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Traffic Reporter Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Cascade PBS

Temporary Senior Video Producer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$37.83/hr

On occasion serve as on-camera reporter/host * Collect and manage media assets for video/multimedia ... as Traffic * Collaborate with graphic design department to build animations and other assets

All JobsTraffic Reporter JobsTraffic Reporter Jobs in Seattle, WA

Traffic Reporter information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$6

$27

$39

How much do traffic reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for traffic reporter in Seattle, WA is $27.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a traffic reporter?

Traffic reporters are professionals who provide real-time information about road and traffic conditions to the public, typically via radio, television, or online platforms. They monitor traffic flow, accidents, road closures, and construction updates using various sources such as traffic cameras, police reports, and navigation apps. Their primary goal is to keep commuters informed and help them avoid delays by suggesting alternate routes. Traffic reporters often work early mornings and late afternoons to cover peak travel times and may also provide updates during severe weather or major events.

What does a traffic reporter do?

The job duties of a traffic reporter involve providing information and updates on driving conditions and road closures on a TV news broadcast or the radio. As a traffic reporter, your responsibilities include reporting accidents and traffic jams for commuters and others who are traveling on the roads. You usually work in the morning during rush hour, but you may also provide reports on road conditions in the evening or during a weather event. In this role, you typically monitor traffic camera feeds to get up-to-date information and then create copy to present on the air.

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

To thrive as a Traffic Reporter, you need a strong command of broadcast journalism, real-time information gathering, and clear articulation, often supported by a degree in communications or journalism. Familiarity with traffic monitoring systems, mapping software, and broadcast equipment is typically required. Excellent time management, quick decision-making, and engaging on-air presence are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate, timely, and compelling traffic updates that keep the public informed and safe.

How does a traffic reporter typically gather and verify real-time traffic information during their shifts?

Traffic Reporters use a combination of live data feeds, traffic cameras, police and emergency services communications, and reports from mobile apps or listeners to monitor road conditions. They must quickly cross-check information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy before broadcasting updates. Teamwork is often essential, as reporters may collaborate with producers, other journalists, and technical staff to provide timely and reliable information. Staying calm and focused during fast-changing situations is a key challenge in this role.

What is the difference between Traffic Reporter vs Traffic Analyst?

AspectTraffic ReporterTraffic Analyst
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; journalism or communications backgroundBachelor's degree in transportation, statistics, or related field
Work EnvironmentField reporting, live broadcasts, on-location traffic updatesData analysis, report generation, traffic pattern studies
Employer & Industry UsageBroadcast media, news stations, traffic reporting servicesTransportation agencies, urban planning, traffic management firms
Common Search & ComparisonTraffic Reporter vs Traffic Analyst

Traffic Reporters focus on delivering real-time traffic updates through media outlets, often working in the field or studio. Traffic Analysts analyze traffic data to identify patterns and improve traffic flow, typically working in offices or research settings. While both roles involve traffic information, their focus and work environments differ significantly.

Do traffic reporters make a lot of money?

Traffic reporters typically earn a median annual salary around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Salaries can increase with experience, additional skills, or working for larger media outlets, but overall, traffic reporting is considered an entry- to mid-level position with moderate pay. Many traffic reporters work early morning or irregular hours, often requiring good communication skills and familiarity with traffic monitoring tools.

How much does a local traffic reporter make?

A local traffic reporter typically earns between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Many traffic reporters work early morning or evening shifts and may need skills in broadcasting, reporting, and familiarity with traffic monitoring tools.
More about Traffic Reporter jobs

What are popular job titles related to Traffic Reporter jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Traffic Reporter jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Traffic Reporter jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Traffic Reporter jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Traffic Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Traffic Reporter job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,373 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Temporary Senior Video Producer

Seattle, WA • On-site

Cascade PBS
See more jobs at Cascade PBSexternal

$37.83/hr

Full-time, Contractor, Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description

The Cascade PBS's mission is to inform and inspire our community to make the world a better place.


