Traffic technicians
SOC Code: 53-6041
Traffic technicians carries a 51% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $58,480 and +3.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 7,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Traffic technicians (SOC 53-6041) carries an AI exposure score of 51%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 7,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.7% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $58,480, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Traffic technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.
- 2. Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.
- 3. Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.
- 4. Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.
- 5. Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.
- 6. Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.
- 7. Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input.
- 8. Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.
- 9. Lay out pavement markings for striping crews.
- 10. Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians or laborers.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Transportation
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Law and Government
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Traffic technicians?
Traffic technicians has an AI exposure score of 51%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Traffic technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Traffic technicians is projected to grow by 3.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 7,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Traffic technicians?
Key skills for Traffic technicians include Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Traffic technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Traffic technicians is $58,480, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Traffic technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Traffic technicians is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Traffic technicians?
Traffic technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).