Traffic Technicians in California
Thinking about a career as a Traffic Technicians in California? Below are the key facts. 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.
What do Traffic Technicians Make in California?
The traffic technicians working in California, the typical annual salary is $80,570 per year (or about $38.74/hour).Pay can range from $53,040 at the 10th percentile to $97,990 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $53,040 | $25.50 |
| 25th percentile | $58,160 | $27.96 |
| Median (50th) | $80,570 | $38.74 |
| 75th percentile | $84,760 | $40.75 |
| 90th percentile | $97,990 | $47.11 |
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, traffic technicians earn a median of $64,132 per year ($30.83/hour), above the California median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 699,655 traffic technicians in the U.S..
Top California Metros for Traffic Technicians
These are the California metros with the most traffic technicians in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 340 | $78,020 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 230 | $83,570 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 100 | $95,310 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 90 | $59,280 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 90 | $82,990 |
Top States for Traffic Technicians Employment
These states have the highest employment of traffic technicians work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| New York | 970 |
| Florida | 760 |
| Texas | 700 |
| Georgia | 290 |
| Arizona | 280 |
| Missouri | 240 |
| Nevada | 220 |
| Tennessee | 210 |
| South Carolina | 130 |
| Kansas | 130 |
| Ohio | 120 |
| Maryland | 120 |
| Alabama | 120 |
| North Carolina | 120 |
| New Jersey | 110 |
| Virginia | 110 |
| Michigan | 90 |
| Louisiana | 90 |
| New Mexico | 90 |
| Oklahoma | 90 |
Highest-Paying States for Traffic Technicians
The highest-paying states for traffic technicians.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $80,570 |
| Washington | $79,150 |
| Minnesota | $71,020 |
| New York | $69,930 |
| Iowa | $69,830 |
| Maryland | $66,920 |
| Oregon | $62,910 |
| Virginia | $62,360 |
| Massachusetts | $61,810 |
| Idaho | $60,940 |
Skills
The most important traffic technicians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for traffic technicians, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Traffic Technicians typically:
- Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.
- Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.
- Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.
- Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.
- 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.
- Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.
- 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.
- Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input.
- Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.
- Lay out pavement markings for striping crews.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Working with Computers
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Processing Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, C++ In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Civil Engineering
- Public Administration
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Related Careers
Careers similar to traffic technicians include:
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
- Logistics Engineers
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Civil Engineers
- Transportation Engineers
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Also Known As
Collection Technician, Field Traffic Investigator, Highway Traffic Control Technician, Pavement Engineer, Permit Technician, Radar Signal Processing Engineers, Sign Technician, Street Light Technician, Survey Field Technician, Traffic Analyst, Traffic Control Laborer, Traffic Control Specialist, Traffic Control Technician, Traffic Coordinator, Traffic Engineering Technician.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 53-6041.00