How To Become A Traffic Controller: What It Is and Career Path

What is a traffic controller and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Traffic controllers are responsible for stopping or directing traffic. They work on construction sites and roadways to ensure large vehicles' safe movement and maintain security on-site and preserve public traffic routes. They also maintain pedestrian and traffic routes outside of the site entrance and direct road traffic when vehicles enter or exit the site. Traffic controllers conduct visitor safety briefings and ensure that drivers and workers adhere to health and safety regulations on-site. They earn an average sum of $40,000 annually or $19 per hour. Traffic controllers are professionals who perform lots of duties and are expected to act diligently and efficiently. Part of their duties includes directing traffic in times of emergencies or disruption to maintain safety and effectiveness. They conduct and oversee traffic plus transportation investigations.

Traffic controllers typically hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, gaining a higher academic degree in business, criminal justice, or a related field may prove advantageous in some instances. There are some skills that are expected for traffic controllers to learn, and they include safety rules, construction sites, etc. Employers generally prefer candidates with solid math, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

ScoreTraffic ControllerUS Average

Salary

3.1

Avg. Salary $39,099

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

10.0

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.62%

Asian 5.37%

Black or African American 7.97%

Hispanic or Latino 18.68%

Unknown 7.07%

White 60.28%

Gender

female 33.84%

male 66.16%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress level

10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a traffic controller

Explore traffic controller education requirements

Most common traffic controller degrees

High School Diploma

41.3 %

Bachelor's

21.0 %

Associate

18.5 %

Start to develop specific traffic controller skills

Skills	Percentages
Construction Sites	13.33%
DOT	10.29%
Safety Regulations	10.15%
Safety Procedures	7.43%
Direct Traffic	6.74%

Complete relevant traffic controller training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New traffic controllers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a traffic controller based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real traffic controller resumes.

Gain additional traffic controller certifications

Traffic controller certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific traffic controller certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for traffic controllers include Flagger (Instructor) and OSHA Safety Certificate .

More About Certifications

Research traffic controller duties and responsibilities

Lead team providing cargo, personal property and passenger movements for DoD personnel.
Provide support for traffic control set-ups within ATSSA compliance and regulations.
Control air and grind traffic movement for private, commercial, and military aircraft in IFR and VFR conditions.
Ensure compliance with FAA, USAF, ANG and all local directives.

Prepare your traffic controller resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your traffic controller resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a traffic controller resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable traffic controller resume templates

Build a professional traffic controller resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your traffic controller resume.