Similar careers
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.
A Transportation Engineer specializes in the design, construction, and maintenance of transportation systems, including roads, bridges, railroads, and transit systems. They focus on creating safe and efficient transportation networks that meet public needs and comply with regulatory standards.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 5.0% (above average)
Annual job openings: 23,600
Direct AI exposure: 23% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 75% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $101K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $68K per year | $80K per year | $101K per year | $130K per year | $163K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $50K above the national average. | ||||
Transportation Engineers typically work for government agencies, engineering consulting firms, or private companies involved in transportation infrastructure. They work in both office settings, where they do planning and design work, and in the field, where they oversee construction and maintenance projects. Collaboration with urban planners, architects, and other engineers is common.
Transportation Engineers play a critical role in shaping how people and goods move within and between communities. They combine technical engineering skills with an understanding of social, environmental, and economic factors. This profession requires a balance of creativity and practicality, as engineers must design systems that are safe, efficient, and sustainable.
The work of a Transportation Engineer involves a great deal of problem-solving and innovation. They must consider various factors such as traffic volume, safety, environmental impact, and budget constraints when designing transportation solutions. Their role is integral to the development of new infrastructure projects and the improvement of existing ones.
The field is continuously evolving with advancements in technology, such as intelligent transportation systems and sustainable design practices. As a result, Transportation Engineers often engage in lifelong learning to stay updated with the latest developments in their field.
A bachelor's degree in civil engineering or transportation engineering is typically required, which is about 4 years of post-secondary education. Many engineers also obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which requires additional experience and passing an exam.
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.
