Transportation Engineers
O*NET 17-2051.01 · SOC 17-2051
Transportation Engineer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $101k a year with +6.4% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 22,700 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Design road intersections to improve traffic flow and safety
- →Analyze traffic volume data to plan highway capacity improvements
- →Review construction plans for bridges and roadway projects
- →Evaluate pavement conditions to recommend maintenance or reconstruction
- →Coordinate with planners to develop transportation network improvements
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Transportation Engineer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Transportation Engineer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Transportation Engineer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Transportation Engineer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Transportation Engineers is projected to grow 6.4% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·25% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·29% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Transportation Engineer make?
The median Transportation Engineer earns $101k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Transportation Engineer jobs?
Our model puts Transportation Engineer at 36 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 25% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 29% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Transportation Engineer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 6.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 22,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Transportation Engineer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Transportation Engineer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Transportation Engineer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Transportation Engineer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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