As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Traffic Engineer in the United States is $86,699 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Traffic Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Traffic Engineer'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.
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 Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 10.1% |
| AutoCAD | 2.32% |
| Sustainability | 1.26% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
AWS
|
$102,304 |
18%
|
|
Systems Engineering
|
$95,368 |
10%
|
|
Electrical Engineering
|
$93,634 |
8%
|
|
Consulting
|
$93,634 |
8%
|
|
Project Management
|
$93,634 |
8%
|
|
Agile
|
$93,634 |
8%
|
For Traffic Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Traffic Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Traffic Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $112,708 | $54.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $104,038 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $104,038 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $104,038 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $99,703 | $48.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Traffic Engineers 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 Engineer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $78,234 and $82,610).
Traffic Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.1% |
| High School | 35.8% |
| Associates | 2.1% |
| Bachelors | 35.8% |
| Masters | 53.7% |
| Doctorate | 8.4% |
Understanding how a Traffic Engineer'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 Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $90,837 in 2023 to around $88,741 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Traffic Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $90,837 |
| 2024 | $89,780 |
| 2025 | $88,741 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Traffic Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Traffic Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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