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Highway Maintainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DeKalb County, Illinois

Highway Maintainer

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$33.71/hr

Position Overview DeKalb County Highway Department is seeking a Highway Maintainer. Under the general direction of the Operations Manager or Maintenance Foreman, performs skilled and semi-skilled ...

DeKalb County, Illinois

Highway Maintainer

Dekalb, IL

$19.75 - $25.25/hr

Position Overview DeKalb County Highway Department is seeking a Highway Maintainer. Under the general direction of the Operations Manager or Maintenance Foreman, performs skilled and semi-skilled ...

DeKalb County, Illinois

Highway Maintainer

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$26.97 - $33.71/hr

Position Overview DeKalb County Highway Department is seeking a Highway Maintainer. Under the general direction of the Operations Manager or Maintenance Foreman, performs skilled and semi-skilled ...

State of New Hampshire

HIGHWAY MAINTAINER III

Hampton, NH · On-site

$17.81 - $23.39/hr

Performs skilled year-round highway maintenance activities involving the operation and servicing of complex heavy equipment and machinery used for highway maintenance, construction activities, and ...

Bernalillo County

Highway Maintainer I

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$21.14/hr

Highway Maintainer I Department: Operations & Maintenance Location: 2400 BROADWAY SE Pay: Probationary hourly rate of $21.14 Union hourly rate of $21.57 Close Date: August 9, 2026 Employees at ...

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Highway Maintainer information

See salary details

$35K

$79.3K

$133.5K

How much do highway maintainer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for highway maintainer in the United States is $79,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Highway Maintainer vs Road Worker?

AspectHighway MaintainerRoad Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CDL often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on highways and roads, often in various weather conditionsOutdoor, on roads and construction sites, often in outdoor environments
Employer & Industry UsageState and local transportation departments, public worksConstruction companies, public works, transportation agencies

Highway Maintainers and Road Workers both perform outdoor maintenance tasks related to roads and highways. However, Highway Maintainers typically focus on ongoing maintenance and repairs on public roads, often with specific certifications like CDL. Road Workers may be involved in construction, repairs, or installation projects. Both roles require outdoor work in similar environments, but Highway Maintainers are more focused on maintenance tasks within transportation agencies.

What are highway maintainers?

Highway maintainers are professionals responsible for the upkeep, repair, and safety of public roadways and highways. Their duties include tasks such as snow and ice removal, pothole repairs, signage installation, and maintaining roadside vegetation. They often operate heavy machinery and work in various weather conditions to ensure roads remain safe and accessible for drivers. Highway maintainers play a crucial role in keeping transportation infrastructure functional and safe for the public.

What job makes $1,000,000 a year?

Highway Maintainers typically do not earn $1,000,000 annually. Such high salaries are usually associated with executive, investment, or specialized medical roles. Most public service jobs like highway maintenance have salary caps based on experience and union agreements.

What is the highest paid maintenance job?

Highway Maintainers typically earn competitive wages, but the highest paid maintenance jobs are often in specialized fields such as aircraft or industrial equipment maintenance, which require advanced skills and certifications. These roles can offer higher salaries due to the technical expertise and safety requirements involved.

How much do highway maintainers make?

In Illinois, highway maintainers typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. They perform tasks such as road repair, snow removal, and equipment operation, often requiring physical stamina and knowledge of maintenance tools.

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

To thrive as a Highway Maintainer, you need knowledge of roadway maintenance practices, equipment operation, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often with a commercial driver's license (CDL). Familiarity with snowplows, loaders, asphalt and concrete repair tools, and safety systems is crucial. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and communication skills help ensure safety and efficient workflow. These abilities are essential for maintaining road safety, minimizing hazards, and supporting public infrastructure reliability.

What is a highway maintainer?

A highway maintainer is a worker responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining roads, bridges, and related infrastructure. They often operate equipment such as snowplows, mowers, and hand tools, and may work outdoors in various weather conditions. The role typically requires physical stamina and knowledge of safety procedures.

