Transportation Engineer

Career Guide

Transportation Engineers plan, design, and improve roads, highways, intersections, transit corridors, and related infrastructure to make travel safer, more reliable, and more sustainable. They balance technical design, public needs, budgets, and regulations while coordinating with planners, contractors, and government agencies.

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Key Responsibilities

Design roadway and intersection layouts
Develop traffic control and work zone plans
Analyze traffic flow and crash patterns
Prepare engineering drawings and technical specifications
Support permitting and regulatory compliance
Estimate project costs and develop schedules
Coordinate with stakeholders and public agencies
Review contractor submittals and respond to field issues
Monitor construction progress and quality
Document decisions and maintain project records

Top Skills for Success

Roadway Design

Traffic Engineering

Geometric Design

Drainage Design

Construction Plan Development

Cost Estimation

Project Management

Stakeholder Communication

Technical Writing

Regulatory Compliance

CAD Drafting

Data Analysis

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Transportation Engineer

Traffic Engineer

Roadway Design Engineer

Civil Engineer

Construction Engineer

Transition Opportunities

Project Manager

Transportation Planning Manager

Traffic Operations Manager

Design Manager

Public Works Engineer

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Signal TimingRoundabout DesignRoad Safety AuditQuantity TakeoffConstruction StagingContract AdministrationField Inspection

Development SuggestionsBuild gaps through a mix of short courses, shadowing on live projects, and taking ownership of one design package from concept to final plans. Ask to join site visits and review meetings to learn constructability and contract processes faster.

Market Intelligence Report

Transportation Engineer is part of the Sales Engineering category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 65,000 to 85,000

Mid LevelUSD 85,000 to 115,000

Senior LevelUSD 115,000 to 155,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, driven by infrastructure funding, roadway safety programs, transit upgrades, and ongoing maintenance needs. Hiring is strongest in public agencies and consulting firms supporting capital improvement programs.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

AECOMJacobsWSPHDRStantecKimley-HornBurns and McDonnellAtkinsRealisArcadisHNTB

Industry Sectors

Engineering ConsultingState Transportation AgenciesCity and County Public WorksTransit AgenciesConstruction and Design BuildReal Estate DevelopmentAirports and Port Authorities

Recommended Next Steps

Create a portfolio of two to four transportation plan sets or design exhibits with clear before and after impacts

Strengthen one core software skill used by your target employers and document it with sample deliverables

Pursue Engineer in Training status if applicable and map a plan toward Professional Engineer licensure

Request responsibilities on cost estimates, schedules, and stakeholder meetings to build project leadership experience

Join a local transportation professional group and attend one technical talk per month to expand your network