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Transportation Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Senior Transportation Engineer

Novi, MI · On-site

$94K - $128K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Senior Transportation Engineer for the Surface Transportation Department in Novi, Michigan. Projects may include the design of urban and rural roadways, interstate highways ...

Senior Transportation Engineer

Novi, MI · On-site

$94K - $128K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Senior Transportation Engineer for the Surface Transportation Department in Novi, Michigan. Projects may include the design of urban and rural roadways, interstate highways ...

Senior Transportation Engineer

Novi, MI · On-site

$94K - $128K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Senior Transportation Engineer for the Surface Transportation Department in Novi, Michigan. Projects may include the design of urban and rural roadways, interstate highways ...

Showing results 21-40

Transportation Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$46.6K

$79.4K

$110.7K

How much do transportation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for transportation engineer in Michigan is $79,399.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $89,300.00 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.

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Transportation Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Transportation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Transportation Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,399 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Transportation Engineer Licensed Specialist 13 (MI Bridge Inventory Specialist and Contract Manager)

State of Michigan

Lansing, MI • On-site, Remote

$44.50 - $63.10/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


State Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description The Bureau of Bridges and Structures (BOBS) serves as the agency responsible for administering the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and overseeing the Local Agency owned structures. This position serves the Department's statewide specialist responsible for Michigan's National Bridge Inventory (NBI) in accordance with Federal Regulations (23 CFR 650C). This position manages consultant contracts to collect data such as bridge clearance data, structural member identification, and protective systems.

This position assists with the management of other consultant contracts as needed in the NBIS/NTIS Section. This position is responsible for quality assurance and quality control of Michigan Bridge Inventory data. This position coordinates the use of the data with other department bureaus, regions and local agencies, prepares special studies, and performs data analysis.

This position makes recommendations for modifications to the bridge inventory to meet customer needs. This position assists the Bridge Management Systems (BMS) Engineer in the development of MDOT's bridge management system (AASHTOWare BrM). The "Salary" listed above is a range that reflects the minimum rate through the maximum rate of the Transportation Engineer Licensed Specialist 13 position.

For additional information, please see the links below: Transportation Engineer Licensed Specialist 13 Position Description All about MDOT Based on operational needs and within established limits, remote work and alternate work schedule requests for this position may be considered. For information on benefits, visit www.mi.gov/employeebenefits or www.mi.gov/orsstatedc. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S

employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award

Required Education and Experience Education Possession of a bachelor of science degree in engineering. Experience Four years of professional experience equivalent to a Transportation Engineer, including two years equivalent to a Transportation Engineer P11 or one year equivalent to a Transportation Engineer 12 or Transportation Engineer Licensed 12. Additional Requirements and Information To be considered for this position you must: Possess a registered professional engineering license as required by the State of Michigan.

If applicable, attach a copy of your official college transcripts and/or foreign degree evaluation with your application. Click here for the State of Michigan (SOM) definition of an Official College Transcript. Applicants who possess foreign degrees must have their academic credentials evaluated or converted into U.S

educational equivalents. Civil Service accepts evaluations from organizations listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. View the entire job specification at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/T/TransportationEngineerLicensedSpecialist.pdf MDOT does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications

All newly hired state employees are required to submit and pass a pre-employment drug test and physical (if applicable) prior to their actual appointment. Criminal and driving records will also be checked if applicable. Any position offer will be conditional until results of the drug test, physical, criminal background, and driving records indicate eligibility for employment.

The department reserves the right to close this posting prior to its original end date once a sufficient number of applications have been received. Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the selection process including, but not limited to, responses to application questions and responses to interview questions or exercises. If you have questions related to this posting, please contact MDOT-OHR@michigan.gov. Accommodations If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.


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