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Traffic Operations Specialist information

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$25.5K

$92.5K

$182K

How much do traffic operations specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic operations specialist in the United States is $92,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a traffic operations specialist?

Traffic Operations Specialists are professionals responsible for monitoring, managing, and optimizing the flow of traffic on roads and highways. They use technology and data to identify issues such as congestion, accidents, or road closures, and coordinate responses to ensure safety and efficiency. Their duties may include operating traffic control systems, communicating with emergency services, and implementing traffic management plans. This role is essential for maintaining safe and efficient transportation networks in urban and rural areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a traffic operations specialist?

To thrive as a Traffic Operations Specialist, you need a background in transportation planning or engineering, strong analytical abilities, and usually a relevant degree such as civil engineering or urban planning. Familiarity with traffic management systems, GIS software, and sometimes certifications like Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) are often required. Excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail help you coordinate with stakeholders and respond swiftly to traffic issues. These competencies are vital for ensuring efficient traffic flow, public safety, and effective incident response in busy roadway networks.

How does a traffic operations specialist typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth traffic flow?

Traffic Operations Specialists work closely with teams such as law enforcement, public works, and emergency management to coordinate responses to incidents, road closures, or construction projects. They often communicate in real-time using radios, traffic management systems, and digital dashboards to share updates and adjust signal timing or traffic patterns as needed. This collaboration is essential for minimizing congestion, ensuring public safety, and maintaining efficient transportation networks.

What is the difference between Traffic Operations Specialist vs Traffic Engineer?

AspectTraffic Operations SpecialistTraffic Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in transportation, civil engineering, or related field; certifications like AICP or traffic control certifications are commonBachelor's or Master's degree in civil engineering or transportation engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often required
Work EnvironmentFieldwork managing traffic flow, installing signage, monitoring traffic patterns, and coordinating traffic control devicesDesigning traffic systems, analyzing traffic data, planning roadway improvements, and overseeing traffic safety projects
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, transportation agencies, construction firmsGovernment agencies, consulting firms, transportation departments

While both roles focus on traffic management, Traffic Operations Specialists primarily handle on-the-ground traffic control and monitoring, whereas Traffic Engineers focus on planning, designing, and analyzing traffic systems. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and required credentials.

More about Traffic Operations Specialist jobs

What cities are hiring for Traffic Operations Specialist jobs?

Cities with the most Traffic Operations Specialist job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Traffic Operations Specialist jobs?

The top employers for Traffic Operations Specialist jobs are:

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The top searched job categories for Traffic Operations Specialist jobs are:

Traffic Operations Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Traffic Operations Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,458 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Traffic Operations Specialist

Arizona Department of Public Safety

Phoenix, AZ

$53K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Summary Statement Under supervision, performs work in a structured environment to monitor and coordinate traffic operations. Works with State Troopers, Operational Communications, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) personnel, and other public and highway safety entities to monitor and manage traffic conditions and assist with management of traffic incidents. This position is designated as uncovered; the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Director of the Department of Public Safety.

Essential Functions (not intended to be all inclusive) 1. Monitor ADOT cameras to provide information updates to Operational Communications, Duty Office, State Troopers, and the chain-of-command. 2.

Coordinates emergency services and tow truck responses to minimize roadway and incident clearance times and reduce secondary incidents/collisions. 3. Monitors the DPS computer aided dispatch (CAD) system to provide updates on incident locations, details, and activities.

4. Provides instruction and coordination of Traffic Incident Management protocols and curricula. 5.

Use the appropriate information system to store and report information concerning critical performance measures related to incident response times, clearance times, time off highway, and secondary incidents/collisions. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required KNOWLDEDGE OF: 1. police methods, practices, and procedures.

2. DPS rules and regulations. 3.

Traffic Incident Management protocols and procedures. 4. general instruction, classroom management, adult learning, and authentic learning assessment.

SKILL IN: 1. the operation and use of the Department's current CAD system. and electronic incident/citation/reporting software.

2. the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. 3.

coordinating complex traffic incident responses. 4. writing detailed reports and after-action reviews/briefs.

5. teaching/instructing public safety and/or highway safety courses/classes. ABILITY TO : 1.

effectively coordinate complex dynamic traffic incidents and collisions. 2. work in a multi-agency environment.

3. prepare clear, accurate, and grammatically correct written reports. 4.

analyze situations or information and adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action. 5. maintain composure and work effectively under highly stressful conditions.

6. treat persons with courtesy and respect while performing the Department's mission. 7.

read and understand complex written information. 8. observe and recollect details.

9. work independently. 10.

establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 11. work any hours including weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, call-outs and overtime.

12. perform basic mathematic and statistical calculations. 13.

communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 14. operate a computer to input and retrieve information.

Minimum Qualifications Three years of law enforcement experience as an Arizona POST certified peace officer or a police communications dispatcher. Must have and maintain a valid Arizona driver license. WORKING CONDITIONS: Office setting.

Availability to work irregular hours and/or respond to emergency staffing call-outs on a 24-hour basis. FLSA STATUS: NON-EXEMPT Must pass a background investigation.

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