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Traffic control technician vs technician

The differences between traffic control technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a traffic control technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a traffic control technician has an average salary of $40,714, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.

The top three skills for a traffic control technician include DOT, safety regulations and traffic cones. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Traffic control technician vs technician overview

Traffic Control TechnicianTechnician
Yearly salary$40,714$38,045
Hourly rate$19.57$18.29
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs58,811596,842
Job satisfaction42
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4440
Years of experience42

What does a traffic control technician do?

The job of a Traffic Control Technician is to make sure construction projects are not disturbed or hindered by pedestrians and motorists. As a construction laborer with extensive training in fabrication, repair, and installation of traffic control signs and devices, your key role is to install barricades and markers to control traffic passing nearby and in work zones. Your job is to direct pedestrians and vehicular traffic to another route to ensure the safety of workers in the construction zone and the safety of those passing.

What does a technician do?

Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.

Traffic control technician vs technician salary

Traffic control technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Traffic Control TechnicianTechnician
Average salary$40,714$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $60,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CityRichmond, VASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonHawaii
Best paying companyCity of San DiegoMicrosoft
Best paying industryGovernmentTelecommunication

Differences between traffic control technician and technician education

There are a few differences between a traffic control technician and a technician in terms of educational background:

Traffic Control TechnicianTechnician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Pennsylvania-

Traffic control technician vs technician demographics

Here are the differences between traffic control technicians' and technicians' demographics:

Traffic Control TechnicianTechnician
Average age4440
Gender ratioMale, 84.2% Female, 15.8%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 5.5% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.8%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%2%

Differences between traffic control technician and technician duties and responsibilities

Traffic control technician example responsibilities.

  • Install the load switches and loop detectors.
  • Operate light to medium size equipment, some which may require a valid CDL.
  • Operate various heavy equipment; bucket trucks, truck cranes, small excavators, forklifts, and bore rigs.
  • Maintain airspace boundaries and issue traffic alerts as necessary, providing mission coordination assistance, and disseminate weather information as required.
  • Set up devices including but not limit to: cones, barricades, signs according to MUTCD guidelines.

Technician example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Implement and manage UHF radio base stations, repeaters, and command network, effectively linking all regional headquarters.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
  • Manage, troubleshot and repair multiple wireless technologies including fiber optic transmission switches.
  • Install peripherals including printers, fax machines, scanners, and smartphones.
  • Show more

Traffic control technician vs technician skills

Common traffic control technician skills
  • DOT, 21%
  • Safety Regulations, 20%
  • Traffic Cones, 12%
  • Road Signs, 9%
  • Traffic Control Devices, 7%
  • ATSSA, 6%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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