Traffic Control Technician

Career Guide

A Traffic Control Technician sets up and maintains safe traffic flow around road work, utility work, and special events. The role focuses on placing signs, cones, barriers, and signal devices correctly, guiding drivers and pedestrians, and reducing risk for crews and the public.

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Key Responsibilities

Set up temporary traffic control zones using cones, signs, barrels, and barricades
Install and operate portable traffic signals and warning lights
Direct vehicle and pedestrian movement when required
Inspect traffic control setups and adjust them as conditions change
Follow approved traffic control plans and report issues to supervisors
Maintain equipment, load and unload trucks, and keep work areas organized
Document daily setups, incidents, and equipment needs
Support safe work practices during night work and adverse weather

Top Skills for Success

Safety Awareness

Attention to Detail

Clear Communication

Situational Awareness

Basic Math

Equipment Handling

Temporary Traffic Control Setup

Traffic Control Plan Reading

Work Zone Inspection

Incident Reporting

Customer Service

Knowledge of Local Road Rules

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Construction Laborer

Road Maintenance Worker

Flagger

Warehouse Associate

Delivery Driver

Transition Opportunities

Traffic Control Supervisor

Work Zone Safety Coordinator

Construction Foreman

Field Operations Supervisor

Safety Technician

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Traffic Control Plan ReadingWork Zone InspectionIncident ReportingBasic Computer SkillsConflict De escalation

Development SuggestionsBuild confidence by practicing plan reading with a supervisor, using checklists for setup inspections, and keeping simple daily logs. Add basic computer skills for reporting and scheduling. Ask to shadow a lead technician to learn how to handle driver questions and tense situations calmly.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 35,000 to 45,000

Mid LevelUSD 45,000 to 60,000

Senior LevelUSD 60,000 to 80,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand driven by road construction, utility upgrades, and ongoing maintenance work. Hiring can increase during peak construction seasons and in fast growing regions.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

AWP SafetyTraffic Management IncACME BarricadesAECOMJacobsKiewitGranite ConstructionLocal City Public Works DepartmentsState Department of Transportation ContractorsUtility Contractors

Industry Sectors

Road ConstructionUtility ConstructionInfrastructure MaintenanceTraffic Management ServicesMunicipal ServicesEngineering ServicesEvent Operations

Recommended Next Steps

Get the required traffic control certification for your region

Learn standard work zone setups and practice accurate sign placement

Create a simple checklist for pre shift equipment inspection

Track completed setups and any issues to show reliability during reviews

Ask for opportunities to lead small setups to build supervisor readiness

Maintain a clean driving record and consider obtaining a commercial driver license if common in your area