How do you become a traffic manager?

1 Education and Training

To become a traffic manager, you typically need a bachelor's degree in transportation planning, civil engineering, urban planning, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree or a professional certification, such as the Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) or the Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE). You also need to complete relevant courses and training in traffic management, such as traffic engineering, traffic simulation, traffic control, and traffic safety.

2 Skills and Abilities

As a traffic manager, you need to possess a variety of skills and abilities in order to be successful. Analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for analyzing data, identifying issues, and proposing solutions for traffic management challenges. Additionally, communication and interpersonal skills are necessary to communicate clearly and persuasively with various stakeholders. Leadership and management skills are also important for leading teams, projects, and budgets, as well as supervising and evaluating staff and contractors. Finally, technical and computer skills are needed to be familiar with traffic management software, tools, and equipment, such as traffic signal systems, traffic cameras, traffic sensors, and traffic models.

3 Responsibilities and Duties

As a traffic manager, you have a variety of responsibilities and duties depending on the type and size of the transportation system you work for. These can range from developing and implementing traffic management plans, policies, and strategies to monitoring and evaluating the performance and efficiency of transportation systems. Additionally, you may be responsible for conducting traffic studies and surveys to assess traffic conditions, needs, and impacts, as well as designing and installing traffic signs, signals, markings, and devices. Furthermore, coordination and collaboration with other transportation professionals, agencies, and organizations may be necessary. Moreover, responding to traffic incidents, emergencies, and complaints is important for ensuring compliance with traffic laws, regulations, and standards.

4 Career Opportunities and Outlook

Traffic managers can work for various employers, such as local, state, or federal transportation agencies, engineering or consulting firms, or private transportation companies. They can also specialize in different areas of traffic management, such as traffic operations, traffic planning, traffic safety, or traffic research. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for transportation planners was $58,160 in 2019, while the median annual wage for civil engineers was $87,060. The employment of transportation planners is projected to grow by 11% from 2019 to 2029, while the employment of civil engineers is projected to grow by 2% in the same period.