Career Explorer Transport and logistics
Human edge, growing
Traffic technicians
Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.
In the middle of the pack: more resilient than 56% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is moderate (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it high), and US jobs are projected to change by +4.0% by 2035, faster than average.
AI struggles with much of this work, and US employers are expected to hire more people into it than average.
- Median pay (2025)
- $59,090
- Job growth to 2035
- +4.0%
- Openings a year
- 900
- People doing it (2025)
- 8,100
- Usual route in
- High school diploma, then moderate on-the-job training
Where people already use AI for this work
- Provide information to guests, clients, or customers
- Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance
- Compile records, documentation, or other data
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Analyze data to improve operations
- Maintain operational records
- Monitor traffic conditions
What the work looks like
- Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.
- Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.
- Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.
- Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.
- Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
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Also known as: Traffic Control Technician (Traffic Control Tech), Traffic Signal Technician (TST), Traffic Systems Technician (Traffic Systems Tech), Transportation Technician (Transportation Tech), Field Traffic Investigator, Traffic Field Investigator, Traffic Investigator, Traffic Monitor Specialist.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.