1

Work Zone Traffic Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Traffic Controller

Providence, RI · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Position Summary A Traffic Controller is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient traffic flow in construction zones or areas prone to the impact of traffic. Responsibilities * Direct traffic ...

Showing results 41-60

Work Zone Traffic Controller information

See salary details

$12

$23

$40

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

As of Sep 5, 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 a work zone traffic controller?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a work zone traffic controller?

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 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 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 manage traffic flow, ensure safety for workers and drivers, and use tools like signs, cones, and barriers to direct vehicles through or around the area safely.
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:

Infographic showing various Work Zone Traffic Controller job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,810 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Work Zone Traffic Control Engineer III

HNTB Corporation

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


HNTB rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

What We're Looking For
Primarily responsible for the development of Transportation Management Plans (TMP) during the construction phase of roadway projects and participates in the development of TMP's during the design phase of roadway projects.
This position applies advanced knowledge of work zone traffic control, safety, operations, and applicable standards to develop comprehensive TMPs that address traffic control, transportation operations, and public information needs.
As part of a multidisciplinary project team, the Work Zone Traffic Control (WZTC) Engineer III collaborates with project managers, design staff, and construction personnel to help ensure TMP's strategies are appropriately incorporated into construction staging, sequencing, and field practices. The WZTC Engineer III works independently on complex assignments, provides technical guidance to less experienced staff, and contributes directly to improved safety, mobility, and constructability for clients and the traveling public.
What You'll Do:
  • Completes assigned work within the schedule and number of hours provided.
  • Assist in the development of project specifications.
  • Responsible for development of discipline specific engineering project elements/deliverables such as reports, designs, and plans.
  • Aids in the coordination and productivity of project team members.
  • Provides technical guidance to less experienced engineering project team members.
  • Works closely with other disciplines and on multi-discipline projects.
  • Performs quality control reviews of discipline - specific engineering project elements/deliverables.
  • Assists with coordination and planning of schedules, hours, and distribution of work within discipline.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 4 years of relevant experience, or
  • Master's degree in Engineering and 3 year of relevant experience, or
  • PhD in Engineering and 2 years of relevant experience

What You'll Bring:
  • Optimizing work processes by using knowledge of the most effective and efficient ways to get things done with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Independently progresses the majority of designs and tasks required of the discipline.
  • Exhibiting experience with Microsoft Office Suite, and MicroStation and/or AutoCad.
  • Exhibiting a thorough understanding of the application related to engineering, geometric and algebraic principles.
  • Managing time, proactively forecasting, and communicating project development needs.

What We Prefer:
  • Master's degree in Engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) certification
  • Experience with OpenRoads Designer
  • Experience with NCDOT and SCDOT WZTC Design Standards and Manuals

Additional Information
Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards
Click here to learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
#JS #LI-JS
Locations:
Raleigh, NC
NOTICE TO THIRD-PARTY AGENCIES:
HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies. Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant's resume will become the property of HNTB. HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity. Staffing/employment agencies who have fee agreements with HNTB must submit applicants to the designated HNTB recruiter to be eligible for placement fees.

What HNTB employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


HNTB logo

About HNTB

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners.

Industry

Construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1914