# Highway Maintenance Workers

> Maintain highways, municipal and rural roads, airport runways, and rights-of-way. Duties include patching broken or eroded pavement and repairing guard rails, highway markers, and snow fences. May also mow or clear brush from along road, or plow snow from roadway.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 47-4051.00
- **Summary:** Maintain highways, municipal and rural roads, airport runways, and rights-of-way. Duties include patching broken or eroded pavement and repairing guard rails, highway markers, and snow fences. May also mow or clear brush from along road, or plow snow from roadway.

## Aliases

- Equipment Operator (EO)
- Highway Maintainer
- Highway Maintenance Worker
- Transportation Maintenance Specialist (TMS)
- Highway Maintenance Crew Worker
- Highway Maintenance Technician
- Maintenance Technician
- Maintenance Worker
- Transportation Maintenance Operator
- Transportation Worker
- Asphalt Raker
- Caltrans Equipment Operator

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Set out signs and cones around work areas to divert traffic. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.r |
| Flag motorists to warn them of obstacles or repair work ahead. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.r |
| Perform preventative maintenance on vehicles and heavy equipment. | Core | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Drive trucks to transport crews and equipment to work sites. | Core | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Erect, install, or repair guardrails, road shoulders, berms, highway markers, warning signals, and highway lighting, using hand tools and power tools. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.a |
| Clean and clear debris from culverts, catch basins, drop inlets, ditches, and other drain structures. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.e |
| Drive heavy equipment and vehicles with adjustable attachments to sweep debris from paved surfaces, mow grass and weeds, remove snow and ice, and spread salt and sand. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.c |
| Haul and spread sand, gravel, and clay to fill washouts and repair road shoulders. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Inspect, clean, and repair drainage systems, bridges, tunnels, and other structures. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Remove litter and debris from roadways, including debris from rock and mud slides. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.e |
| Dump, spread, and tamp asphalt, using pneumatic tampers, to repair joints and patch broken pavement. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Apply poisons along roadsides and in animal burrows to eliminate unwanted roadside vegetation and rodents. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.ag |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Maintain mechanical equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Operate equipment or vehicles to clear construction sites or move materials. | 4.A.3.a.3.c |
| Direct vehicle traffic. | 4.A.3.a.2.r |
| Pour materials into or on designated areas. | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Compact materials to create level bases. | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Spread concrete or other aggregate mixtures. | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Inspect industrial or commercial equipment to ensure proper operation. | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Clean equipment or facilities. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Maintain plumbing structures or fixtures. | 4.A.3.b.4.a |
| Spread sand, dirt or other loose materials onto surfaces. | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed. | 4.A.3.a.1.j |
| Install fencing or other barriers. | 4.A.3.a.2.a |
| Remove debris or vegetation from work sites. | 4.A.3.a.1.e |
| Apply paint to surfaces. | 4.A.3.a.2.ag |
| Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation. | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Treat greenery or surfaces with protective substances. | 4.A.3.a.2.ag |
| Measure work site dimensions. | 4.A.1.b.3.d |
| Mark reference points on construction materials. | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Operate road-surfacing equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.c |
| Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities. | 4.A.3.a.1.a |
| Dismantle equipment or temporary structures. | 4.A.3.a.2.s |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 4.23 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.88 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.88 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.62 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.51 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.5 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.38 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.38 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.38 |
| Static Strength | ability | 3.38 |
| Transportation | knowledge | 3.26 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.25 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.25 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 3.25 |
| Building and Construction | knowledge | 3.21 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.12 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.12 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.12 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.12 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.12 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Response Orientation | ability | 3.12 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.12 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3.12 |
| Stamina | ability | 3.12 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 3.12 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.12 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 3.03 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 3 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3 |
| Time Sharing | ability | 3 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Database Software | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Database software | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.94 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.86 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.8 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.65 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.64 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.63 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.49 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 4.46 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 4.33 |
| Contact With Others | 4.25 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 4.24 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.23 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.22 |
| Consequence of Error | 4.15 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 4.12 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.1 |
| Exposed to Whole Body Vibration | 4.02 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4 |
| Spend Time Standing | 3.95 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.89 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.76 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 3.73 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.73 |
| Time Pressure | 3.72 |
| Conflict Situations | 3.67 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 3.66 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.66 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 3.65 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.61 |
| Telephone Conversations | 3.54 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.52 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.51 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.51 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.41 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 3.39 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.37 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.35 |
| Level of Competition | 3.11 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 2.77 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.74 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 88.29 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 5.21 |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 5.07 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 1.43 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 7 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 6.68 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 6.22 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.52 |
| Nature/Outdoors | specific_interest_area | 2.84 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 2.79 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.53 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 2.29 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 1.91 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.77 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 1.76 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 1.7 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 1.49 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 1.47 |
| Perseverance | work_style | 1.46 |
| Protective Service | specific_interest_area | 1.44 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 47-2073.00 | role-47-2073-00 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | Primary-Short |
| 47-2071.00 | role-47-2071-00 | Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | Primary-Short |
| 47-4061.00 | role-47-4061-00 | Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators | Primary-Short |
| 47-2072.00 | role-47-2072-00 | Pile Driver Operators | Primary-Short |
| 47-4071.00 | role-47-4071-00 | Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners | Primary-Short |
| 47-2061.00 | role-47-2061-00 | Construction Laborers | Primary-Long |
| 49-9071.00 | role-49-9071-00 | Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | Primary-Long |
| 47-5022.00 | role-47-5022-00 | Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining | Primary-Long |
| 53-7051.00 | role-53-7051-00 | Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | Primary-Long |
| 47-5081.00 | role-47-5081-00 | Helpers--Extraction Workers | Primary-Long |
| 47-4041.00 | role-47-4041-00 | Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | Supplemental |
| 17-2051.01 | role-17-2051-01 | Transportation Engineers | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Construction | construction |
| Supply Chain & Transportation | supply-chain-transportation |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Transportation and Materials Moving | transportation-and-materials-moving |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 49070
- **Mean Wage:** 51410
- **Pct10Wage:** 35030
- **Pct25Wage:** 41540
- **Pct75Wage:** 59600
- **Pct90Wage:** 69210
- **Employment:** 151750
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 5210 | 45650 | 0.65 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 380 | 33280 | 0.15 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector |  | 45230 |  |
| 53 | 53 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | Sector |  | 59960 |  |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector |  | 36030 |  |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector |  | 44890 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 5210 | 0.65 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 380 | 0.15 |
- **Count:** 6

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.87 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.27909 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -1.171033 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.281572 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 6
- **Percentile:** 3
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 9 | felten_aioe |
| 6 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 3 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.27909 | 9 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.03225806451612903 | 6 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.0213537884039159 | 3 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.87
- **Percentile:** 74
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0
- **Beta:** 0.016129032258064516
- **Gamma:** 0.03225806451612903

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 3
- **Growth Percentile:** 51
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 12.3
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 67
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 159.1
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 163.9

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 19
- **Skills:** 37
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 7
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 42215757c67654b5