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Directing Traffic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Direct traffic using STOP/SLOW paddles, flags, and hand signals in accordance with MUTCD and ATSSA standards * Communicate with site supervisors and fellow flaggers to maintain safe and efficient ...

Traffic Control

Monterey, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

... directing traffic, pedestrians, trucks, and equipment safely through or around active work zones in accordance with approved traffic control plans and supervisor direction. * Perform flagging duties ...

Traffic Control

Monterey, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

... directing traffic, pedestrians, trucks, and equipment safely through or around active work zones in accordance with approved traffic control plans and supervisor direction. * Perform flagging duties ...

Traffic Control

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

... directing traffic, pedestrians, trucks, and equipment safely through or around active work zones in accordance with approved traffic control plans and supervisor direction. * Perform flagging duties ...

Traffic Control

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

... directing traffic, pedestrians, trucks, and equipment safely through or around active work zones in accordance with approved traffic control plans and supervisor direction. * Perform flagging duties ...

Traffic Control Labor

Norcross, GA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Directing traffic by guiding vehicles and pedestrians around construction zones, accidents, or other road disruptions using hand signals and flags. * Maintaining traffic control zones by regularly ...

... directing traffic, pedestrians, trucks, and equipment safely through or around active work zones in accordance with approved traffic control plans and supervisor direction. * Perform flagging duties ...

... directing traffic, pedestrians, trucks, and equipment safely through or around active work zones in accordance with approved traffic control plans and supervisor direction. * Perform flagging duties ...

Traffic Control

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

... directing traffic, pedestrians, trucks, and equipment safely through or around active work zones in accordance with approved traffic control plans and supervisor direction. * Perform flagging duties ...

Showing results 21-40

Directing Traffic information

See salary details

$25.5K

$78.4K

$147K

How much do directing traffic jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for directing traffic in the United States is $78,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $96,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does directing traffic mean?

Directing traffic refers to the job of managing the flow of vehicles and pedestrians at intersections, construction sites, or events to ensure safety and efficiency. People who direct traffic, often called traffic controllers or flaggers, use hand signals, signs, and sometimes communication devices to guide drivers and walkers. They are essential for preventing accidents, minimizing congestion, and helping emergency situations run smoothly. This role often requires special training and certification, as well as wearing high-visibility clothing for safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a traffic director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Traffic Director, you need strong situational awareness, quick decision-making abilities, and a fundamental understanding of traffic regulations, often supported by specialized training or certification. Familiarity with two-way radios, reflective safety gear, and hand signaling systems is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring public safety and efficient traffic flow in potentially hazardous or busy environments.

What are the most common challenges faced by individuals directing traffic, and how can they be managed effectively?

One of the primary challenges for those directing traffic is maintaining safety while managing the flow of vehicles and pedestrians, especially in busy or unpredictable environments. Adapting to changing weather conditions, handling aggressive drivers, and staying alert for long periods are also common difficulties. Effective communication, use of proper signaling equipment, and consistent adherence to safety protocols help mitigate these challenges. Additionally, teamwork with other traffic control personnel and law enforcement can ensure operations run smoothly and safely.

What is the difference between Directing Traffic vs Traffic Coordinator?

AspectDirecting TrafficTraffic Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically no formal certification, but knowledge of traffic safety and signaling is essentialOften requires a high school diploma; certifications in traffic control may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on-site at construction zones, events, or roadworksIndoor and outdoor, coordinating traffic flow at various sites or events
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, road maintenance, event managementTransportation companies, event planning, municipal agencies

Directing Traffic involves physically managing vehicle flow at specific locations, often outdoors and requiring safety awareness. Traffic Coordinators plan and organize traffic movement, focusing on scheduling and communication. While both roles support traffic management, Directing Traffic is more hands-on and immediate, whereas Traffic Coordinators focus on planning and coordination.

More about Directing Traffic jobs

What states have the most Directing Traffic jobs?

States with the most job openings for Directing Traffic jobs include:

Infographic showing various Directing Traffic job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,420 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Traffic Control Technician - Lead

EAGLE BARRICADE LLC

Mckinney, TX

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Requirements:

Ø  Must have Three (3) Years Traffic Control Experience

Ø  Possess a valid Traffic Control Certification.

Ø  Must have Reliable Transportation

Ø  Flexibility to Work, Day or Night Shifts

Ø  Knowledge of Lane Closures for City Roads and Highways 

Ø  Knowledge of Flagger Operations, Ramp Closures, Water Barriers, & Fencing

Ø  Experience Assembly and Sign Placement

Ø  Experience working with the City and/or State Department of Transportation

Ø  Knowledge of TMA (Truck Mounted Attenuator)

Job Duties:

  • Strictly adhere to safety requirements and procedures. 
  • Maintain a consistent and unrelenting focus on SAFETY throughout all job functions. 
  • Assist in the placement, moving and dismantling of signs, barricades, cones and other traffic control devices. 
  • Follow direction of foreman as to daily tasks and expectations for each specific project or job site. 
  • Responsible for various flagging duties on construction projects properly directing traffic in construction work zones in order to protect employees as well as property. 
  • Lifting may be up to 80 lbs. 
  • Responsible for completing daily logs and reports
  • Enforce Eagle Barricade's policies and procedures
  • Review & interpret Traffic Control Plans and Coordinates
  • Facilitate safety meetings
  • Work closely with Supervisor with schedules, plans, etc.

Must have dependable transportation. 

Regular attendance at assigned times is required.

Driver license required as will be required to drive company vehicles. 

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Required to stand for long periods of time, repetitively hold signs and/or flags, repeated use and raise arms to chest height to direct traffic. Able to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to manipulate objects, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk and hear. Vision abilities (with correction) include close, distance, peripheral, depth, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to perform strenuous work in varying weather conditions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move anywhere up to 80 lbs.