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The differences between traffic analysts and traffic signal technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a traffic analyst and a traffic signal technician. Additionally, a traffic analyst has an average salary of $62,962, which is higher than the $45,817 average annual salary of a traffic signal technician.
The top three skills for a traffic analyst include logistics, DOT and forwarders. The most important skills for a traffic signal technician are CDL, IMSA, and traffic control devices.
| Traffic Analyst | Traffic Signal Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $62,962 | $45,817 |
| Hourly rate | $30.27 | $22.03 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 11,504 | 8,006 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Associate Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A traffic analyst is responsible for providing traffic insights and developing strategies to optimize the organization's daily operations. Even though the extent of their responsibilities depends on their place or industry of employment, it usually includes conducting extensive research and analyses, developing action plans according to project goals and daily objectives, conducting risk assessments, and maintaining records. Through their research findings, a traffic analyst creates strategies and recommends solutions, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
Traffic Signal Technicians are responsible for the repair, maintenance, and installation of traffic signals as well as highway lighting systems. Their duties include maintaining and assembling traffic signals and highway lightings, administering concrete for control equipment and pole installation, utilizing traffic signal software, and carrying out annual inspections. They are responsible for conducting diagnostic testing for repairs, locating utilities, and installing traffic control for work zones. Traffic Signal Technicians also manage maintenance records, operate equipment that is motorized, and reports project progress to the supervisor.
Traffic analysts and traffic signal technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Traffic Analyst | Traffic Signal Technician | |
| Average salary | $62,962 | $45,817 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $86,000 | Between $25,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Virginia Beach, VA | Santa Monica, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Alaska |
| Best paying company | WebMD | Jacobs Engineering Group |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Construction |
There are a few differences between a traffic analyst and a traffic signal technician in terms of educational background:
| Traffic Analyst | Traffic Signal Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Associate Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pittsburgh |
Here are the differences between traffic analysts' and traffic signal technicians' demographics:
| Traffic Analyst | Traffic Signal Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 54.0% Female, 46.0% | Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 7.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 6.7% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.8% | Black or African American, 14.9% Unknown, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 6.7% White, 49.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |