What does a traffic signal technician do?
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 signal technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real traffic signal technician resumes:
- Used UNIX base analysis systems to accomplish all tasks.
- Work with team members to troubleshoot fail systems by isolating faults.
- Operate and perform preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) on assign vehicles.
- Install, operate and perform PMCS on power generators, and review other PMCSs for completeness.
- Calibrate and configure the replaced or faulty equipment using signal generators, multimeters, RF generators, and oscilloscopes.
- Perform collection, identification and signals analysis of all communications activity in support of critical DoD missions.
- Used CarteGraph software to track traffic signal and street light assets.
Traffic signal technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Traffic Signal Technicians are proficient in CDL, IMSA, and Traffic Control Devices. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Computer skills, and Manual dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Traffic Signal Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CDL, 15%
Operate aerial lift equipment vehicle and process a valid Class B CDL Georgia driver license.
- IMSA, 9%
Obtained Level II Traffic Signal Certification by IMSA Public Safety Organization.
- Traffic Control Devices, 8%
Responded to a variety of emergency calls to repair and inspect malfunctioning traffic signals and other related traffic control devices.
- DOT, 8%
Installed temporary and permanent traffic control devices within DOT guidelines to divert traffic and ensure public safety.
- Hand Tools, 6%
Trained to use bucket trucks, air compressed tools, Bob Cat, and electrical hand tools.
- Preventative Maintenance, 6%
Developed a routine schedule for preventative maintenance of all signalized systems.
"cdl," "imsa," and "traffic control devices" are among the most common skills that traffic signal technicians use at work. You can find even more traffic signal technician responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a traffic signal technician to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "technicians need to communicate with supervisors and coworkers to ensure that clients’ needs are met and that equipment is set up properly before broadcasts, live performances, and presentations." Additionally, a traffic signal technician resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "pulled fiber optic cable for the city of high point traffic signal communications network. "
Computer skills. Another essential skill to perform traffic signal technician duties is computer skills. Traffic signal technicians responsibilities require that "technicians use computer systems to program equipment and edit audio and video recordings." Traffic signal technicians also use computer skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "used computers to facilitate setup, programming, and troubleshooting of traffic signal controllers and associated components. "
Manual dexterity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of traffic signal technicians is manual dexterity. This skill is critical to many everyday traffic signal technician duties, as "some technicians set up audio and video equipment and cables, a job that requires a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "utilized federal, state and city reference manuals on traffic engineering standards and policies. "
Problem-solving skills. For certain traffic signal technician responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of a traffic signal technician rely on this skill, as "technicians need to recognize equipment problems and propose possible solutions to them." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what traffic signal technicians do: "responded to complaints and identified problems regarding traffic signal timing/traffic congestion and developed recommendations for long-term solutions. "
The three companies that hire the most traffic signal technicians are:
- State of Georgia: Teachers Retirement System of Georgia2 traffic signal technicians jobs
- HNTB2 traffic signal technicians jobs
- City of San Diego2 traffic signal technicians jobs
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Compare different traffic signal technicians
Traffic signal technician vs. Shuttle driver
Shuttle bus drivers offer a route with limited stops or fast transportation services. The drivers are expected to drive following a specific way or a set of schedules. They must be familiar with the route through reading reports and studying maps. It is their responsibility to maintain contact with the dispatcher. They track the pick-ups and drop-offs of the passengers whenever necessary. When asked questions, they should respond politely and in a friendly manner. They should be equipped with skills in customer service, be professional, and should have stamina.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between traffic signal technicians and shuttle driver. For instance, traffic signal technician responsibilities require skills such as "imsa," "traffic control devices," "hand tools," and "preventative maintenance." Whereas a shuttle driver is skilled in "tractor trailer," "cleanliness," "vehicle inspections," and "safety procedures." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Shuttle drivers tend to make the most money working in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $35,063. In contrast, traffic signal technicians make the biggest average salary, $48,077, in the construction industry.The education levels that shuttle drivers earn slightly differ from traffic signal technicians. In particular, shuttle drivers are 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a traffic signal technician. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Traffic signal technician vs. Traffic investigator
Each career also uses different skills, according to real traffic signal technician resumes. While traffic signal technician responsibilities can utilize skills like "cdl," "imsa," "traffic control devices," and "dot," traffic investigators use skills like "patrol," "traffic safety," "physical evidence," and "criminal investigations."
In general, traffic investigators achieve similar levels of education than traffic signal technicians. They're 2.5% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Traffic signal technician vs. Engineering planning survey technician
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from traffic signal technician resumes include skills like "cdl," "imsa," "traffic control devices," and "dot," whereas an engineering planning survey technician is more likely to list skills in "autocad," "construction inspection," "osha," and "meeting timelines. "
Most engineering planning survey technicians achieve a higher degree level compared to traffic signal technicians. For example, they're 11.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Traffic signal technician vs. Traffic monitor specialist
Types of traffic signal technician
Updated January 8, 2025
