Highway maintenance workers keep roads, highways, and bridges safe and passable. The work is hands-on, outdoor, and in demand. You can start with a high school diploma and learn on the job. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Highway maintenance workers inspect, repair, and maintain roads, highways, bridges, and related infrastructure. You'll patch pavement, clear debris, trim vegetation, and respond to weather events. The work involves communicating with supervisors and coworkers, planning your tasks, and inspecting equipment and structures for damage or wear. You may work directly with the public at job sites. Safety is central to the role, and you'll follow public safety protocols while working in all weather conditions and around traffic.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Highway Maintenance Workers earn a median of $50,260 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 12,300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most highway maintenance positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers provide on-the-job training to teach you equipment operation, safety procedures, and maintenance techniques. Some positions may require a valid driver's license and the ability to pass a background check. Look for entry-level openings with your state or local department of transportation, or with private contractors who maintain roads and highways. Starting as a general laborer is common, and you can advance as you gain experience and skills.
Highway maintenance careers typically start with a high school diploma and on-the-job training. If you're exploring whether this path fits your timeline and interests, Pathly can map the highway maintenance worker path that fits you to map out your next steps with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a highway maintenance worker, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to hands-on work in the real world. You like solving practical problems, working with equipment and tools, and seeing the direct results of your effort.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).