Already Have Experience

Accelerate

Your Career

Georgia’s highway contractors have plenty of opportunities for those who already have experience, whether in road construction or a related sector. You don’t have to start at the bottom if you already have the skills needed. In addition to experienced construction laborers, road contractors need men and women for the following:

  • Heavy Equipment Operators, particularly those who can operate bulldozers, loaders, excavators, motor graders
  • Asphalt Paving Workers, including foremen
  • Asphalt Roller Operators
  • Asphalt Lutemen
  • Asphalt Milling Machine Operators
  • Asphalt Plant Operators
  • Truck Drivers, including those with Class A and Class B commercial licenses for the operation of dump trucks, off road dump trucks, water trucks, service trucks
  • Construction Superintendents
  • Bridge Carpenters
  • Bridge Foremen
  • Crane Operators
  • Concrete Finishers
  • Pipelayers
  • Worksite Erosion Control Supervisors
  • Heavy Equipment Mechanics
  • Traffic Control Laborers and Technicians

Ready to apply your knowledge and skills to new challenges? Check out Find A Job and select the area of the state where you want to work and you’ll find a list of contractors hiring along with links to their website careers pages.

meet a real worker

Robert Royal's Road to a Better Life

”Every day is different, and there's always a challenge for you to meet."

— Robert Royal, Regional Vice President GA/SC Regional Construction Preferred Materials, Inc.

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Jobs For Women

ROAD CONSTRUCTION IS

Not a man's world any longer

Road construction isn’t a man’s world any longer. Virtually every job is open to female applicants. As long as you fit the qualifications, you are welcome to work as a Laborer, Heavy Equipment Operator or Mechanic, Truck Driver/CDL or Traffic Control or in any other position. And you’ll receive the same pay, benefits and opportunity for advancement as any other worker.

To learn more, click on the job listing below for specifics such as qualifications, duties and salaries: Construction LaborerHeavy Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment MechanicAsphalt Plant OperatorAsphalt Paving WorkerConcrete LaborerHighway Bridge CarpenterTruck Driver/CDL, Traffic ControlOther Jobs.

Happy woman worker

meet a real worker and

Real women working in
road construction

"I found construction in high school and thought it might be fun to try.”

— Kate Asselin, Project Manager, Vertical Earth, Inc.

Other Jobs

Even more

Jobs to choose from

1

Guard Rail Installer

In this job, you’ve got a lot of responsibility riding on your shoulders. Not to mention the shoulders along winding roads, cliff edges and bridges. You’ll install the guardrails on either side of the highway at these critical points to protect motorists. You will need a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in order to drive an equipment truck and trailer to transport equipment and material to and from job sites. Training is mostly on the job.
2

Fence Installer

In highway construction, safety is first, second and third. So you may be surprised by how much fencing is required. Which means you’ll stay busy installing wire fencing on overpasses; plastic mesh during construction and along medians; metal mesh along rocky cliffs; sound barriers – as well as any other fencing required to protect the free flow of traffic.
3

Sign Erector

Roads have to communicate with drivers – to let them know where they are, where they’re going, not to mention how fast they can go to get there. In this job, you’ll erect all the signage along and over roads and highways. You’re responsible for deciding where best to place each type of sign, from mile markers to the large structures that stretch across all lanes, then making sure each is securely installed.
4

Stripping Installer

Put your sharp eyes and steady hands to valuable use. You’ll operate the equipment that places marking material on pavement. You’ll also transport materials and equipment to the job site, so a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required. Plus, you’ll load and unload pavement-marking supplies and signs; prepare the work area; grind off old lines and pavement markings, if necessary; set up and remove construction signs and traffic control items at the job site; clean, maintain and repair all equipment; plus perform other work-related duties as assigned. Training is mostly on the job.
5

