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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Transportation Engineers

Median Salary
95,890
Job Outlook
+6%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

72%

State and local government

13%

Self-employed

9%

Federal Government

4%

Private not for profit

2%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 22,900 openings for civil engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$60,100

10%

$95,890

Median

$105,830

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    77%

  • Associate's degree

    9%

  • Post baccalaureate

    9%

  • Master's degree

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Civil Engineering, General
  • Construction Engineering
  • Water Resources Engineering
  • Civil Engineering, Other
  • Structural Engineering
  • Transportation and Highway Engineering
  • Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Design
  • Transportation
  • Building and Construction
  • Mathematics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.