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Traffic Technicians

The short answer

This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 147 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.

How much AI could touch this job

More exposedband 4 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a third of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.

AI can help with or automate about 83% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  3. Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  5. Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Place and secure automatic counters, using power tools, and retrieve counters after counting periods end.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Maintain or make minor adjustments or field repairs to equipment used in surveys, including the replacement of parts on traffic data gathering devices.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. 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.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

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    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

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    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

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    New skills to build

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    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

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    New skills to build

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    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

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    New skills to build

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