Transportation Engineers
Transportation engineers design and plan surface transportation systems like streets, highways, and freeways. They develop plans that meet engineering standards and follow state or federal construction rules, and they work to improve traffic flow by modifying existing infrastructure. Most employment is with state transportation departments, municipal governments, and engineering consulting firms.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against transportation engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A transportation engineer might spend mornings reviewing traffic data and site conditions for a highway expansion project, then move to the office to update design specifications in CAD software. Afternoons often involve meetings with city planners or construction contractors to discuss project timelines and cost estimates. The work cycles between fieldwork, technical analysis, and documentation as projects progress from planning through construction phases.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You enjoy solving practical, concrete problems and prefer gathering real data before making decisions—traits that fit the realistic and investigative interests common to this field. You're comfortable with technical standards and details, and you have the persistence to see long-term infrastructure projects through from design to completion.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $96,590 | $122,500 | $149,350 | 55,180 |
| Alaska | $94,960 | $114,730 | $134,280 | 1,670 |
| Washington | $96,230 | $110,000 | $133,050 | 12,590 |
| Massachusetts | $84,570 | $106,730 | $134,810 | 9,450 |
| Louisiana | $78,770 | $105,380 | $127,940 | 3,780 |
| Oregon | $82,580 | $105,250 | $135,870 | 4,890 |
| New Jersey | $82,270 | $104,660 | $134,270 | 6,900 |
| Nevada | $83,530 | $104,310 | $148,150 | 3,560 |
| New Mexico | $79,570 | $103,900 | $129,310 | 1,350 |
| District of Columbia | $82,120 | $103,880 | $130,720 | 1,650 |
| New York | $84,740 | $103,760 | $135,920 | 17,500 |
| Connecticut | $83,390 | $103,150 | $130,150 | 4,370 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Transportation: Highway Construction Inspection - Level II — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) — Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc.
- Transportation: Highway Construction Inspection - Level III — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Transportation: Highway Construction Inspection - Level IV — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Diplomate, Water Resources Engineer (D.WRE) — American Academy of Water Resources Engineers
- Certified Planning Engineer (CPE) — American Academy of Project Management
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against transportation engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2051.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.