Highway Maintenance Workers
Wages & Outlook
Wages
The worker's level of experience and responsibility affect wages. Pay also varies by area of the country. In parts of the country that get snow, work for highway maintenance workers is seasonal. Some workers travel in order to have work all year. For example, those who live in the Midwest or Northeast may move south during the winter months. Other workers have other jobs during the off-season.
Highway maintenance workers who work full time generally receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.
View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:
Employment
In Minnesota, about 6,221 highway maintenance workers work in this medium-sized occupation.
Major employers:
- Local, state, and federal government agencies (Department of Roads or Transportation)
- Highway construction companies
Outlook
Wear and tear from traffic and the weather mean roads will always need repair. However, the amount of money budgeted for highway repair varies each year. Government agencies budget more money for highway repairs when the economy is strong and they collect more taxes.
Regardless of the state of the economy, job openings will occur each year as workers leave this occupation.
| Employment | Employment Change | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| U S | 148,500 | 160,700 | 12,200 | 8.2% |
| Minnesota | 5,014 | 5,168 | 154 | 3.1% |
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| Central Minnesota | 673 | 728 | 55 | 8.2% |
| Northeast Minnesota | 417 | 419 | 2 | 0.5% |
| Northwest Minnesota | 947 | 982 | 35 | 3.7% |
| Southeast Minnesota | 479 | 490 | 11 | 2.3% |
| Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN | 1,700 | 1,750 | 50 | 2.9% |
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