Our vision is to be the most essential and relevant media organization in the region.


The Senior Video Producer works as part of a video production team to pitch, develop and produce multiple short-form scripted video series per year, potentially long-form documentary projects for broadcast and a series of mini-docs for broadcast and online platforms. They are an established video storyteller with significant experience in broadcast and digital content production and possess demonstrated high-level skills in journalistic writing, reporting and video production. They are a leader in the industry and bring vast experience to the table while demonstrating Cascade PBS's values of integrity, community, innovation and diversity.


Pay rate: $37.83/hr

Status: Temporary, full-time, benefits eligible

Duration: October 12, 2026 - February 19, 2027

Location: Seattle, hybrid schedule available

Benefits include: 

  • Sick time
  • Company-matched 401(k) Retirement Plan that is fully-vested immediately
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

  • Pitch, research and develop short-form scripted video series, documentaries and other video content for distribution across broadcast and online platforms.
  • Work in collaboration with Director of Original Productions and Production Manager to determine the content and focus of projects  
  • Manage pre-production planning and logistics 
  • Engage in ongoing survey of the digital and broadcast video landscape to inspire innovation 
  • Coordinate with manager on project budgets and track spending for productions as needed 
  • Assists production teams to complete short-form and long-form video and multimedia projects 
  • On occasion serve as secondary photographer in the field  
  • On occasion serve as on-camera reporter/host 
  • Collect and manage media assets for video/multimedia projects 
  • Write video scripts and supporting material as needed. 
  • Work in collaboration with Director of Original Productions and Production Manager to review and hone scripts written by other internal/external producers 
  • Book crew as needed for productions 
  • Record voice-over narration and coach other producers/narrators on voicing 
  • Collaborate with internal/external video editors to complete projects 
  • Review and provide feedback on cuts of videos from other internal/external producers  
  • Ensure delivery of all relevant assets from independent contractors 
  • Assist web editors with development additional web assets and publishing 
  • Mentor, train and partner with other producers as needed
  • Source media assets for edits and coordinate cost with manager
  • Organize and deliver relevant materials to Marketing & Communications and Corporate Sponsorship departments as well as Traffic
  • Collaborate with graphic design department to build animations and other assets 
  • Secure releases and perform fact-checking on scripts and supporting materials 
  • Assist in media management and maintaining media asset archives 
  • Assist manager in preparation and tracking of budgets 
  • Collaborate with other team members to foster a positive and productive culture and contribute toward the overall growth of the Cascade PBS.
  • Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

  • Demonstrate excellent content judgment and knowledge of digital content trends; possess journalistic reporting skills and facility with multimedia storytelling tools and techniques 
  • Knowledgeable about user experience principles with respect to presenting digital content 
  • Production experience using social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter  
  • Demonstrated ability to produce broadcast-quality video on multiple platforms  
  • Demonstrated ability to uphold high ethical standards of journalism
  • Be able to both self-generate journalistic projects and work with restrictions to meet very specific project/initiative needs 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • BA/BS in journalism or related field, or equivalent experience required 
  • At least 5 years of video producing/multimedia/journalism experience 
  • Experience with Canon C100, C300, Canon 5D dSLR, Adobe Creative Suite
  • Experience assembling and managing video/multimedia production teams 
  • Experience with stacking and packaging segments into sequences for television broadcast  
  • Experience with producing short-form series for web and broadcast 
  • Experience with writing project budgets and managing content acquisitions 
  • Experience with managing asset delivery for video content
  • Experience with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and investigative reporting techniques preferred 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to view data on a computer screen for long periods of time 
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods 
  • Ability to regularly type on a keyboard  
  • Must have a valid driver's license or reliable means of transportation to meet requirements of the job
  • Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds unassisted 
  • Ability to work some evenings, weekends, holidays and in inclement weather 

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