Construction

Highway Maintenance Worker

Everyone hates a terribly paved road. Leard to build, repair, and maintain the vital infrastucture across the US!

Maintain and repair highways, roads, and bridges. Patch potholes, clear drainage, operate heavy equipment, and set up work zone safety devices.

Salary Range

$35,000 – $55,000

per year (10th–90th percentile)

Median Salary

$41,660

per year

Growth Outlook

Average Growth

2024–2034 projected

1. High Pay, 2. Good Work Environment, 3. Great Retirement Benefits

Browse Highway Worker Jobs

Tasks & Responsibilities

Set out signs and cones around work areas to divert traffic.
Flag motorists to warn them of obstacles or repair work ahead.
Perform preventative maintenance on vehicles and heavy equipment.
Drive trucks to transport crews and equipment to work sites.
Erect, install, or repair guardrails, road shoulders, berms, highway markers, warning signals, and highway lighting, using hand tools and power tools.
Clean and clear debris from culverts, catch basins, drop inlets, ditches, and other drain structures.
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.
Haul and spread sand, gravel, and clay to fill washouts and repair road shoulders.
Inspect, clean, and repair drainage systems, bridges, tunnels, and other structures.
Remove litter and debris from roadways, including debris from rock and mud slides.

Tools of the Trade

MowersDrain or pipe cleaning equipmentAggregate spreadersDump trucksBituminous material distributorsHydraulic pumpsRollersPaint sprayersScrubbing machinesSnowplow attachmentsFront end loadersSprayersAll terrain cranesArticulating boom liftDelivery trucksPressure or steam cleanersPaving breakersConventional truck cranesTrack excavatorsRoad paversPower sawsLow cab forward tractorsBarricadesSafety chainsConcrete mixers or plantsAgricultural tractorsCargo trucksPaving breaker tools or accessoriesGradersScaffoldingHammersVacuum cleanersEarthmoving buckets or its parts or accessoriesFlatbed trailersPlatform liftRoad rootersTrack bulldozersCircuit testerHand held rock drillsRoad widenersBlades or tooth or other cutting edgesHand sprayersPost hole diggerDisksRoad surface heater planersWheel bulldozersWeedersPneumatic hammerVibratory platesGas generatorsNon temperature controlled tanker trailersLawnmowersMobile excavatorsHydraulic truck cranesBurnersAxesMinivans or vansConcrete spreadersPower chippersSpot welding machineDerricksMeasuring wheels for distanceKettle exchangersLasersTampersLight trucks or sport utility vehiclesPneumatic sanding machinesSeeder attachmentGrouting machinesScissor lift or lift tableMud pumpsWheel loadersBridge cranesWater pumpsTwo way radiosWater trucksMachetesAir compressorsScrewdriversCompactorsSnow blowersSpadesHarrowsRakesForkliftsDraglinesImpact wrenchesShovelsTheodolitesRock cuttersPile driversLaser printersPicksPaint mixersChip SpreadersDitchersAdjustable widemouth pliersDesktop computersAdjustable wrenchesPersonal computersCold planers

Knowledge Areas

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. 81/100

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 63/100

Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits. 57/100

Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. 55/100

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 51/100

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 50/100

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 50/100

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 49/100

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. 47/100

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 45/100