Traffic Technicians
Machines can already do 40% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 72%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Traffic Technicians in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 40% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2029, and 72% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 7,860 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $59,090 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 77% for contact with people.
- Also called: Field Traffic Investigator, Traffic Control Technician (Traffic Control Tech), Traffic Field Investigator, Traffic Investigator.
- Competency here means how well the best AI model, tool or robot available can do a task, scored out of 100: today using the best available now, and for later years the 311 prediction of what AI and robots will be able to do.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures | 7% | 35% to 58% | |
| Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow | 7% | 60% to 90% | |
| Operate counters and record data to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic at specified times | 7% | 65% to 92% | |
| Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input | 7% | 70% to 95% | |
| Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems | 6% | 60% to 90% | |
| Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency | 6% | 45% to 85% | |
| 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 | 6% | 3% to 30% | |
| Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment | 6% | 35% to 65% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills traffic technicians use most, most used first.
Human value: what makes people in this job hard to replace
How much traffic technicians rely on each one, from 0 to 10. 311 estimates, medium confidence.
- Go-to problem solver5/10
- Trust and reliability5/10
- Know-how about the organisation5/10
- Network and relationships4/10
- Mentoring and developing others2/10
- Culture and morale4/10
- Initiative beyond the role3/10
- Calm in a crisis4/10
- Bridge between teams3/10
- Reputation and influence2/10
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters66% of tasks by 2035 · US median $61,390
- Photonics Technicians63% of tasks by 2035 · US median $78,350
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles40% of tasks by 2035 · US median $48,420
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers43% of tasks by 2035 · US median $109,910
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Traffic Technicians?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2029. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of traffic technicians?
Machines can do 40% of the tasks of traffic technicians today and 72% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 53-6041.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring, forecast and human value: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit (human value scores are 311 estimates, medium confidence); after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Traffic Technicians: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/traffic-technicians/