JOB REPORT / 53-6041 · 23 TASKS

Traffic Technicians.

Can AI do the work of Traffic Technicians?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

How does this fit your work?

How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

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The mark shows what’s typical for this job.

The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions…
Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates,…
Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes…

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Traffic Technicians work. It covers the 18 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

18 of 23 tasks reviewed

This job has 23 core tasks. We went through 18 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Traffic Technicians actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.
AI DOES
Runs the timing formulas, checks inputs, and flags unusual results fast
YOU DO
Verify real-world conditions and take responsibility for public safety
TASK 02
Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.
AI DOES
Processes large traffic datasets, flags congestion patterns, and models what-if scenarios for proposed changes
YOU DO
Apply local knowledge, community needs, and safety judgment to choose the right solution
TASK 03
Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.
AI DOES
Drafts work order text, fills standard fields, and flags missing information
YOU DO
Verify field conditions and apply local knowledge before approving
TASK 04
Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.
AI DOES
Generates draft layouts, suggests standard symbol placements, and checks spacing rules in CAD software
YOU DO
Apply local traffic codes and real-world site knowledge to finalize safe, accurate plans
TASK 05
Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input.
AI DOES
Reads and organizes count data, flags outliers, and formats entries for computer input
YOU DO
Verify field context, catch physical sheet errors, and confirm data matches real-world conditions
TASK 06
Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.
AI DOES
Analyzes traffic sensor data, counts vehicles, and calculates speed patterns automatically
YOU DO
Decide what to measure, place equipment correctly, and interpret unusual conditions
TASK 07
Provide traffic information, such as road conditions, to the public.
AI DOES
Drafts traffic alerts, summarizes road condition data, and auto-posts routine updates
YOU DO
Decide what to highlight when conditions are complex or rapidly changing
TASK 08
Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.
AI DOES
Analyzes traffic flow data, flags bottlenecks, and drafts design options
YOU DO
Apply local knowledge, safety judgment, and regulatory expertise to approve final designs
TASK 09
Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.
AI DOES
Analyzes traffic data, flags patterns, and summarizes reports about lighting and signage effectiveness
YOU DO
Go on-site to see actual conditions with your own eyes and judgment
TASK 10
Review traffic control or barricade plans to issue permits for parades or other special events or for construction work that affects rights of way, providing assistance with plan preparation or revision, as necessary.
AI DOES
Checks plans against standard rules, flags missing details, and drafts permit language
YOU DO
Apply local knowledge and make the final safety call
TASK 11
Establish procedures for street closures or for repair or construction projects.
AI DOES
Drafts procedure templates, summarizes traffic codes, and organizes checklists
YOU DO
Confirm site realities, local rules, and safety sign-offs
TASK 12
Develop plans or long-range strategies for providing adequate parking space.
AI DOES
Analyzes traffic data, models parking demand, and drafts layout options
YOU DO
Weigh community priorities and make final calls on space and policy tradeoffs
TASK 13
Operate counters and record data to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic at specified times.
AI DOES
Counts and classifies vehicles or pedestrians from sensor or camera feeds in real time
YOU DO
Set up equipment correctly, verify unusual readings, and make judgment calls in tricky field conditions
TASK 14
Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians or laborers.
AI DOES
Pulls up traffic control standards, drafts work instructions, and checks plans against code requirements
YOU DO
Stay on-site to watch, guide, and make real-time safety calls
TASK 15
Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.
AI DOES
Helps organize, log, and analyze speed data once collected
YOU DO
Set up equipment on-site and operate it safely in live traffic
TASK 16
Monitor street or utility projects for compliance to traffic control permit conditions.
AI DOES
Helps review permit documents, flag rule changes, and organize inspection checklists
YOU DO
Show up on-site and use your own eyes to judge what is actually happening
TASK 17SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.
AI DOES
Drafts responses and pulls relevant policies
YOU DO
Read emotions and build public trust
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 18SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.
AI DOES
Generates charts and suggests visual formats
YOU DO
Choose what story to tell
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Traffic Technicians
SOC code: 53-6041
Tasks reviewed: 18 of 23

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $59,090 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): Not reported for Colorado
Employed (national): 7,860
Employed in Colorado: Not reported for Colorado
Job outlook: +3.7% by 2034 · ~800 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

Earn a certificate in your job

Your job, task by task.

Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.

Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.

Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.

Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.

Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input.

Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.

Provide traffic information, such as road conditions, to the public.

Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.

Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.

Review traffic control or barricade plans to issue permits for parades or other special events or for construction work that affects rights of way, providing assistance with plan preparation or revision, as necessary.

Establish procedures for street closures or for repair or construction projects.

Develop plans or long-range strategies for providing adequate parking space.

Operate counters and record data to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic at specified times.

Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians or laborers.

Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.

Monitor street or utility projects for compliance to traffic control permit conditions.

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.

Practice AI.Use your judgment.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.