Transportation Engineer

Your Fit

Income

$100K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

5.0%

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

What is a Transportation Engineer?

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.

Sample job titles:

Engineer, Project Engineer, Traffic Engineer, Transportation Engineer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Transportation Engineer.

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 Transportation Engineer 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%
$66K per year	$79K per year	$100K per year	$128K per year	$161K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $50K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Transportation Engineer do?

Work environment

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.

Quick task list

Designs and evaluates transportation systems, including roadways, railways, and airports.
Conducts traffic flow studies and develops transportation models.
Ensures transportation projects comply with government standards and regulations.
Oversees the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure.
Analyzes environmental impacts of transportation projects.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Highway Engineering: Focusing on the design and construction of highways and roads.
Traffic Engineering: Specializing in traffic management and control systems.
Railroad Engineering: Designing and maintaining railway systems.
Airport Engineering: Developing and improving airport infrastructure.
Urban Transportation Planning: Planning transportation systems within urban environments.

Description

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.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the development of vital infrastructure that benefits society.
Solving complex engineering challenges.
Opportunities to work on diverse projects and make tangible improvements to transportation systems.

You might make a good Transportation Engineer if you are...

Interested in engineering and how it applies to everyday life.
Passionate about solving logistical and practical problems.
Keen on contributing to the safety and efficiency of transportation systems.
Adept at mathematics and physics.
Enjoy a mix of office work and fieldwork.

Pros:

High demand for transportation infrastructure development and maintenance.
Opportunities to work on large-scale, impactful projects.
Diverse career opportunities in various sectors and specializations.

Cons:

Potential for high-pressure situations, especially when working on large projects with tight deadlines.
Need to constantly update skills and knowledge to keep up with technological advancements.
Fieldwork can sometimes be in challenging or hazardous conditions.

How to become a Transportation Engineer

Typical education

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.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics, especially algebra, geometry, and calculus.
Physics to understand the fundamentals of engineering principles.
Geography for a basic understanding of land use and urban planning.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in science and engineering clubs.
Engaging in team projects or competitions like robotics or science fairs.
Volunteering in community development projects.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering.
Gaining practical experience through internships or cooperative education programs.
Preparing for and obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Considering a master's degree for advanced roles or specializations.

More resources

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) - Provides resources and networking opportunities for civil engineers.
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) - Offers educational and professional development resources in transportation engineering.
Federal Highway Administration - Offers information on highway planning, design, and construction.
Transportation Research Board - Provides access to transportation research and reports.
Smart Growth America - Focuses on urban planning and sustainable transportation practices.

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.