffic Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear high-visibility gear
- Set up work zones
- Watch traffic
- Follow MUTCD