What Transportation Engineers DoDevelop plans for surface transportation projects, according to established engineering standards and state or federal construction policy. Prepare designs, specifications, or estimates for transportation facilities. Plan modifications of existing streets, highways, or freeways to improve traffic flow.
- Check construction plans, design calculations, or cost estimations to ensure completeness, accuracy, or conformity to engineering standards or practices.
- Design or prepare plans for new transportation systems or parts of systems, such as airports, commuter trains, highways, streets, bridges, drainage structures, or roadway lighting.
- Confer with contractors, utility companies, or government agencies to discuss plans, specifications, or work schedules.
- Design or engineer drainage, erosion, or sedimentation control systems for transportation projects.
- Prepare project budgets, schedules, or specifications for labor or materials.
Transportation Engineers Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationBachelor Degree
Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)
Training Time2 to 4 years
Job Openings23,600 Annually
Median Earnings
$118,450 in California
$99,590 Nationally
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Real Talk Reel
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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Thinking and problem solving
- Working with my hands
you value
- Accomplishing things
- Having support
- Receiving recognition
you are skilled in
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Transportation Engineers Explained
Transportation EngineerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?
Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Hybrid CollegeA hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
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