Much of the job happens out in a vehicle: observing intersections to time delays and count affected vehicles, gathering data on signal timing and lighting adequacy, then turning that data into graphs and charts for the traffic engineer overseeing the study. Technicians also field public questions and complaints about traffic control plans, acting as the visible, data-gathering front line for a city or county's traffic engineering department.
Pros
Faster than average projected job growth (3.7%), better than many technical trades
Pay can reach over $85k with vocational training or an associate's degree
Meaningful independent judgment analyzing real traffic and safety data
Cons
A relatively small, geographically limited occupation nationwide
Fast-paced, deadline-driven fieldwork often conducted from inside a vehicle
Regular public contact, including complaints, and exposure to roadway hazards
A typical day
The morning is a corner count: tube counters laid across two lanes and a camera mounted on a pole, capturing how many cars actually run the intersection the neighborhood is complaining about. Back at the office, the data tells its story -- the afternoon peak is 30 percent above what the signal timing assumes. The afternoon means field-checking a signal cabinet with a senior tech, verifying detection loops and walk-phase timing against the plans. The day closes drafting the count report and marking up the intersection diagram the traffic engineer will use to argue for a retiming project.
Tasks at the job
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.
Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens mostly inside a vehicle or piece of equipment. The role involves regular exposure to hazardous equipment or conditions, and standard protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, and similar) is expected.
The pace is often fast, with real time pressure to meet deadlines, and you're expected to exercise significant independent judgment day to day. Precision and accuracy are essential to the work.
Education necessary or common
Vocational training, apprenticeship, or associate's degree