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Transportation Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Olsson

Licensed Transportation Engineer - Roadway

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$72K - $96K/yr

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, with an emphasis in transportation preferred * A minimum of 4+ years of related engineering experience * Experience with MicroStation OpenRoads Designer or ...

Orion Placement

Transportation Project Manager

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Join a well-established, people-first engineering organization with an outstanding reputation and long-term stability. * Manage diverse roadway, highway, bridge, and transportation improvement ...

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All JobsTransportation Engineer JobsTransportation Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Transportation Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$50.3K

$85.6K

$119.3K

How much do transportation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for transportation engineer in Iowa is $85,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,800.00 and $96,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a transportation engineer do?

Transportation engineers plan, design, and implement transportation systems. Transportation engineers consider traffic, population, and other factors to determine the need for a new form of transportation, such as train lines, buses, subways, or new roads, in a specific area or region. They identify methods for incorporating the new form of transportation to reduce local traffic, meet the needs of the community, and fit into the designated budget. Transportation engineers are vital parts of the team that designs public transportation paths and creates highways, bridges, and other structures that enable transportation. Similar job titles include construction engineer, transportation planner, port engineer, and traffic engineer.

What are some common challenges transportation engineers encounter when working on large infrastructure projects?

Transportation Engineers working on large infrastructure projects often face challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Balancing safety, cost, and environmental impact can also be complex, especially when projects require innovative solutions or community engagement. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as engineers frequently collaborate with urban planners, contractors, and government agencies to deliver successful outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Transportation Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, traffic flow analysis, and transportation planning, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering and an EIT or PE license. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and traffic modeling tools like SYNCHRO or VISSIM is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and deliver successful projects. These abilities are essential to designing safe, efficient transportation systems and ensuring regulatory compliance in infrastructure development.

What is the difference between Transportation Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectTransportation EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or Transportation Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning transportation systems, traffic management, roadway planningBroader infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, buildings
Industry UsageFocused on transportation infrastructure and traffic systemsWide range of infrastructure projects including transportation

Transportation Engineers specialize in designing and managing transportation systems, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope covering various infrastructure projects. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in related environments, but Transportation Engineers focus specifically on traffic flow, roadway design, and transit systems.

How much do transportation engineers make in the US?

Transportation engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $87,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to over $120,000 depending on experience, location, and level of education. Senior or specialized engineers with professional licensure and advanced skills can earn higher salaries, especially in urban areas or with government agencies.

Is being a transportation engineer worth it?

Transportation engineers design and improve transportation systems, often requiring a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and licensure. The profession offers steady employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities to work on infrastructure projects, but it can involve project deadlines and fieldwork. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those interested in urban planning and infrastructure development.

What do you do as a transportation engineer?

A transportation engineer designs, develops, and maintains transportation systems such as roads, bridges, and traffic management solutions. They analyze traffic patterns, ensure safety standards, and use tools like CAD software to plan infrastructure projects, often requiring knowledge of engineering principles and relevant certifications. Their work supports efficient and safe movement of people and goods.
More about Transportation Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Transportation Engineer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Transportation Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Transportation Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Transportation Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Transportation Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Transportation Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Transportation Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Transportation Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Transportation Engineer jobs in IA?

For Transportation Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Transportation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Transportation Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,564 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Transportation Engineer - Traffic Technology

Olsson

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Company Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results - for our people, our clients, and our company.
We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
At Olsson, our Traffic/Technology team specializes in delivering comprehensive traffic solutions, catering to our clients' diverse project needs. Our team handles traffic operation studies, pedestrian circulation studies, and intersection improvement/design projects. We specialize in traffic signal design and have notable expertise in signal timing. Additionally, we work on pavement marking design, street lighting analysis and design, DMS boards, bike ped-trail alignments, and evaluating and designing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Our team is also proficient in more complex projects, including conducting citywide safety studies and improving signal systems.
As an Assistant Engineer for the Traffic/Technology team, you will use CAD software to create design plans, perform traffic studies, and assist in other traffic analysis-related work. Your responsibilities will include designing traffic signals, roundabouts, pavement markings, signing, facilities for vehicular and multimodal users, and temporary traffic control. You will conduct traffic studies for both public and private clients, ranging in complexity, and typically evaluate the safety and operational performance of transportation systems. Additionally, you will analyze traffic patterns and data to optimize roadway designs, manage congestion, and enhance road safety.
We provide comprehensive support to help our employees seamlessly transition into their roles, offering mentorship and training to ensure a successful and fulfilling start to their careers.
Qualifications
You are passionate about:
  • Working collaboratively with others.
  • Having ownership in the work you do.
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities.

You bring to the team:
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
  • 0-4 years of engineering experience.
  • Must obtain or have an Engineer Intern (EI) certificate.
  • Experience with AutoCAD (or similar software).
  • Synchro experience is preferred, but not required.
  • OSP Fiber experience is preferred, but not required.
  • Skilled in using Excel for data analysis and complex formula creation preferred.

#LI-DNP
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As an Olsson employee, you will:
  • Receive a competitive 401(k) match
  • Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
  • Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
  • Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
  • Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles

In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.
Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.
For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.

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