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Traffic Control Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Traffic Control Flagger

Manassas, VA · On-site

$21.50 - $22.25/hr

Setting up cones, signs, and barricades and taking traffic control equipment down * Using a stop/slow paddle to guide traffic, watching traffic and job site activity * Following all safety rules ...

Setting up cones, signs, and barricades and taking traffic control equipment down * Using a stop/slow paddle to guide traffic, watching traffic and job site activity * Following all safety rules ...

Traffic Control Flagger

Upper Marlboro, MD · On-site

$18.50 - $19.25/hr

Setting up cones, signs, and barricades and taking traffic control equipment down * Using a stop/slow paddle to guide traffic, watching traffic and job site activity * Following all safety rules ...

Traffic Control Flagger

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Coordinate traffic signals with construction crews and other flaggers * Load and unload equipment and materials * Other tasks as requested by leadership What You'll Have * General knowledge of ...

Showing results 21-40

Traffic Control information

See Washington salary details

$28.9K

$104.7K

$206.1K

How much do traffic control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic control in Washington is $104,717.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,100.00 and $134,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Traffic Control professional, you need a solid understanding of traffic management principles, safety regulations, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with handheld radios, traffic cones, signs, and sometimes certification such as a flagger or traffic control safety card is typical. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians, and to prevent accidents at construction sites or public events.

What are some common challenges faced by traffic control professionals on the job?

Traffic control professionals often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, managing high-stress situations during peak traffic hours, and staying alert to ensure the safety of both themselves and the public. They must constantly communicate with team members and adapt quickly to changes in traffic flow or construction plans. Effective problem-solving and attention to detail are essential for handling unexpected incidents or emergencies that may arise during their shifts.

How hard is it to become a traffic control?

Becoming a traffic control worker typically requires completing a training course and obtaining a certification, which can often be completed in a few days. The job involves understanding safety protocols, using traffic control devices, and working outdoors, often in shifts. While the requirements are straightforward, physical fitness and attention to safety are important for success in this role.

What are the qualifications to be a traffic control?

Traffic control workers typically need to be at least 18 years old, complete a traffic control training course, and obtain a certification such as a flagger certification. They should have good communication skills, the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, and knowledge of safety protocols and traffic control devices.

What is the difference between Traffic Control vs Flagger?

AspectTraffic ControlFlagger
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA and traffic control certificationsRequires flagger certification, often part of traffic control training
Work EnvironmentWorks on construction sites, roadways, and traffic management areasOperates at specific points to direct traffic, often on roadways
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by construction companies, municipalities, and contractorsPrimarily employed by traffic control companies and contractors

Traffic Control is a broad role involving managing and directing traffic flow, often encompassing various tasks and personnel. A Flagger is a specific type of traffic control worker responsible for signaling drivers to ensure safety during roadwork or events. While both roles require similar certifications and work in similar environments, Traffic Control may include additional responsibilities such as planning and supervising traffic management plans.

What is a traffic control?

Traffic control workers, often known as flaggers or traffic controllers, are responsible for directing and managing the flow of vehicles and pedestrians around construction sites, roadwork zones, accidents, or other disruptions on roads. Their main duties include setting up signs, cones, and barriers, using flags or signs to direct traffic, and ensuring the safety of workers and the public. They communicate with other crew members via radios and must stay alert to changing conditions. Traffic control workers play a critical role in preventing accidents and maintaining smooth traffic movement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Traffic Control jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Traffic Control jobs in Washington are:
What job categories do people searching Traffic Control jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Traffic Control jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Traffic Control jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Traffic Control job openings:
Infographic showing various Traffic Control job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,717 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Federal Aviation Administration

Washington, DC • On-site

$95K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Federal Aviation Administration rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 289 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
AJT is responsible for Airport Traffic Control Towers (Federal), Terminal Radar Approach Control facilities, Air Route Traffic Control Centers, and Combined Center Radar Approach Control faculties which guide aircraft through their various phases of flight. The incumbent will serve as an Air Traffic Control Specialist in the Policy Group as an Oceanic/Offshore operations specialist.
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Duties
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The Air Traffic Control Specialist will perform complex, specialized air traffic control assignments which includes reviewing, analyzing, and documenting the development and implementation of new or revised procedures and separation standards, equipment, software, and other operations related activities. May represent Air Traffic Services in discussions, meetings and briefings with internal and external agencies and organizations. Serves as the primary point of contact for the service area/centers and field facilities for international standards and procedures issues.
Drafts and recommends changes to policies and procedures and develop reports. Supports the oceanic/offshore and international standards and procedures functional areas. From a national and international air traffic control operational policy perspective plans and provides technical and operational support. Integrates international strategies of air traffic procedure harmonization, standardization, and advocacy. May represent Air Traffic Services in discussions, meetings and briefings with domestic and international agencies and organizations. May be subject to domestic and/or international travel.
Supports operational capacity and efficiency enhancements/improvements through the development and implementation of appropriate policy or guidance through the development of new or revised procedures. Applies full-performance-level experience gained in an air traffic control facility with oceanic and/or offshore operations.
Creates and maintains contacts, which are both internal and external to the Air Traffic Procedures Organization. Uses external contacts including, the aviation industry, other FAA organizations, and other air navigation service providers to communicate the importance of documents supporting the delivery of air traffic services domestically and internationally. Often represents the organization as a senior point of contact on projects, programs, research, and acquisition.
Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for completing work objectives but allows for considerable discretion to develop new or innovative approaches. Draws on experience and knowledge to solve unusual problems. Most work is performed independently, though subject to review by program officials and representatives of external entities for quality of results and comparability with regional and national goals, conformance with established policies, and consonance with program objectives.
Works is typically reviewed through status reports and at completion. Plans own use of time and resources to accomplish objectives. Defines, organizes, and allocates resources toa accomplish important work activities within established schedules. The work directly impacts Air Traffic Services, the ATO, and the FAA.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).

Qualifications
To view the complete qualification standard, applicants should reference- U.S. Office of Personnel Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Air Traffic Control Series, 2152:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2100/air-traffic-control-series-2152/
To qualify for this position at the J-band you must demonstrate in your application that you have experience as an airtraffic controller in a military or civilian air traffic facility that demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the level of work of the specialization for which application is made. This experience must have provided a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate air traffic control laws, rules and regulations. Creditable experience must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the full range of duties of the position for which application is being made.
To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I / FG/GS-13. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Specialized experience is: Experience with Advanced Technologies and Oceanic Procedures (ATOP) automatic platform.
Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history.
Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
Interview Policy: If the selecting official decides to interview any employee on the selection list for a vacancy, then all who remain under consideration for the position at that point in the process must be interviewed. If the selection list is shortened to a best qualified list through a comparative process, then the best qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list.
Pay Retention: In accordance with HRPM. EMP 1.29/1.29A, this position may be Career Enhancement Assignment/Career Progression. The selectee( s) may be eligible for pay retention. Career Diversity is not enhanced when an employee is assigned to a staff or supervisory position in which they previously held on a permanent basis. CEP/CP selectees will be required to certify eligibility.
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Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.
Additional information
We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements
In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.
Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the KSAs listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical order and referred to the selecting official for consideration.
Position is not eligible for "good time" for ATC retirement purposes.
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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