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Work Zone Traffic Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dewberry

Work Zone Traffic Control Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$12.25 - $15/hr

Dewberry is currently seeking a Work Zone Traffic Control Engineer for our Raleigh, NC or Charlotte, NC office. Primary responsibility will be the preparation of work zone traffic control plans (i.e ...

Dewberry

Work Zone Traffic Control Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$76K - $104K/yr

Dewberry is currently seeking a Work Zone Traffic Control Engineer for our Raleigh, NC or Charlotte, NC office. Primary responsibility will be the preparation of work zone traffic control plans (i.e ...

Helix Traffic Solutions LLC

Plan Designer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

Develop work area traffic control plans which meet customers work zone and project phasing requirements as well as determining if permit services are required * Submit plans to City/Controlling ...

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, LLC

Traffic Controller-York

York, PA

$17.75 - $19.75/hr

Experienced Traffic Controller (Level 3 & above): Earn an additional $1,000 at your 1year milestone ... Set up and maintain safe work zones using cones, signs, and barricades * Perform twoway flagging ...

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, LLC

Traffic Controller-York

York, PA

$17.75 - $19.75/hr

Experienced Traffic Controller (Level 3 & above): Earn an additional $1,000 at your 1year milestone ... Set up and maintain safe work zones using cones, signs, and barricades * Perform twoway flagging ...

Traffic Management LLC

Traffic Controller-York

York, PA · On-site

$17.75 - $19.75/hr

Experienced Traffic Controller (Level 3 & above): Earn an additional $1,000 at your 1-year ... Set up and maintain safe work zones using cones, signs, and barricades * Perform two-way flagging ...

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Work Zone Traffic Controller information

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$12

$23

$40

How much do work zone traffic controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for work zone traffic controller in the United States is $23.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Work Zone Traffic Controller vs Flagger?

AspectWork Zone Traffic ControllerFlagger
CertificationsTraffic Control Certification, OSHA safety trainingTraffic Control Certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, roadwork zones, highway projectsConstruction sites, roadwork zones, highway projects
Job RoleDirecting traffic, setting up signs, ensuring safetyFlagging vehicles, signaling drivers, controlling traffic flow
Employer & IndustryConstruction companies, government agenciesConstruction companies, government agencies

Both Work Zone Traffic Controllers and Flaggers work in similar environments, requiring safety certifications and directing traffic in construction zones. While their roles overlap, Traffic Controllers often have broader responsibilities, including setting up signage and managing overall traffic flow, whereas Flaggers primarily focus on signaling and stopping vehicles. Both positions are essential for maintaining safety during roadwork projects.

What is a work zone in traffic control?

A work zone in traffic control is an area where construction, maintenance, or repair work is being performed on roadways. Work zone traffic controllers set up signs, barriers, and flagging to direct vehicle flow and ensure safety for workers and drivers. Proper training and certification are essential for managing traffic in these zones effectively.

What jobs make $500,000 a year?

Work zone traffic controllers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive, medical, legal, or specialized technology roles. High-paying jobs in California often require advanced skills, extensive experience, or ownership of a business. Most roles with this income level are in executive management, specialized medical fields, or successful entrepreneurship.

Where do flaggers get paid the most?

Work zone traffic controllers, including flaggers, tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living or where construction and infrastructure projects are more prevalent. States or areas with active construction industries and strict safety regulations often offer higher pay rates for flaggers, especially when certifications like OSHA or flagging training are required. Overall, wages vary based on location, experience, and the complexity of the work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Work Zone Traffic Controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Work Zone Traffic Controller, you need knowledge of traffic safety regulations, situational awareness, and often a valid flagger certification. Familiarity with traffic control devices, signage, radios, and sometimes software for scheduling or reporting is typically required. Strong communication, alertness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies are crucial to ensuring the safety of workers, drivers, and pedestrians while maintaining efficient traffic flow in construction zones.

What traffic control company pays the most?

Work zone traffic controllers are typically paid based on experience, location, and employer. Larger companies or those in high-cost areas tend to offer higher wages, with some companies paying above-average rates for skilled or certified controllers. Overall, wages vary widely, but specialized firms with safety certifications often provide higher pay.

What are some common challenges faced by Work Zone Traffic Controllers, and how can they be managed effectively on the job?

Work Zone Traffic Controllers often face challenges such as managing traffic flow in unpredictable conditions, ensuring their own safety and that of workers, and communicating clearly with both drivers and team members. Rapid changes in weather, unexpected driver behavior, and busy traffic periods can add complexity to the role. To manage these challenges effectively, controllers need to remain alert, follow strict safety protocols, use proper signage, and maintain strong communication with their crew and supervisors. Ongoing training and situational awareness are also crucial for handling emergencies and minimizing risks.

What are Work Zone Traffic Controllers?

Work Zone Traffic Controllers, also known as flaggers, are professionals responsible for managing and directing vehicle and pedestrian traffic through construction zones, road maintenance sites, or other temporary work areas. They help ensure the safety of workers, drivers, and pedestrians by using signs, signals, and flagging devices to guide traffic. Their duties often include setting up warning signs, communicating with construction crews, and monitoring traffic flow to prevent accidents or confusion. Proper training and certification are typically required, as these roles are critical for maintaining safety standards in work zones.
More about Work Zone Traffic Controller jobs
What cities are hiring for Work Zone Traffic Controller jobs? Cities with the most Work Zone Traffic Controller job openings:
What states have the most Work Zone Traffic Controller jobs? States with the most job openings for Work Zone Traffic Controller jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Work Zone Traffic Controller jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Work Zone Traffic Controller jobs are:
Work Zone Traffic Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Work Zone Traffic Controller job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,810 per year, or $23.5 per hour.
Work Zone Traffic Control Engineer

Work Zone Traffic Control Engineer

Dewberry

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$12.25 - $15/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Dewberry rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Dewberry is currently seeking a Work Zone Traffic Control Engineer for our Raleigh, NC or Charlotte, NC office. Primary responsibility will be the preparation of work zone traffic control plans (i.e., transportation management plans). Additional responsibilities may include assisting with preparation of signing and pavement marking plans and traffic signal plans as well as performing traffic analyses. Ideal candidate will be a team player with a minimum of 4 years of traffic engineering experience on North Carolina, South Carolina or Virginia DOT projects. Candidate will be part of a growing traffic engineering team within Dewberry's transportation team involved in a wide variety of NCDOT and municipal transportation projects.
Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call "Dewberry at Work," that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.
Required Skills & Required Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
  • NC PE required or ability to obtain NC licensure based upon PE license in another state.
  • Minimum 4 years of experience in traffic engineering.
  • Experience preparing transportation management plans and temporary traffic control plans for NCDOT, VDOT or SCDOT projects.
  • Working knowledge of NCDOT Standards, Specifications & Guidelines desired.
  • Design-build experience desired.
  • Experience using MicroStation.
  • Experience using traffic analysis software such as Synchro/SimTraffic, HCS and SIDRA desired
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
  • Task management or project management experience preferred.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills are required.

Don't meet every single requirement? At Dewberry we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace for our employees. So if you're excited about this role, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the position description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may just be the right candidate for this or other opportunities.
*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.
*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.
*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.
Notice to Third Party Recruiters: Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.
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