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Traffic Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Traffic Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

Perform basic professional traffic engineering work relating to conducting investigations and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, roadways, intersections, signage, signals, pavement ...

Associate Traffic Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

Perform basic professional traffic engineering work relating to conducting investigations and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, roadways, intersections, signage, signals, pavement ...

$28.50 - $35.06/hr

City Rise Traffic - Traffic Control Lead: North Hollywood Hourly / Non-Exempt / Full Time Salary ... inspections, onsite training, and performance reviews. Essential Functions: • Supervise job site ...

Showing results 21-40

Traffic Inspector information

See California salary details

$12

$19

$27

How much do traffic inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for traffic inspector in California is $19.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Traffic Inspector, you need a solid understanding of traffic laws, road safety regulations, and inspection procedures, typically supported by a relevant high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with traffic monitoring systems, handheld inspection devices, and reporting software is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you interact with the public and enforce regulations fairly. These abilities are crucial for ensuring road safety, minimizing violations, and maintaining the smooth flow of traffic.

How to become a traffic inspector?

To become a traffic inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass written and physical exams. Relevant skills include knowledge of traffic laws, good observation, and communication abilities; some positions may require certification or training provided by transportation agencies.

Is a traffic inspector job in demand?

Traffic inspector jobs are generally in steady demand in regions with active transportation networks and infrastructure projects. Employment opportunities depend on government budgets, transportation needs, and local regulations, with roles often requiring knowledge of traffic laws and safety procedures.

What is a traffic inspector?

Traffic Inspectors are professionals responsible for monitoring and enforcing traffic regulations to ensure public safety and smooth transportation flow. They often inspect vehicles for compliance with laws, oversee road usage, investigate accidents, and may issue citations for violations. Their work helps prevent accidents and keep roads safe for all users. Traffic Inspectors may work for government agencies, transportation departments, or law enforcement organizations.

What certification do you need for traffic inspector?

Traffic inspectors typically need a valid driver's license and may require certification in traffic control or safety procedures, such as the OSHA 10 or 30-hour construction safety certification. Some jurisdictions also require completion of a traffic control training program or a state-specific certification to ensure proper enforcement and safety standards.

What is the difference between Traffic Inspector vs Traffic Clerk?

AspectTraffic InspectorTraffic Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, relevant certifications, sometimes specialized trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, basic administrative skills
Work EnvironmentFieldwork on roads, traffic stops, inspectionsOffice or administrative settings, data entry
Employer & Industry UsageTransportation agencies, law enforcement, city departmentsTransportation companies, government offices, traffic management
Common Search & ComparisonTraffic Inspector vs Traffic Clerk

Traffic Inspectors primarily focus on inspecting vehicles, enforcing traffic laws, and ensuring safety on the roads, often working outdoors. Traffic Clerks handle administrative tasks like record-keeping, data entry, and processing traffic-related documents, usually in office settings. While both roles support traffic management, they differ in responsibilities, work environment, and required skills.

What are some common challenges a traffic inspector faces, and how can these be addressed on the job?

Traffic Inspectors often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, dealing with non-compliant drivers, and managing high-pressure situations like accidents or traffic congestion. To address these, it’s important to maintain strong communication skills, stay updated on traffic regulations, and develop a calm, solution-focused approach to conflict resolution. Working closely with law enforcement, road maintenance teams, and the public also helps ensure smooth operations and effective incident response.
What are popular job titles related to Traffic Inspector jobs in California? For Traffic Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Traffic Inspector jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Traffic Inspector jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Traffic Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,934 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

City Rise Traffic - Traffic Control Lead: Fresno

City Rise Safety

Fresno, CA • On-site

$40.71 - $50.90/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

City Rise Traffic - Traffic Control Lead: Fresno
Hourly / Non-Exempt / Full Time
Salary Range: $40.71 - $50.90/ 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.


Position Summary:
The Traffic Control Lead possesses a general knowledge of principles and practices of supervision. He or she works under the direction of a contractor to identify the various needs and/or phases of a job and is involved in providing onsite leadership and supervision over the traffic control work crew to ensure successful execution. The Lead is expected to safely execute all scopes of traffic control work, including but not limited to flagging setups, single to multi-lane closures, road closures, detours, freeway closures, specialty projects, and field supervision.
Outside of the standard Lead job site duties, the Lead will draw on their own knowledge and experience to assist in the onsite training and development of our traffic control employees. The Lead will collaborate with safety & training and field operations to maintain job-site compliance through employee evaluations, jobsite inspections, onsite training, and performance reviews.


Essential Functions:
Supervise job site
Develop superior knowledge of work zone setup and professional traffic control responsibilities
Provide the highest level of customer service to all customers. This includes on-time arrival and well managed work zones
Implement Traffic Plans & Permits
Complete daily Job Hazard Analysis and conduct tailgate meetings
Onsite client contact
Maintain a consistent and unrelenting focus on safety throughout all job functions.
Manage day-to-day work zone set up, maintenance and tear down. Meeting or exceeding customer, state, federal and company expectations
Ability to recognize dangers using hearing and vision
Ability to handle stressful situations and take safe action to avoid serious injuries to any pedestrians, vehicles, customers, and employees
Ability to understand traffic signals/signs, traffic plans and customer requests
Ability to communicate with customers, the public, and with other team members
Follow company and MUTCD guidelines for effective, safe and well managed work zones
Driving company trucks
Tow and operate towable equipment
Keep equipment in trucks well organized and in working order
Evaluate employee performance
Other duties as assigned


Qualifications:
Current LIUNA membership with journey person classification, applicable CBA required
Proficient knowledge of the Caltrans MUTCD
Can read and understand traffic control plans and permits
Can establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and others
Can work independently with minimum supervision while prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines
Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
Work in high-volume outdoor locations with multiple interruptions throughout the day
Strong conflict resolution techniques
Strong leadership skills
Strong customer service skills
Excellent multitasking, problem-solving, and organizational skills
Basic computer skills 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
3 years' experience in a traffic control lead role or equivalent preferred
Valid ATSSA flagging certification
Valid ATSSA traffic control tech certification
Valid ATSSA traffic control supervisor certification
OSHA 10 certification
OSHA 30 certification
First aid/CPR certification
TMA certification
Has received all internal training required for lead advancement


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.