Attenuator Installer

Accidents can happen. Your job as an attenuator installer is to make sure that if they do, they aren’t bad ones, in order to protect the other workers. You’ll install attenuators that deflect or absorb the energy of any errant vehicle that crashes into them. You must be trained in the proper methods of installation, transporting, setup, operations and preventative maintenance of all types of attenuators. Training is on the job.
6

Traffic Signal Technician

Keeping traffic moving is priority number one for a traffic signal technician. No one likes to wait for a red light to turn green when there is no one else at an intersection. Many times, situations like this are caused by a malfunctioning traffic signal controller that allocates the time for signals at an intersection. As a traffic signal technician, you are responsible for the repair, maintenance and installation of traffic signals as well as highway lighting systems. On-the-job training is provided.
Pouring concrete
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Traffic Control

About

There’s a lot more to this job than just flipping a sign from Slow to Stop. Your job is to keep workers safe. You need to be aware of everything going on, while you keep traffic and construction moving.

Duties

Controls traffic and often assists with the construction project itself. Sets up cones and safety barriers that show traffic where to drive, and holds up signs that tells traffic to either stop or to proceed slowly.

Work Conditions

Work is outside at highway construction sites, in all kinds of weather. The normal workweek is 40 hours (eight hours a day for five days). However, some projects may require night, weekend, holiday work and overtime.

Salary

According to ZipRecruiter 2019 salary information, the average salary for nearly 91 percent of traffic control workers is $33,500.

General

Salary ranges in Georgia based upon information provided by Georgia highway contractors. These figures are averages and may vary from region to region within the state. With overtime, many workers earn well beyond the averages.

Training

Training is frequently on the job. The American Traffic Safety Services Administration (ATSSA) offers TCT certification that teaches the proper techniques and safety procedures.

Traffic Control Average wages

Below are some general hourly wages and annual salary ranges for Truck Driver/CDL jobs in the highway construction industry in Georgia. These figures are averages and may vary from region to region within the state.

Traffic Control

Traffic Control Worker

Average Entry Level Pay

$15.50 per hour / $32,000 per year

Average Pay with Several Years Experience

$18.00 per hour / $37,000 per year

Average Pay with Most Experienced Worker

$21.00 per hour / $43,500 per year

32K

37K

43.5K

Truck Driver / CDL

About

Without all the massive equipment needed at a construction site, nothing can get done. This is where you, as the truck driver, come in. You’re responsible for hauling construction equipment and materials to and from all job sites. You must have a current valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a thorough knowledge of how to operate and maintain single and multi-rear axle trucks.

Duties

Transports equipment and material. Performs pre-trip inspections and maintains a driver’s log book. Safely loads and unloads all equipment/materials over all terrains. Responsible for routine fueling, lubricating and servicing of vehicles. When not driving, must be able to also perform tasks involving physical labor.

Work Conditions

Work is outside at highway construction sites, in all kinds of weather. The normal workweek is 40 hours (eight hours a day for five days). However, some projects may require night, weekend, holiday work and overtime.

Salary

According to Salary.com 2023 salary information, the average salary for truck driver/CDL jobs in the Georgia highway construction industry is $54,000.

General

Salary ranges in Georgia based upon information provided by Georgia highway contractors. These figures are averages and may vary from region to region within the state. With overtime, many workers earn well beyond the averages.

Training

Many training programs and community colleges can prepare you for exams that lead to both Class A and Class B commercial licenses. The Class A license is for big trucks such as rigs and trailers; the Class B license applies to straight trucks, such as delivery trucks.

Truck Driver / CDL Average wages

Below are some general hourly wages and annual salary ranges for Truck Driver/CDL jobs in the highway construction industry in Georgia. These figures are averages and may vary from region to region within the state.

Truck driver CDL

Truck Driver/CDL

Average Entry Level Pay

$19.00 per hour / $39,500 per year

Average Pay with Several Years Experience

$22.00 per hour / $45,500 per year

Average Pay with Most Experienced Worker

$25.00 per hour / $52,000 per year

39.5K

45.5K

52K

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

About

Welcome to the major leagues for the mechanically minded. You’ll oversee all the heavy trucks, earth-moving equipment, gasoline- and diesel-powered tractors, road graders, garbage trucks, dump trucks and bulldozers. The opponent is downtime. You’re the MVP.

