What Does it Take to Be a Transportation Engineer?
Job Description: 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.
Life As a Transportation Engineer
- Develop plans to deconstruct damaged or obsolete roadways or other transportation structures in a manner that is environmentally sound or prepares the land for sustainable development.
- Analyze environmental impact statements for transportation projects.
- 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.
- Review development plans to determine potential traffic impact.
- Design transportation systems or structures, using sustainable materials or products, such as porous pavement or bioretention structures.
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What a Transportation Engineer Should Know
These are the skills Transportation Engineers say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- Transportation Design Engineer
- Road Engineer
- Traffic Operations Engineer
- Civil Transportation Engineer
- Airport Manager
Job Opportunities for Transportation Engineers
There were about 303,500 jobs for Transportation Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 32,200 new jobs for Transportation Engineer by 2026. The BLS estimates 25,900 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Transportation Engineer are Utah, Tennessee, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Mississippi, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Transportation Engineer
The typical yearly salary for Transportation Engineers is somewhere between $54,780 and $142,560.
Transportation Engineers who work in Alaska, California, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Transportation Engineers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $84,320 |
| Alaska | $125,470 |
| Arizona | $84,770 |
| Arkansas | $81,780 |
| California | $109,680 |
| Colorado | $93,560 |
| Connecticut | $93,630 |
| Delaware | $91,410 |
| District of Columbia | $99,820 |
| Florida | $89,480 |
| Georgia | $81,110 |
| Hawaii | $86,680 |
| Idaho | $78,280 |
| Illinois | $94,570 |
| Indiana | $82,420 |
| Iowa | $83,940 |
| Kansas | $82,340 |
| Kentucky | $82,840 |
| Louisiana | $98,700 |
| Maine | $82,160 |
| Maryland | $86,110 |
| Massachusetts | $94,210 |
| Michigan | $82,240 |
| Minnesota | $90,760 |
| Mississippi | $85,880 |
| Missouri | $86,710 |
| Montana | $77,480 |
| Nebraska | $84,240 |
| Nevada | $100,700 |
| New Hampshire | $83,970 |
| New Jersey | $103,760 |
| New Mexico | $88,840 |
| New York | $102,250 |
| North Carolina | $86,270 |
| North Dakota | $83,460 |
| Ohio | $82,180 |
| Oklahoma | $91,090 |
| Oregon | $88,270 |
| Pennsylvania | $88,740 |
| Rhode Island | $87,220 |
| South Carolina | $84,660 |
| South Dakota | $77,030 |
| Tennessee | $93,810 |
| Texas | $102,990 |
| Utah | $80,690 |
| Vermont | $74,960 |
| Virginia | $94,780 |
| Washington | $93,120 |
| West Virginia | $82,210 |
| Wisconsin | $78,660 |
| Wyoming | $85,220 |
What Tools do Transportation Engineers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Transportation Engineers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Python
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Structured query language SQL
- Bentley MicroStation
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Autodesk Land Desktop
- Bentley GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite
- Citilabs Cube
- McTrans HCS+
How do I Become a Transportation Engineer?
Are there Transportation Engineers education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Transportation Engineers Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Transportation Engineers employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Transportation Engineer may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Daniel Christensen via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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