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AI exposure Transportation and material moving

Will AI replace traffic technicians?

Traffic Technicians. US occupation 53-6041.

0.0%

of the time traffic technicians spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of traffic technicians' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.

Ranked 346 of 756 US occupations. No AI use seen in the work yet, along with 410 other occupations.No handover started yet, along with 410 other occupations.

Average US job 7.7%

Among the least exposed jobs there are.Still waiting for liberation.

What AI already does for traffic techniciansWhat traffic technicians no longer do alone

O*NET lists 22 tasks for traffic technicians. None of them shows meaningful AI use at work yet.

What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human

22 of the 22 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.

  • Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.Core task
  • Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input.Core task
  • Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.Core task
  • Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.Core task
  • Operate counters and record data to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic at specified times.Core task
  • Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.Core task
Show the other 16
  • Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.Core task
  • Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.Core task
  • Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.Core task
  • Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.Core task
  • 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.Core task
  • Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.
  • Establish procedures for street closures or for repair or construction projects.
  • Lay out pavement markings for striping crews.
  • Maintain or make minor adjustments or field repairs to equipment used in surveys, including the replacement of parts on traffic data gathering devices.
  • Monitor street or utility projects for compliance to traffic control permit conditions.
  • Place and secure automatic counters, using power tools, and retrieve counters after counting periods end.
  • Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.
  • Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians or laborers.
  • Provide traffic information, such as road conditions, to the public.
  • Review traffic control or barricade plans to issue permits for parades or other special events or for construction work that affects rights of way, providing assistance with plan preparation or revision, as necessary.
  • Time stoplights or other delays, using stopwatches.

How that compares

Among the 44 transportation and material moving occupations, traffic technicians rank 42. The group averages 0.6%, and its most exposed job is Passenger Attendants at 11.7%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.

All 756 occupations, ranked

Level with 0.0%

  1. 346Tire Repairers and Changers 0.0%
  2. 346Tool and Die Makers 0.0%
  3. 346Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners 0.0%

What this does and does not mean

Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.

A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.

Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.