Duties

Maintains and repairs all heavy equipment, keeps up with innovations and new ways to streamline procedures and ensures that the equipment is back on the job, safely, and as quickly as possible.

Work Conditions

Work is outside at highway construction sites, in all kinds of weather. The normal workweek is 40 hours (eight hours a day for five days). However, some projects may require night, weekend, holiday work and overtime.

Salary

According to ZipRecruiter 2023 salary information, the average salary for heavy equipment mechanic jobs is $52,500.

General

Salary ranges in Georgia based upon information provided by Georgia highway contractors. These figures are averages and may vary from region to region within the state. With overtime, many workers earn well beyond the averages.

Training

Most learn the trade while working with other Heavy Equipment Mechanics. However, you must have five years of experience as a skilled automotive mechanic, including some experience in the repair and maintenance of heavy-duty construction or firefighting equipment. You can also learn through an apprenticeship program.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic Average wages

Below are some general hourly wages and annual salary ranges for heavy equipment jobs in the highway construction industry in Georgia. These figures are averages and may vary from region to region within the state.

heavy equipment mechanic salary

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Average Entry Level Pay

$20.00 per hour / $41,500 per year

Average Pay with Several Years Experience

$23.50 per hour / $49,000 per year

Average Pay with Most Experienced Worker

$28.00 per hour / $58,000 per year

41.5K

49K

58K

Bridge Carpenter

About

One of the few highway jobs where your feet don’t stay on the ground. You’ll build the job-specific wood forms needed for concrete bridge construction. The work is very demanding, due to the amount of lifting, carrying and hammering required. But in this type of work, you can go far and high at the same time.

Duties

Erects the basic structure of bridges, sets and ties steel, assists in pouring, grading and finishing concrete. Assists in rigging and provides flagging and direction to the Crane Operator. Tears down the wooden forms afterward. Ensures a safe working environment throughout the process.

Work Conditions

Work is outside at highway construction sites, in all kinds of weather. The normal workweek is 40 hours (eight hours a day for five days). However, some projects may require night, weekend, holiday work and overtime.

Salary

According to salary information from Salary.com in 2023, the average salary for bridge carpenter jobs is $42,800.

General

Salary ranges in Georgia based upon information provided by Georgia highway contractors. These figures are averages and may vary from region to region within the state. With overtime, many workers earn well beyond the averages.

Training

Training is mostly on the job, but you can complete a formal apprenticeship or attend a trade school.

Bridge Carpenter Average wages

Below are some general hourly wages and annual salary ranges for highway bridge carpenter jobs in Georgia. These figures are averages and may vary from region to region within the state.

bridge carpenter salary

Highway Bridge Carpenter

Average Entry Level Pay

$19.50 per hour / $40,500 per year

Average Pay with Several Years Experience

$22.50 per hour / $47,000 per year

Average Pay with Most Experienced Worker

$25.50 per hour / $53,000 per year

40.5K

47K

53K

Concrete Laborer

About

Here’s manual labor for those also skilled in off-road road construction. You’ll build and maintain concrete roads along with other important concrete structures such as sidewalks, curbs, gutters, retaining walls and related concrete structures.

Duties

Builds, sets and aligns concrete forms, places wire mesh and concrete and applies fine concrete finishing methods in both new construction and rebuilding projects.

Work Conditions

Work is outside at highway construction sites, in all kinds of weather. The normal workweek is 40 hours (eight hours a day for five days). However, some projects may require night, weekend, holiday work and overtime.

Salary

According to ZipRecruiter 2023 salary information, the average salary for concrete laborer jobs is $44,000.

