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Traffic Control Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Traffic Control Flagger

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$24.74 - $27.21/hr

Setting up cones, signs, and barricades and taking traffic control equipment down * Using a stop ... Apprentice Level) * Overtime available * Pay increases in your first year * Paid training and a ...

Showing results 21-40

Traffic Control Apprentice information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$91.2K

$179.6K

How much do traffic control apprentice jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic control apprentice in California is $91,247.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $117,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a traffic control apprentice?

Traffic Control Apprentices are entry-level workers who assist in managing the flow of vehicles and pedestrians around construction zones, events, or accident sites. They work under the supervision of experienced Traffic Controllers to set up and remove signage, barriers, and cones, ensuring the safety of workers and the public. Traffic Control Apprentices are responsible for learning safety procedures, communicating with team members, and following legal regulations. This position is a starting point for those seeking a career in traffic management and typically requires on-the-job training and sometimes certification.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a traffic control apprentice and how do they contribute to overall site safety?

As a Traffic Control Apprentice, your daily responsibilities include setting up and maintaining signage, cones, and barriers to guide traffic safely around construction or maintenance sites. You will also assist in directing vehicles and pedestrians, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protocols. Close collaboration with site supervisors and other crew members is vital, as you help monitor conditions and communicate any hazards or changes that may arise. Your role is essential in minimizing risks and keeping both workers and the public safe throughout the project.

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

To thrive as a Traffic Control Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of traffic management principles, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with two-way radios, traffic control devices, and often a Traffic Control Person (TCP) certification are important. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication help ensure safety and coordination on busy roads. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining traffic flow, protecting workers, and preventing accidents in construction zones.

What is the difference between Traffic Control Apprentice vs Traffic Control Technician?

AspectTraffic Control ApprenticeTraffic Control Technician
CertificationsBasic OSHA and traffic control trainingAdvanced certifications often required
Work EnvironmentOn-site, assisting with setup and traffic managementMore independent, overseeing traffic control operations
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning traffic control procedures, assisting crewsImplementing traffic plans, inspecting sites

The Traffic Control Apprentice is an entry-level role focused on learning traffic management skills and assisting experienced crews. The Traffic Control Technician has more responsibility, including overseeing traffic control setups and ensuring safety compliance. Both roles require similar certifications initially, but technicians typically hold advanced credentials and have more independent duties.

Do traffic control apprentices get paid weekly?

Traffic control apprentices are typically paid on a weekly basis, similar to other entry-level construction or labor roles. Payment schedules can vary depending on the employer and location, but weekly pay is common in the industry. Apprentices often earn wages that increase as they gain experience and complete training or certifications such as flagging or traffic control courses.

How hard is it to become a traffic control apprentice?

Becoming a traffic control apprentice typically requires minimal formal education, often a high school diploma or equivalent, and completion of a training program that covers safety procedures and traffic control standards. Some regions may require a certification or license, which involves passing a written exam and gaining practical experience, but overall, it is considered an entry-level position with manageable requirements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Traffic Control jobs in California? The most popular types of Traffic Control jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Traffic Control Apprentice jobs in California? For Traffic Control Apprentice jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Traffic Control Apprentice jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Traffic Control Apprentice jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Traffic Control Apprentice jobs? Cities in California with the most Traffic Control Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Traffic Control Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,247 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

City Rise Traffic - Traffic Control Associate: Chico

City Rise Safety

Chico, CA โ€ข On-site

$24.84 - $39.21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

City Rise Traffic - Traffic Control Associate: Chico
Hourly / Non-Exempt / Full Time
Salary Range: $24.84 - $39.21/hour
Salary depends on Job Classification and location
City Rise Traffic
We are a well-established and growing company offering a competitive salary and a great benefits package for the right candidate.
We service all of California from multiple locations. At City Rise Traffic, we provide high-quality traffic control safety services to construction sites, such as flagging traffic through a work site, lane closures to divert traffic, or detouring traffic to reduce traffic congestion and prevent accidents. We serve the needs of varied industries and are focused on maintaining a safe work environment for construction crews, our employees, and the public. Our focus is safety, so our customers can focus on their jobs.
Brief Position Summary:
A Traffic Control Associate is responsible for helping manage traffic around active work zones for road construction and utility crews. They use a paddle with "Stop" on one side and "Slow" on the other to signal drivers to slow down, stop, or proceed through the area. Often working alongside a crew leader and other technicians, they coordinate traffic flow through communication, either via two-way radios or hand signals. In some cases, they may set up barricades, cones, vehicle placements, and other devices along the roadway to enhance safety. A Traffic Control Technician must possess a valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record.
Their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, workers, and themselves while on the road.
Essential Functions:
  • Maintain a consistent and unrelenting focus on safety throughout all job functions
  • Use traffic signals/signs, traffic plans, and customer requests to safely coordinate traffic flow around the work zone
  • Assist in managing day-to-day work zone set up, maintenance and tear down. Meeting or exceeding customer, state, federal regulations and company expectations
  • Communicate with customers, the public, and with other team members
  • Keep equipment in trucks well organized and in working order
  • Develop superior knowledge of work zone setup and Professional Flagging responsibilities
  • Provide the highest level of customer service to all customers. This includes on-time arrival and well managed work zones
  • Recognize dangers using hearing and vision
  • Handle stressful situations and take safe action to avoid serious injuries to any pedestrians, vehicles, customers, and employees
  • Follow company and state guidelines for effective, safe well managed work zones
  • Drive company trucks as needed
  • Other duties not listed may apply

Journeyman Traffic Control Technician Union Requirements:
  • Current LIUNA membership with journey person classification required

If extensive non-union experience, City Rise may be able to help facilitate member onboarding if candidate is not already an exist member.
Apprentice Union Requirements:
  • Current LIUNA membership with Apprentice 1-4 classification preferred

City Rise may be able to facilitate member onboarding if candidate is not already an exist member.
Job Qualifications:
  • Can establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and others
  • Can work independently with minimum supervision
  • Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
  • Work in high-volume outdoor locations with multiple interruptions throughout the day
  • Conflict resolution techniques
  • Good customer service skills
  • Multitasking, problem solving, and organizational skills
  • Basic computer skills required
  • Flexible Schedule
  • Knowledge of the Caltrans MUTCD preferred but not required
  • Can read and understand traffic control plans and permits preferred but not required
  • Valid CA driver's license with a clean driving record/insurable
  • Experience driving medium duty vehicles and towing trailers
  • Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus but not required

Education:
  • High School Diploma preferred
  • Minimum of 2 years' experience in a similar role preferred
  • Valid ATSSA Flagging certification. Company willing to certify in-house

Physical Demands:
  • Lift, carry and place traffic cones to ensure the safety of the work zone. Lifting may be up to 50 lbs
  • Use hands to handle, feel or reach with arms to talk
  • Sit, stoop or kneel
  • Lift, carry, pull, or place and assemble traffic control signs in the proper order to manage work zone traffic
  • Standing/walking for long periods while flagging, in various weather conditions and different times of day/night
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus

Language Skills:
Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos. Ability to write clear instructions, explanations, and correspondence. Ability to read, understand, and implement TCPs and follow industry guidelines. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
City Rise Safety, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and compliant workplace that values the contributions of all employees, union and non-union alike, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Employment is contingent upon verification of legal authorization to work in the United States and successful completion of a criminal background check, if applicable and consistent with California law, as well as any required drug screening conducted in compliance with applicable state and local laws.