Traffic Technicians

Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
O*NET-SOC code
53-6041.00

Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.

  • Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08

    High· relative

    LowFour relative bandsVery high

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)

    831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band

    Source dataset (XLSX download)

  • Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03

    0.000

    0.000Range of values carried here0.745
    Scale, basis and source

    Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Mapped onto O*NET tasks

    Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value

    Source dataset (CSV download)

  • Data source: ILOPublished: 2025

    0.26

    0.09Range of values carried here0.70

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published

    Source dataset (PDF download)

What kind of figure this source publishes

The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.

Task-level exposure

Exposed tasks only

24 rated tasks · 20 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (83.3%)

β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.

  • Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
  • 2 rated tasks are not in the O*NET 31.0 task list; their scores are kept as published for O*NET 27.2.
Source
OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
Release
gh-main-0471612
License
MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
Task (O*NET 20.1)Claude.aiRaw / share %
Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.

53-6041.00

0.0096100.0
Not observed on any surface — 22 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states.
Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.
—0
Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.
—0
Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.
—0
Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.
—0
Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.
—0
Visit development or work sites to determine projects' effect on traffic and the adequacy of traffic control and safety plans or to suggest traffic control measures.
—0
Lay out pavement markings for striping crews.
—0
Operate counters and record data to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic at specified times.
—0
Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians or laborers.
—0
Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input.
—0
Place and secure automatic counters, using power tools, and retrieve counters after counting periods end.
—0
Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.
—0
Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.
—0
Review traffic control or barricade plans to issue permits for parades or other special events or for construction work that affects rights of way, providing assistance with plan preparation or revision, as necessary.
—0
Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.
—0
Establish procedures for street closures or for repair or construction projects.
—0
Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.
—0
Monitor street or utility projects for compliance to traffic control permit conditions.
—0
Maintain or make minor adjustments or field repairs to equipment used in surveys, including the replacement of parts on traffic data gathering devices.
—0
Time stoplights or other delays, using stopwatches.
—0
Interview motorists about specific intersections or highways to gather road-condition information for use in planning.
—0
Develop plans or long-range strategies for providing adequate parking space.
—0

Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page

All O*NET 31.0 task statements (22)

All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.

Task (O*NET 31.0)Type
Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.Core
Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.Core
Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.Core
Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.Core
Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.Core
Visit development or work sites to determine projects' effect on traffic and the adequacy of traffic control and safety plans or to suggest traffic control measures.Core
Operate counters and record data to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic at specified times.Core
Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input.Core
Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.Core
Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.Core
Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.Core
Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.Supplemental
Lay out pavement markings for striping crews.Supplemental
Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians or laborers.Supplemental
Place and secure automatic counters, using power tools, and retrieve counters after counting periods end.Supplemental
Review traffic control or barricade plans to issue permits for parades or other special events or for construction work that affects rights of way, providing assistance with plan preparation or revision, as necessary.Supplemental
Establish procedures for street closures or for repair or construction projects.Supplemental
Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.Supplemental
Monitor street or utility projects for compliance to traffic control permit conditions.Supplemental
Maintain or make minor adjustments or field repairs to equipment used in surveys, including the replacement of parts on traffic data gathering devices.Supplemental
Time stoplights or other delays, using stopwatches.Supplemental
Provide traffic information, such as road conditions, to the public.Supplemental

Occupation information

Employment outlook (BLS)

Employment, 2025
8K
Projected employment, 2035
8K
Change (2025–35)
+4%
Median annual wage, 2025
$59,090
Typical education needed for entry
High school diploma or equivalent
lowest $30,890median wage across 825 detailed occupations, BLS EP 2025–35highest $559,030

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — Employment by detailed occupation, 2025 and projected 2035

Korea classification links (KSCO)

Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.

KSCO codeKSCO titleRelationStatus
23153교통안전 연구원Related, not a matchconfirmed

Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)

ILO occupational description

AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.

  • ISCO-08 3119Physical and Engineering Science Technicians Not Elsewhere Classified

The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.

This unit group covers physical and engineering science technicians not classified elsewhere in Minor Group 311: Physical and Engineering Science Technicians. For instance, the unit group includes those who assist scientists and engineers engaged in developing procedures or conducting research on safety, biomedical, environmental or industrial and production engineering.

Tasks

  • In such cases tasks would include -
  • (a) collecting data and providing technical assistance regarding: efficient, safe and economic utilization of personnel, material and equipment; methods of work and sequence of operations and supervision of their implementation; and efficient layout of plant or establishment;
  • (b) aiding in the identification of potential hazards and introducing safety procedures and devices;
  • (c) modifying and testing equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental pollution, site remediation and land reclamation;
  • (d) assisting in the development of environmental pollution remediation devices under the direction of an engineer;
  • (e) assisting engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

Example occupations

Engineering technician (production) · Fire investigator · Forensic science technician · Quantity surveying technician · Robotics technician · Time and motion study technician

Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits

ESCO occupational vocabulary

ISCO-08 3119

  • textile quality technicianESCO 3119.15.6

    Textile quality technicians perform physical laboratory tests on textile materials and products. They compare textile materials and products to standards and interpret results.

