As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Traffic Control Specialist in the United States is $56,595 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Traffic Control Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Traffic Control Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Traffic Control Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Traffic C... Level Traffic Control Specialist | $50,867 |
| Traffic C... Level Traffic Control Specialist | $56,065 |
| Traffic C... Level Traffic Control Specialist | $70,208 |
| Traffic S... Level Traffic Control Specialist | $85,142 |
| Traffic M... Level Traffic Control Specialist | $110,112 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Traffic Control Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 5.8% |
| Warehouse Operations | 1.99% |
| Data Entry | 0.85% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$67,914 |
20%
|
|
Prioritization
|
$65,650 |
16%
|
|
Advertising
|
$63,952 |
13%
|
|
Analysis
|
$63,386 |
12%
|
|
Purchasing
|
$61,689 |
9%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$61,123 |
8%
|
For Traffic Control Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Traffic Control Specialist positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Traffic Control Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $67,914 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $67,914 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $67,914 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $67,914 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $67,914 | $33.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Traffic Control Specialists enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Traffic Control Specialist with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $50,502 and $53,298).
Traffic Control Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 50.0% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 21.9% |
| Bachelors | 21.9% |
| Masters | 6.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Traffic Control Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Traffic Control Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $46,676 in 2023 to around $45,922 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Traffic Control Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $46,676 |
| 2024 | $46,188 |
| 2025 | $45,922 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Traffic Control Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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