CFChooseField
Construction and Trades

Highway Maintenance Workers

Maintain highways, municipal and rural roads, airport runways, and rights-of-way. Duties include patching broken or eroded pavement and repairing guard rails, highway markers, and snow fences. May also mow or clear brush from along road, or plow snow from roadway.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Highway Maintenance Workers
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Median pay

$49,070
Median annual pay for Highway Maintenance Workers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

12,300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

159,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Highway Maintenance Workers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+4,800
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

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Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Public Safety and Security
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Transportation
  4. 4Building and Construction
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Multilimb Coordination
  3. 3Arm-Hand Steadiness
  4. 4Oral Comprehension
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Static Strength

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Social
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Cooperation

Work activities

  1. 1Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  2. 2Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  3. 3Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Work context

  1. 1Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  2. 2Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Exposed to Contaminants
  5. 5Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  6. 6Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

Representative tasks

  • Set out signs and cones around work areas to divert traffic.
  • Flag motorists to warn them of obstacles or repair work ahead.
  • Perform preventative maintenance on vehicles and heavy equipment.
  • Drive trucks to transport crews and equipment to work sites.
  • Erect, install, or repair guardrails, road shoulders, berms, highway markers, warning signals, and highway lighting, using hand tools and power tools.
  • Clean and clear debris from culverts, catch basins, drop inlets, ditches, and other drain structures.
  • Drive heavy equipment and vehicles with adjustable attachments to sweep debris from paved surfaces, mow grass and weeds, remove snow and ice, and spread salt and sand.
  • Haul and spread sand, gravel, and clay to fill washouts and repair road shoulders.

Software and tools

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Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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