Highway Maintenance Worker

Your Fit

Income

$56K

Preparation

Some

Growth

7.9%

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

What is a Highway Maintenance Worker?

Highway Maintenance Workers are responsible for the upkeep, repair, and day-to-day maintenance of highways, roads, and related infrastructure. They ensure that roadways are safe, functional, and well-maintained for public use.

Sample job titles:

Equipment Operator (EO), Highway Maintainer, Highway Maintenance Worker, Transportation Maintenance Specialist (TMS)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Highway Maintenance Worker.

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 Highway Maintenance Worker earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Highway Maintenance Worker.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$42K per year	$50K per year	$56K per year	$64K per year	$73K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $8.63K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Highway Maintenance Worker do?

Work environment

These workers predominantly operate outdoors, on highways and roadways in various weather conditions. The job involves physical labor and the use of heavy machinery. Work hours can include evenings and weekends, particularly during emergency situations or to minimize traffic disruption.

Quick task list

Repairs potholes, cracks, and other road surface damages.
Clears debris and obstructions from roadways.
Assists with traffic control around work zones.
Applies road markings and installs road signs.
Performs routine inspections of bridges and culverts.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pavement Maintenance: Specializing in the repair and upkeep of road surfaces.
Bridge Maintenance: Focusing on the structural integrity and safety of bridges.
Snow and Ice Removal: Concentrating on keeping roadways clear and safe during winter conditions.
Traffic Control: Managing and implementing safe traffic flow around work zones.
Roadside Maintenance: Caring for the areas adjacent to roadways, including vegetation control and litter removal.

Description

Highway Maintenance Workers are essential for ensuring that roads and highways remain safe and usable. They perform a variety of tasks that require both physical labor and technical skill. Knowledge of construction materials, road machinery, and safety standards is crucial in this field. These workers must be adaptable, ready to respond to emergency situations, and capable of working in a team to complete large-scale maintenance projects.

The occupation involves not only the physical aspect of road work but also the need for critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Workers must assess road conditions, decide on the best maintenance approach, and operate machinery efficiently. Additionally, the ability to work under pressure and in changing weather conditions is essential.

This career is well-suited to those who enjoy working outdoors and have an interest in public service. Highway maintenance offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on community safety and infrastructure. While the job can be physically demanding, it also provides a sense of accomplishment in keeping roadways safe and functional.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a direct impact on public safety and community welfare.
The variety of tasks and challenges encountered in daily work.
Working outdoors and in a team-oriented environment.

You might make a good Highway Maintenance Worker if you are...

Physically fit and capable of handling demanding tasks.
Comfortable working with machinery and tools.
Able to work in various weather conditions and at different hours.
A team player with good communication skills.
Interested in maintaining and improving public infrastructure.

Pros:

Fulfillment from contributing to public safety and infrastructure.
Diverse and dynamic work environment.
Opportunities for advancement and specialization.

Cons:

Physically demanding work with potential exposure to hazardous conditions.
Requirement to work in all weather conditions and sometimes non-standard hours.
Potential risks associated with working near traffic and operating heavy machinery.

How to become a Highway Maintenance Worker

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Most skills are learned through on-the-job training. Some workers may pursue additional training or certification in specific areas of highway maintenance.

High school preparation

Courses:

Vocational training in construction or machinery operation.
Physical education to build stamina and physical strength.
Mathematics for measurements and spatial understanding.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in team sports for physical fitness.
Involvement in community service projects, especially those related to infrastructure.
Joining clubs related to mechanics or outdoor activities.

Preparation after high school

Vocational or technical training in highway maintenance or related fields.
On-the-job training or apprenticeships in road maintenance.
Certification in specific areas such as traffic control or machinery operation.

More resources

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) - Offers resources and information on transportation and road maintenance standards.
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) - Provides training and certification programs for construction-related careers, including highway maintenance.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Offers detailed job descriptions, educational requirements, and career outlooks for highway maintenance workers.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) - Provides extensive information on road maintenance practices and safety regulations.

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.