Life As a Transportation Engineer
Job Description & Duties 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.
A Day in the Life of a Transportation Engineer
- Participate in contract bidding, negotiation, or administration.
- Review development plans to determine potential traffic impact.
- Investigate traffic problems and recommend methods to improve traffic flow or safety.
- Evaluate traffic control devices or lighting systems to determine need for modification or expansion.
- Confer with contractors, utility companies, or government agencies to discuss plans, specifications, or work schedules.
- Develop or assist in the development of transportation-related computer software or computer processes.
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Skills Needed to be a Transportation Engineer
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 for this Occupation:
- Airport Engineer
- Traffic Engineer
- Rail Engineer
- Transportation Engineer
- Engineer
Are There Job Opportunities for Transportation Engineers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 303,500 jobs in the United States for Transportation Engineer. 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. There will be an estimated 25,900 positions for Transportation Engineer per year.
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.
Transportation Engineer Salary
Transportation Engineers make between $54,780 and $142,560 a year.
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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Transportation Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- 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 to Become a Transportation Engineer
Learn what Transportation Engineer education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Transportation Engineer?
Transportation Engineers Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Transportation Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Daniel Christensen via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
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