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How exposed to AI is a Traffic Technician?

Of the 24 tasks O*NET lists for traffic technicians, 1 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 7 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Field Traffic InvestigatorTraffic AnalystTraffic Control TechnicianTraffic InvestigatorTraffic Signal Technician (TST)Traffic Survey TechnicianTraffic TechnicianTransportation Planning TechnicianTransportation Technician
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
24
tasks rated for this occupation
12%
hold a degree, from a survey of 32
8k
people do this job in the US
1 of 52
least protected in transport

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

1
  • Develop plans or long-range strategies for providing adequate parking space

Only with software built on top

16
  • Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area
  • Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures
  • Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions
  • Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow
  • Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency
  • Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas
  • Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment
  • Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness
  • Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input
  • Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians or laborers
  • Operate counters and record data to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic at specified times
  • Visit development or work sites to determine projects' effect on traffic and the adequacy of traffic control and safety plans or to suggest traffic control measures
  • Establish procedures for street closures or for repair or construction projects
  • Provide traffic information, such as road conditions, to the public
  • Monitor street or utility projects for compliance to traffic control permit conditions
  • Interview motorists about specific intersections or highways to gather road-condition information for use in planning

Cannot be sped up

7
  • Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems
  • Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment
  • Lay out pavement markings for striping crews
  • Place and secure automatic counters, using power tools, and retrieve counters after counting periods end
  • Review traffic control or barricade plans to issue permits for parades or other special events or for construction work that affects rights of way, providing assistance with plan preparation or revision, as necessary
  • Time stoplights or other delays, using stopwatches
  • Maintain or make minor adjustments or field repairs to equipment used in surveys, including the replacement of parts on traffic data gathering devices
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.