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How much do traffic management operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for traffic management operator in the United States is $19.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Traffic Management Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Traffic Management Operators often encounter challenges such as responding to unexpected incidents, managing high-pressure situations, and coordinating real-time information across multiple teams. To address these, operators rely on robust communication skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and proficiency with traffic monitoring technologies. Continuous training and close collaboration with emergency services and local authorities also help in effectively managing these challenges and ensuring smooth traffic flow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Traffic Management Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Traffic Management Operator, you need a strong understanding of traffic control regulations, incident response procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent qualification. Familiarity with traffic management systems, CCTV monitoring platforms, and sometimes relevant certifications like TTM (Temporary Traffic Management) are commonly required. Excellent situational awareness, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient traffic flow, rapid incident response, and public safety in dynamic and potentially high-risk environments.

What is the difference between Traffic Management Operator vs Traffic Control Technician?

AspectTraffic Management OperatorTraffic Control Technician
Required CertificationsTraffic Management Certification, OSHA safety trainingTraffic Control Certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentOn-site traffic management, construction zones, roadwaysSetting up and maintaining traffic control devices, construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageTransportation agencies, construction companiesConstruction firms, road maintenance contractors

Both roles involve ensuring safety and smooth traffic flow, often requiring similar certifications. Traffic Management Operators typically oversee traffic plans and coordinate operations, while Traffic Control Technicians focus on installing and maintaining traffic control devices. They work closely in the same industry but have distinct responsibilities.

What are Traffic Management Operators?

Traffic Management Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring and controlling the flow of traffic, often using advanced technology and communication systems. They manage traffic signals, respond to incidents on roadways, and coordinate with emergency services to ensure safety and minimize congestion. Their work helps maintain efficient transportation networks and improves road safety for all users.
More about Traffic Management Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Traffic Management Operator jobs? Cities with the most Traffic Management Operator job openings:
What states have the most Traffic Management Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Traffic Management Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Traffic Management Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Traffic Management Operator jobs are:
Traffic Management Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Traffic Management Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,463 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Project Manager, Traffic Management Center Operations

GFT.

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

GFT is a leader in infrastructure planning, design, and program management, partnering with transportation agencies across North America to deliver innovative solutions that improve safety, mobility, and the communities we serve.
We are seeking an experienced Full-Time Project Manager to lead an anticipated statewide Traffic Management Center (TMC) Operations contract supporting the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished transportation operations professional to lead a statewide program supporting real-time traffic operations, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), traffic incident management, and traveler information services that improve mobility for millions of Tennessee motorists every day.
Working closely with TDOT leadership, regional Traffic Management Center staff, and transportation partners, you'll provide strategic leadership for contract execution, operational performance, staffing, quality management, and continuous improvement initiatives while helping shape the future of transportation operations across the state.
If you enjoy leading high-performing teams, building trusted client relationships, and delivering mission-critical transportation operations programs, this role offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact.
What you'll be challenged to do:
  • Lead the successful execution of a statewide Traffic Management Center Operations program supporting TDOT.
  • Foster strong relationships with TDOT leadership and transportation partners while serving as GFT's primary point of contact for contract performance.
  • Drive operational excellence by overseeing staffing, quality management, performance measurement, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Support transportation operations that improve roadway safety, incident response, traveler information, and mobility throughout Tennessee.
  • Mentor and develop a high-performing team dedicated to delivering exceptional service and operational reliability.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
  • Providing overall leadership and administration of the statewide Traffic Management Center Operations contract.
  • Serving as the primary liaison between GFT and the TDOT State Project Manager.
  • Managing contract performance, staffing plans, project schedules, budgets, and contract deliverables.
  • Overseeing recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, and professional development of project personnel.
  • Preparing and reviewing monthly performance reports, annual reports, meeting documentation, invoices, and other contract deliverables.
  • Monitoring operational performance measures and implementing continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service delivery.
  • Ensuring compliance with contract requirements, quality management processes, and GFT standards.
  • Coordinating with TDOT, law enforcement, emergency responders, contractors, and partner agencies to support statewide transportation operations.
  • Supporting updates to the TDOT Traffic Management Center Operations Manual, operating procedures, and performance management processes.
  • Providing leadership during operational incidents, staffing challenges, and other situations requiring executive decision-making.
  • Maintaining effective communication with TDOT leadership regarding project status, risks, accomplishments, and operational priorities.
  • Promoting a collaborative culture focused on accountability, innovation, customer service, and operational excellence.

What you will bring to our firm:
  • One of the following qualification pathways:
    • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, another STEM discipline, or an MBA, plus at least three (3) years of project management experience and five (5) years of experience in a Traffic Management Center or comparable operations environment; or
    • Bachelor's degree, five (5) years of project management experience, at least three (3) years of Traffic Management Center management experience, and six (6) years of total experience in a Traffic Management Center or similar operations environment; or
    • At least five (5) years of Traffic Management Center management experience and ten (10) years of total experience in a Traffic Management Center or comparable operations facility.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex transportation operations programs, multidisciplinary teams, budgets, schedules, and contract deliverables.
  • Strong knowledge of Traffic Management Center operations, Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and Traffic Incident Management (TIM).
  • Experience developing performance measures, technical reports, executive summaries, and operational documentation.
  • Strong leadership, communication, relationship management, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders, including executive leadership.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and project management software.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced, mission-critical operations environment.
  • Willingness to travel throughout Tennessee and respond to operational issues outside normal business hours as needed.
  • Public safety, law enforcement, fire service, or first responder leadership experience within Tennessee is highly desirable.

What we prefer you bring:
  • Experience managing Traffic Management Center, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), or Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) programs.
  • Experience supporting statewide transportation operations contracts or performance-based service contracts.
  • Experience working with TDOT or another state Department of Transportation.
  • Experience with Power BI, operational dashboards, and performance analytics.
  • Experience leading quality management or continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Professional certifications in project management, transportation operations, or related disciplines.

Compensation: $70.00-$75.00 per hour (Eligible for GFT's comprehensive benefits package)
Status: Anticipated position contingent upon contract award and final client approval.
Featured Benefits:
  • Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
  • Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
  • Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
  • Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
  • Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
Location: Nashville, TN
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time

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