What are some of the typical challenges a Highway Maintainer faces during different seasons, and how do they adapt to them?

Highway Maintainers often encounter varying challenges depending on the season. In winter, they manage snow and ice removal, which can require long hours and on-call work during storms, while in summer, they focus on road repairs, mowing, and debris removal, often in high temperatures. Adapting to these challenges involves using specialized equipment, following safety protocols, and collaborating closely with team members to ensure road safety and efficiency year-round. Flexibility and readiness to respond to emergencies are essential parts of the role.
More about Highway Maintainer jobs
What cities are hiring for Highway Maintainer jobs? Cities with the most Highway Maintainer job openings:
What states have the most Highway Maintainer jobs? States with the most job openings for Highway Maintainer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Highway Maintainer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Highway Maintainer jobs are:
Highway Maintainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Highway Maintainer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,268 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Highway Maintainer

DeKalb County, Illinois

Dekalb, IL • On-site

$33.71/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position Overview
DeKalb County Highway Department is seeking a Highway Maintainer. Under the general direction of the Operations Manager or Maintenance Foreman, performs skilled and semi-skilled maintenance, and repairs of county roads and operates all highway maintenance equipment including an assigned winter snow plow route.
Key Responsibilities
  • Operate variety of equipment, vehicle, and vehicles with attachments to include but not limited to: trucks, tractors, mowers, loaders of various size, grader, backhoe, excavator, crack seal machine, hot-mix patching machine, rollers, paint machine, weed sprayer and a variety of hand tools
  • Perform county road surface repair, digging as needed, patching with repair mixture, leveling, and rolling; repair and maintain road shoulders; repair and maintain drainage appurtenances
  • Plows for the removal of snow and applies salt or other substances as needed and directed to improve highway safety in inclement weather
  • Assists in the maintenance and repair of highway equipment
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned

Education & Experience
  • Required knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of four years of high school
  • 3 years in highway maintenance or a related field preferred
  • Working knowledge of the procedures, methods and materials utilized in highway maintenance and repair

Requirements
  • Valid Illinois Class "A" Commercial Driver's License with air brake endorsement
  • Allow pre-employment and annual CDL Clearinghouse inquiry
  • Pass pre-employment drug and alcohol testing
  • Before end of probation period Licensing or the ability to obtain licensing for the application of herbicides (issued by the State of IL Dept of Agriculture); obtain flagging certification
  • Strong commitment to health and safety guidelines
  • Good communication skills and problem-solving ability, effectively follow written and oral instructions
  • Ability to operate or learn the operation of standard and specialized vehicular equipment and hand tools utilized in highway maintenance and repair
  • Physical strength and stamina to meet job demands to perform manual labor; physical activities such as climbing, lifting, carrying, balancing, walking, stooping, digging, and applying/handling/erecting of materials
  • Establish and maintain relationships with co-workers, staff and general public
  • Expected to be self-starting, show initiative and provide leadership in accomplishing work and tasks assigned with minimal supervision at times
  • Able to work in all weather conditions
  • May be subject to a physical exam and a background check

Schedule: Day Shift 7:00 am - 3:30 pm Monday-Friday (with overtime mandatory)
Written applications are available upon request at , at 815-756-9513, or at 1826 Barber Greene Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115.
I understand that employment may be conditioned upon successfully passing a background check.
I hereby affirm that the information provided on this application and accompanying resume, is true and complete. I understand that any false or misleading representations of omissions on the application or during the hiring process may disqualify me from further consideration for employment and may result in discharge even if discovered at a later date.
I hereby authorize DeKalb County Government to conduct or participate in an investigation of personal background, work history, licensure, and police record as may be necessary to verify the information provided in this application and to determine my fitness to hold the position for which I have applied.
I hereby authorize persons, schools, my current employer (if applicable) and previous employers and other organizations to provide DeKalb County Government with any requested information regarding my application or suitability for employment, and I completely release all such persons or entities from any and all liability related to the provided or use of such information.

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