Highway Maintenance Worker Salary 2025: $50,260 Median, 154,960 Jobs
Highway maintenance workers earn a national median salary of $50,260 per year, or about $24 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical range runs from $36,230 at the 10th percentile to $71,970 at the 90th percentile. With 154,960 jobs across the country, this occupation offers stable middle-income wages without requiring a college degree.
How much Highway Maintenance Workers earn
The median annual wage for highway maintenance workers is $50,260. The mean wage is slightly higher at $53,080, reflecting a few high-earners in the top range. Half of all workers earn between roughly $36,000 and $62,000 per year.
Pay varies by experience and location. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) earn about $36,230, while experienced workers in the top 10% earn $71,970 or more. Overtime is common in this role, especially during snow removal or emergency repairs, which can boost annual take-home pay significantly.
Employers include state departments of transportation, local government highway departments, and private contractors. Government workers often receive strong benefits packages, including pensions, which add to total compensation.
Pay by state
The highest-paying state for highway maintenance workers is Oregon, with an average salary of $65,330. Washington is right behind at $65,300, followed by Connecticut ($64,870), Minnesota ($63,150), and Illinois ($61,700). These states tend to have higher unionization rates, colder climates requiring more winter maintenance, or higher cost-of-living adjustments.
The lowest-paying states are concentrated in the South: Alabama ($37,430), Arkansas ($35,740), and Mississippi ($35,120). These states have lower overall wage levels, milder winters with less snow removal demand, and less union presence.
If location flexibility matters, targeting states in the Pacific Northwest or Upper Midwest can increase earnings by $20,000 or more compared to the lowest-paying states.
How to become Highway Maintenance Worker
Most highway maintenance workers enter the occupation with a high school diploma or equivalent. No college degree is required, but courses in diesel mechanics, small engine repair, or heavy equipment operation can give you an edge. Many employers provide on-the-job training that lasts from a few months to a year.
The typical path: apply for an entry-level position with a state DOT or local highway department, pass a physical exam and drug test, and obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) – often paid for by the employer. Other certifications like flagger certification, OSHA safety training, or snow plow operation can improve hiring chances.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Get a valid driver’s license; a CDL is often needed within the first year.
- Pass background check, physical exam, and drug test.
- On-the-job training: equipment operation, traffic control, repair techniques.
- Optional certifications: flagger (traffic control), snow plow, first aid/CPR.
Job outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3% employment growth for highway maintenance workers from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This translates to roughly 12,300 openings per year over the decade, mostly replacing workers who retire or leave the field.
Job security is solid because roads and bridges require year-round maintenance regardless of economic conditions. demand is steady from an aging infrastructure and the need to repair highways, bridges, and tunnels. During recessions, federal funding for road projects often increases, protecting these jobs.
Opportunities are best in states with large highway systems, harsh winters, or growing populations. Workers willing to relocate to higher-paying states also improve their prospects.
Frequently asked questions
What does a highway maintenance worker do?
Highway maintenance workers repair and maintain roads, bridges, and related infrastructure. Typical duties include patching potholes, repairing guardrails, clearing debris, operating snow plows, applying salt and sand, painting road lines, trimming vegetation, and managing traffic control in work zones.
How do I become a highway maintenance worker with no experience?
Apply for entry-level positions with state DOTs or local highway departments. You'll need a high school diploma, a clean driver's license, and ability to pass a physical exam. Most employers provide all necessary training, including helping you get a CDL. Starting out, you may work as a laborer learning equipment and safety procedures.
Is highway maintenance dangerous?
Yes, it has higher injury rates than many occupations due to working near traffic, operating heavy machinery, and exposure to weather extremes. Safety training and protective gear are standard. Workers must be alert and follow strict protocols to minimize risks.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Highway Maintenance Workers data.