FAQ
Traffic Technician FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a traffic technician.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a traffic technician: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about traffic technicians
Who hires traffic technicians?
Cities, counties, states and engineering firms.
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects about average growth.
How much does a traffic technician make?
The median annual wage for traffic technicians was $59,090 ($28.41 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $39,090 and the highest 10% earned more than $85,130.
How long does it take to become a traffic technician?
Most people need about Several months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical; engineering technology courses help.
Do you need a degree to be a traffic technician?
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 traffic technician a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +4.0% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 900 openings each year. Upsides include public sector benefits; a common challenge is that traffic hazards.
What skills does a traffic technician need?
Key technical skills include traffic counting, signal timing, data analysis, and mutcd standards. Employers also value attention to detail, communication, and safety awareness.
What certifications are available for traffic technicians?
Common credentials include IMSA Traffic Signal Technician, ITE training, Work zone safety, and GIS certificate. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Traffic Technician fit quiz, compare with Civil Engineering Technician, or explore Traffic Technician training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-6041 (Traffic technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Traffic technicians (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.