Also called: Highway Technician, Traffic Engineering Technician
Supports traffic and highway engineers with surveys, drawings, traffic studies, and construction checks.
A transportation tech counts turning cars at an intersection, drafts signal plans in CAD, tests concrete on a highway project, and keeps records for inspectors.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree in civil engineering technology.
Ways in: 2-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Civil Engineering Technology (2-year).
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 17-3022: Average (3% to 4%).
Medium risk for 10 years. AI drafting and drones cut survey and drawing work; field checks remain, with fewer techs.
Classes: CAD or drafting, Geometry, Algebra II.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-3022.
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