Transportation Engineers
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed
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 pay: $100,840/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +5% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 23,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Design or prepare plans for new transportation systems or parts of systems, such as airports, commuter trains, highways, streets, bridges, drainage structures, or roadway lighting.
• 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.
• Plan alteration or modification of existing transportation structures to improve safety or function.
• Confer with contractors, utility companies, or government agencies to discuss plans, specifications, or work schedules.
• Present data, maps, or other information at construction-related public hearings or meetings.
• Prepare final project layout drawings that include details such as stress calculations.
• Investigate traffic problems and recommend methods to improve traffic flow or safety.
What's the median pay for Transportation Engineers?
The median pay for Transportation Engineers is $100,840 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Transportation Engineers?
Employment for Transportation Engineers is projected to change +5% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Transportation Engineers?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Transportation Engineers?
About 23,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.