General

Salary ranges in Georgia based upon information provided by Georgia highway contractors. These figures are averages and may vary from region to region within the state. With overtime, many workers earn well beyond the averages.

Training

Training is mostly on the job.

Concrete Laborer Average wages

Below are some general hourly wages and annual salary ranges for road construction concrete laborer jobs in Georgia. These figures are averages and may vary from region to region within the state.

concrete laborer salary

Concrete Laborer

Average Entry Level Pay

$16.50 per hour / $34,000 per year

Average Pay with Several Years Experience

$19.00 per hour / $39,500 per year

Average Pay with Most Experienced Worker

$21.50 per hour / $44,500 per year

34K

39.5K

44.5K

Asplalt Plant Operator

About

Some highway contractors are large enough to run their own asphalt plant. The Plant Operator is in charge of operating the machinery in the plant, as well as maintaining them and making small repairs.

Duties

Operates the machine’s panelboard to heat, dry and mix ingredients to produce asphalt and concrete and controls the feeding, crushing and sifting machinery in the sand and gravel plant. Carefully observes gauges and dials to ensure proper processing and repairs machinery, if necessary. Coordinates efforts with co-workers.

Work Conditions

Work is inside the asphalt plant. The normal workweek is 40 hours (eight hours a day for five days). However, some projects may require night, weekend, holiday work and overtime.

Salary

According to ZipRecruiter 2019 salary information, the average salary for nearly 77 percent of those working as asphalt plant operators is $42,500.

General

Salary ranges in Georgia based upon information provided by Georgia highway contractors. These figures are averages and may vary from region to region within the state. With overtime, many workers earn well beyond the averages.

Training

Many operators learn on the job. Others complete a formal apprenticeship or attend a trade school to learn how to operate the equipment. There is no certificate or special license needed.

Asphalt Plant Operator Average wages

Below are some general hourly wages and annual salary ranges for asphalt plant operator jobs in Georgia. These figures are averages and may vary from region to region within the state.

asphalt plant operator salary

Asphalt Plant Operator

Average Entry Level Pay

$18.00 per hour / $37,500 per year

Average Pay with Several Years Experience

$21.00 per hour / $43,500 per year

Average Pay with Most Experienced Worker

$29.00 per hour / $60,000 per year

37.2K

43.5K

60K

Asphalt Paving Worker

About

Your job is part quality control, part babysitter to the massive machine that lays asphalt on the roadbed. You’ll keep it filled with material and operating smoothly, and touch up any rough spots or irregularities in the asphalt after it’s applied.

Duties

Places asphalt in hoppers, which are heated to liquefy the material. Helps monitor the machine’s settings and flow rate. When asphalt arrives preheated, workers smooth the finish and compact it. They also may be responsible for setting up the equipment; inspecting and cleaning it, along with traffic control and loading up the equipment once the job is completed.

Work Conditions

Work is outside at highway construction sites, in all kinds of weather. The normal workweek is 40 hours (eight hours a day for five days). However, some projects may require night, weekend, holiday work and overtime.

Salary

According to ZipRecruiter 2023 salary information, the average salary asphalt pavement workers is $47,000.

General

Salary ranges in Georgia based upon information provided by Georgia highway contractors. These figures are averages and may vary from region to region within the state. With overtime, many workers earn well beyond the averages.

Training

Most crew members learn on the job. Others complete a formal apprenticeship or attend a trade school to learn how to operate the equipment. There is no certificate or special license needed.

Asphalt Paving Worker Average wages

Below are some general hourly wages and annual salary ranges for asphalt pavement worker jobs in Georgia. These figures are averages and may vary from region to region within the state.

asphalt salaries

Asphalt Paving Worker

Average Entry Level Pay

$16.50 per hour / $34,000 per year

Average Pay with Several Years Experience

$19.00 per hour / $39,500 per year

Average Pay with Most Experienced Worker

$23.50 per hour / $49,500 per year

34K

35.9K

49K