  • commissioning technicianESCO 3119.4

    Commissioning technicians work with commissioning engineers to supervise the final stages of a project when systems are installed and tested. They inspect the correct functioning of the equipment, facilities and plants and when necessary they perform repairs and maintenance.

  • footwear product developerESCO 3119.6

    Footwear product developers provide interface between design and production. They engineer the footwear prototypes previously created by designers. They select, design or re-design lasts and footwear components, make patterns for uppers, linings and bottom components, and produce technical drawings for a various range of tools (e.g. cutting dies, mould, etc.). They also produce and evaluate footwear prototypes, grade and produce sizing samples, perform required tests for samples and confirm the customer’s qualitative and pricing constraints.

  • textile chemical quality technicianESCO 3119.15.5

    Textile chemical quality technicians perform chemical laboratory tests on textile materials and products. They interpret results and support colouration and finishing of textiles.

  • photonics engineering technicianESCO 3119.11

    Photonics engineering technicians collaborate with engineers in the development of photonic systems or components, usually in the form of optical equipment, such as lasers, lenses, and fibre optic equipment. Photonics engineering technicians build, test, install and calibrate optical equipment. They read blueprint and other technical drawings to develop testing and calibrating procedures.

  • utilities inspectorESCO 3119.17

    Utilities inspectors examine products, systems and machiney such as sewer, water, gas or electric turbines ensuring they are built and functioning according to regulations. They write inspection reports and provide recommendations to improve the systems and repair the broken components.\

  • product development engineering technicianESCO 3119.14

    Product development engineering technicians improve efficiency of product development, set up equipment and develop and test solutions to solve technical problems. They work closely with engineers and technologists, inspect products, conduct tests and collect data.

  • leather goods quality control laboratory technicianESCO 3119.15.3

    Leather goods quality control laboratory technicians perform laboratory control tests according to the national and international standards. During laboratory control tests they prepare samples, address test procedures, analysis and interpretation of the results and comparison with guidelines and standards and prepare reports. They make the linkage with outsourced laboratories for the tests which cannot be performed inside the company. They propose corrective and preventive measures.

  • process engineering technicianESCO 3119.13

    Process engineering technicians work closely with engineers to evaluate the existing processes and configure manufacturing systems to reduce cost, improve sustainability and develop best practices within the production process.

  • automation engineering technicianESCO 3119.2

    Automation engineering technicians collaborate with automation engineers in the development of applications and systems for the automation of the production process. Automation engineering technicians build, test, monitor, and maintain the computer-controlled systems used in automated production systems.

  • footwear production technicianESCO 3119.7

    Footwear production technicians perform a wide range of activities regarding footwear manufacturing. They are involved in all phases of the process including product engineering and different types of construction. They aim at maximising productivity and reducing production costs, assuring the functionality and quality of product and customer satisfaction.

  • textile process controllerESCO 3119.16

    Textile process controllers perform textile process operations, technical functions in various aspects of design, production and quality control of textile products, and cost control for processes. They use computer aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) tools in order to ensure conformity of entire production process to specifications. They compare and exchange individual processes with other departments (e.g cost calculation office) and initiate appropriate actions. They analyse the structure and properties of raw materials used in textiles and assist to prepare specifications for their production, analyse and interpret test data.

+11 more

ESCO occupations that ESCO classifies under the ISCO-08 unit groups linked above; they are not matched to this occupation one by one.

Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)

License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)

View original

ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.

France classification links (ROME)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.

ROME codeROME title (French)Relation
N4130Conducteur / Conductrice de voiture radar à conduite externaliséeRelated, not a match
I1123Chef / Cheffe de service sécurité trafic routierRelated, not a matchprovisional

Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.

ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)

Spain classification links (CNO-11)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

CNO-11 codeCNO-11 title (Spanish)Relation
3129Otros técnicos de las ciencias físicas, químicas, medioambientales y de las ingenieríasThis occupation is narrower

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)

Germany classification links (KldB)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

KldB codeKldB title (German)Relation
51503Berufe in der Überwachung und Steuerung des Verkehrsbetriebs (ohne Spezialisierung) - komplexe SpezialistentätigkeitenThis occupation is narrower
51513Berufe in der Überwachung und Steuerung des Straßenverkehrsbetriebs - komplexe SpezialistentätigkeitenOverlapping, not the same

Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)

Japan classification links (JSCO)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

JSCO codeJSCO title (Japanese)Relation
092土木技術者Related, not a match
119その他の技術者Related, not a match

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)

Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources