Crossing Guard

Your Fit

Income

$38K

Preparation

Some

Growth

4.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Crossing Guard?

A Crossing Guard is responsible for assisting pedestrians, particularly children, to cross streets safely. They play a crucial role in managing traffic flow around schools and pedestrian-heavy areas during designated times.

Sample job titles:

Adult Crossing Guard, Community Service Officer, Crossing Guard, School Crossing Guard

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Crossing Guard.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Crossing Guard earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$30K per year	$34K per year	$38K per year	$47K per year	$61K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $12K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Crossing Guard do?

Work environment

Crossing Guards typically work at designated crosswalks near schools and in areas with high pedestrian traffic. The job is outdoor-based and requires working in various weather conditions. Guards usually work part-time hours, coinciding with school schedules, which often means early mornings and afternoons.

Quick task list

Assists and ensures the safe passage of pedestrians across streets.
Directs traffic flow near crosswalks.
Reports any incidents or unsafe conditions to authorities.
Educates children on road safety and proper crossing procedures.
Monitors traffic patterns and pedestrian flow.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

School Zone Safety: Specializing in managing crosswalks in school zones during school hours.
Event Traffic Management: Assisting in pedestrian movement during large events or gatherings.
Community Safety Education: Focusing on educating the public, especially children, about pedestrian safety.

Description

Crossing Guards are vital for community safety, particularly in school zones and busy pedestrian areas. They ensure that pedestrians, especially children, cross streets safely and help manage traffic flow during peak times. This role requires alertness, patience, and a strong sense of responsibility, as guards are entrusted with the safety of pedestrians. They need to be able to communicate effectively with both children and adults and be capable of enforcing safety rules consistently.

The occupation involves standing and being outdoors for extended periods, often in varying weather conditions. Crossing Guards must be able to react quickly in potentially hazardous situations to prevent accidents. Good physical condition is necessary, as the job may involve some level of physical activity, such as holding up stop signs or signaling to drivers. In addition to their primary role, Crossing Guards serve as a friendly and reassuring presence for children going to and from school, often building a rapport with the community they serve.

Becoming a Crossing Guard can be deeply rewarding for those who enjoy contributing to the safety and well-being of their community. It offers a sense of fulfillment from protecting children and other pedestrians, and the opportunity to become a familiar, trusted figure in the neighborhood. This role also provides a structured schedule that aligns well with school hours, making it a suitable option for those seeking part-time or seasonal work.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a significant contribution to the safety of children and pedestrians.
Interacting with and becoming a familiar face to community members.
The sense of responsibility and trust bestowed by the community.

You might make a good Crossing Guard if you are...

Patient and vigilant, with a strong sense of duty towards safety.
Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.
Good at communicating, especially with children and young adults.
Able to remain calm and act quickly in emergency situations.
Interested in serving and making a difference in your community.

Pros:

Direct impact on community safety and well-being.
Regular, predictable work hours aligned with school schedules.
Opportunities to interact with and positively influence children.

Cons:

Working in all types of weather conditions.
Standing for long periods.
Potential risk from traffic and the responsibility of ensuring safety.

How to become a Crossing Guard

Typical education

There is no formal education requirement beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is usually provided on the job, focusing on traffic safety and pedestrian laws.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical Education to maintain good physical fitness.
Psychology to understand child behavior and effective communication.
First Aid and Safety courses for emergency preparedness.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering for community service, especially in roles involving children.
Participation in road safety or community awareness campaigns.
Involvement in sports or outdoor clubs to maintain physical activity.

Preparation after high school

Training in traffic control and pedestrian safety.
Workshops or courses in first aid and emergency response.
Gaining experience in roles that require vigilance and responsibility, such as security or customer service positions.

More resources

National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) - Offers resources and training for school safety.
Safe Kids Worldwide - Provides information on child safety, including pedestrian safety.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - Offers resources and guidelines on traffic safety and pedestrian laws.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center - A source for information on pedestrian safety and education, including resources for Crossing Guards and community safety initiatives.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.