Transportation Engineers

Develop plans for surface transportation projects, according to established engineering standards and state or federal construction policy. Prepare designs, specifications, or estimates for transportation facilities. Plan modifications of existing streets, highways, or freeways to improve traffic flow.

Median Annual Wage: $82,050

Education: Bachelor's degree (92%); Master's degree (4%); Professional degree (4%)

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Project Manager; Transportation Engineer; Traffic Operations Engineer

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Transportation Engineers.

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  • Investigate traffic problems and recommend methods to improve traffic flow or safety.
  • Check construction plans, design calculations, or cost estimations to ensure completeness, accuracy, or conformity to engineering standards or practices.
  • Prepare administrative, technical, or statistical reports on traffic-operation matters, such as accidents, safety measures, or pedestrian volume or practices.
  • Prepare project budgets, schedules, or specifications for labor or materials.
  • Evaluate traffic control devices or lighting systems to determine need for modification or expansion.
  • Evaluate transportation systems or traffic control devices or lighting systems to determine need for modification or expansion.
  • Estimate transportation project costs.
  • Model transportation scenarios to evaluate the impacts of activities such as new development or to identify possible solutions to transportation problems.
  • Confer with contractors, utility companies, or government agencies to discuss plans, specifications, or work schedules.
  • Plan alteration or modification of existing transportation structures to improve safety or function.
  • Participate in contract bidding, negotiation, or administration.
  • Review development plans to determine potential traffic impact.
  • Inspect completed transportation projects to ensure safety or compliance with applicable standards or regulations.
  • Present data, maps, or other information at construction-related public hearings or meetings.
  • Analyze environmental impact statements for transportation projects.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Transportation Engineers.

  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Transportation Engineers.

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