Transportation Engineers
Develop plans for surface transportation projects, according to established engineering standards and state or federal construction policy. Prepare designs, specifications, or estimates for transportation facilities. Plan modifications of existing streets, highways, or freeways to improve traffic flow.
Transportation Engineers develop plans for surface transportation projects, according to established engineering standards and state or federal construction policy. Prepare designs, specifications, or estimates for transportation facilities. The role reports a median annual salary of $99,590 in the US with the middle 80% earning between $61,040 and $149,970 and is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (about as fast as average). Entry typically requires a Bachelor's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.52 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Mathematics.
Salary distribution (US)
Real salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The p10–p90 spread tells you more than the median alone.
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Mathematics
- Physics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Law and Government
Frequently asked questions
What does Transportation Engineers do?
Develop plans for surface transportation projects, according to established engineering standards and state or federal construction policy. Prepare designs, specifications, or estimates for transportation facilities. Plan modifications of existing streets, highways, or freeways to improve traffic flow.
How much does Transportation Engineers earn?
The median annual salary for Transportation Engineers in the US is $99,590. The middle 80% of workers earn between $61,040 and $149,970 annually. Entry-to-mid-career earners typically fall between $75,400 and $121,690.
What is the job outlook for Transportation Engineers?
The role is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (about as fast as average). Current US employment is approximately 368,900 workers.
How do I become transportation engineers?
The typical entry education is a Bachelor's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Transportation Engineers need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Mathematics, Judgment and Decision Making. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Transportation Engineers?
Our AI-durability model gives Transportation Engineers a score of 0.52 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Transportation Engineers has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.
Is Transportation Engineers right for you?
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