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Traffic Light Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valley Metro

Senior Traffic Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

$100K - $151K/yr

Ensure coordination among light rail signals, roadway traffic signals, and pedestrian signals to ... controller equipment and signal testing tools; verify system functionality and operational ...

City of Avondale

Traffic Signal Technician

Avondale, AZ · On-site

$26.75 - $40.11/hr

Rewires ballasts and light poles, locates power sources to streetlights, and installs street light ... Diagnose and coordinates issues related to controller programming per engineering's timing and ...

New

Elite Parking Solutions

Traffic Director

Southfield, MI · On-site

$18 - $26/hr

Directing and controlling vehicular traffic flow at designated areas to prevent congestion and ... The job involves prolonged periods of standing, walking, and occasionally lifting light objects.

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How much do traffic light controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for traffic light controller in the United States is $23.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a traffic light controller?

Traffic Light Controllers are devices or systems used to manage the sequencing and timing of traffic signals at intersections. They ensure the safe and efficient flow of vehicles and pedestrians by controlling when each signal turns red, yellow, or green. These controllers can be simple, using fixed timers, or complex with adaptive algorithms that respond to real-time traffic conditions. Their main goal is to minimize congestion and enhance roadway safety.

What are some common challenges faced by traffic light controllers and how can they be managed?

Traffic Light Controllers often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected traffic congestion, responding to equipment malfunctions, and accommodating emergency situations. Effective communication with city traffic management teams and quick troubleshooting skills are essential for addressing these issues. Staying up-to-date with new traffic control technologies and regularly participating in maintenance schedules can also help minimize disruptions and ensure smooth traffic flow.

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

To thrive as a Traffic Light Controller, you need a strong understanding of traffic management principles, electronics, and systems operation, often supported by vocational training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with traffic signal control systems, SCADA software, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and clear communication are important soft skills that help manage incidents and coordinate with other traffic personnel. These skills ensure smooth traffic flow, minimize congestion, and enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

What is the difference between Traffic Light Controller vs Traffic Signal Technician?

AspectTraffic Light ControllerTraffic Signal Technician
Primary RoleDesigns, programs, and manages traffic light systems and their operationInstalls, maintains, and repairs traffic signal equipment on-site
Required CertificationsMay require electrical or traffic management certificationsElectrical certifications and technical training
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, control rooms, and field sitesFieldwork at traffic intersections and signal sites
Industry UsageTraffic management departments, city planningConstruction, municipal traffic departments

While both roles involve traffic signal systems, Traffic Light Controllers focus on system design and programming, whereas Traffic Signal Technicians handle installation and maintenance. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in traffic management.

How to become a traffic light controller?

To become a traffic light controller, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require specialized training or certification in traffic management or signal systems. Relevant skills include understanding electrical systems, computer operation, and safety procedures; some positions may also require a valid driver's license and experience with traffic control equipment. On-the-job training is common, and the role often involves working in outdoor environments with shift work.
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What job categories do people searching Traffic Light Controller jobs look for?

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Traffic Light Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Traffic Light Controller job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,810 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Air Traffic Controller - Greenville Mississippi Tower / Greenville MS

CI Squared Aviation, Inc.

Greenville, MS • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 hours ago

Job description

SUMMARY:
Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Airport Traffic Control Tower.
DIMENSIONS OF POSITION:
Works under the general supervision of the tower manager who relies on the incumbent to perform established duties independently. On new or revised procedures, the manager gives detailed instructions and observes and checks work, during or immediately after completion, according to the complexity of the task until satisfied the incumbent can perform it independently.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must have a minimum of (2) years of experience as an Air Traffic Controller.
  • Individuals must have a current or previous Control Tower Operator Certificate (CTO) Certificate and a current Class II Medical Certificate.
  • Individuals must have held a Control Tower Operator Certificate (CTO) with a facility rating for a minimum of two years in an Air Traffic Control Tower.
  • The position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident).

ACCOUNTABILITY:
Making decisions involving:
  1. The order of departures will ensure all aircraft equitable treatment and will ensure that departing Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flights operate at the fixed altitude, andthe time designated by the center or approach control clearances.
  2. The times and direction of takeoff and any turn necessary after departure.
  3. Whether inbound aircraft is to land immediately or circle and whether distances are lengthened to control the arrival of an aircraft at a given point.
  4. The active runway and possible simultaneous use of other runways.
  5. The time and methods by which arrivals and departures can be interspersed with the least delay to traffic.
  6. When landing and departing, aircraft are cleared to use the runways to ensure standard separation between aircraft on the runways.
  7. The sequence of arriving traffic, before it enters the traffic pattern, to ensure a safe, orderly flow of aircraft on the final approach to the landing runway.
  8. Endure that Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) separation standards are applied, as delegated by approach control or the center, in limited areas around the airport to provide initial separation between IFR arrivals and IFR departures and between successive IFR departures.
  9. The sequence of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) traffic, and when delegated, using radar equipment to provide initial separation for arrival verse arrival and arrival verse departure IFR traffic.
  10. When Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flights through the Class D airspace can be authorized.

Determines the usability of communications frequencies and other navigational aids used to control air traffic. Monitors navigational aids and control panels, including tower radar display to determine the acceptability of its alignment and display presentation. Instructs pilots to change radio frequencies/transponder codes.
  1. When appropriate, coordinate with other controllers on the movement of both arrival and departure aircraft.
  2. When traffic conditions warrant, controllers in non-approach terminals are responsible for:
    1. Preplanning traffic sequencing and separation over an area, which may reach out to a radius of 5 miles or more.
    2. Preplanning and setting up checkpoints required to ensure the maintenance of necessary traffic separation.
    3. Maintaining a continuous mental picture and evaluation of constantly changing traffic, frequency dispersed throughout his/her area of jurisdictional responsibility.
    4. Maintaining continuous radio watch with aircraft that have previously contacted the facility.

MANAGING Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) TRAFFIC FOR AIRPORT:
  1. Studies weather reports and forecasts, obtain LAWRS/SAWRS weather certification, observes weather from the tower, and records pilot reports to determine the effect of present and anticipated weather on traffic; furnishes aircraft with information such as field conditions, altimeter settings, weather conditions, operating status of navigational aids, and observed malfunctioning of aircraft; forwards to the weather bureau, AFSS, and the appropriate center/approach control, pilot weather reports and reports based upon personal observation of weather conditions; operate light guns, runway lights, field lighting, jet barriers, etc.
  2. Orients pilots of aircraft lost or in difficulty; determines whether a given situation may develop into an emergency; and notifies airlines operations offices, airport management offices, and airport rescue and firefighting services.
  3. Performs lower grade level duties as necessary to meet operational requirements and proficiency maintenance.
  4. Provides On-the-job (OJT) training to others.

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