How to Transition Into a Career in Highway Construction: Training, Certifications, and Salary Expectations

Ready to build America’s roads? How to move into highway construction in 2026

Hook: If you’re a student, teacher, or career-changer frustrated by unclear training paths, low visibility into hiring pipelines, or uncertainty about pay — highway construction offers steady, well-paying work tied to major projects like Georgia’s proposed I‑75 expansion. But success depends on picking the right trainings, certifications, and entry route. This guide gives a clear, actionable roadmap for 2026.

Why highway construction is an opportunity now (most important takeaways)

Federal and state infrastructure spending that accelerated after the IIJA (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) and continued into late 2025 means large, multi-year highway projects are in planning and procurement across the U.S. In January 2026, Georgia announced a proposed $1.8 billion plan to add toll express lanes on I‑75 — an example of the scale and local hiring potential that translates directly into jobs for laborers, equipment operators, truck drivers, inspectors, and civil technicians.

Governor Brian Kemp called the I‑75 expansion a way to boost throughput and economic growth in metro Atlanta, framing it as a jobs-rich infrastructure priority for the state (Insurance Journal, Jan 2026).

Who this guide is for

• Students exploring trades or civil technology programs
• Career-changers from retail, hospitality, manufacturing or desk jobs
• Teachers and community college advisors helping learners access pre-apprenticeship pipelines

Quick roadmap: How to go from zero to on-site

1. Decide a target role: laborer, flagger, equipment operator, truck driver (CDL), welder, survey tech, inspector, or foreperson.
2. Get baseline safety credentials: OSHA-10, flagger and CPR first aid.
3. Choose training: trade school certificate, employer apprenticeship, or union apprenticeship.
4. Stack skills: CCC for equipment, NCCER modules, CDL if hauling, ATSSA for traffic control.
5. Use local hiring pipelines: state DOT pre-bid listings, community workforce programs tied to big projects like I‑75, union hiring halls, and contractor staffing agencies.

Training paths explained: Trade school vs apprenticeship vs employer training

Trade school and community college (fast, credentialed)

Trade schools and community colleges offer targeted certificates in heavy equipment operation, welding, civil construction technology, and surveying. In Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia and local technical colleges run short-term programs (weeks to months) that combine classroom with shop time. Advantages:

• Faster entry (certificate programs typically 8–40 weeks)
• Stackable credentials (NCCER, welding certs, CAD basics)
• Easy access to financial aid, GI Bill, and workforce grants

Trade school is ideal if you want a clear credential quickly and prefer structured classroom learning. Pair trade-school certificates with OSHA-10 and a basic flagger card to be competitive for entry-level highway construction roles.

Apprenticeship (earn while you learn)

Apprenticeships — especially those run by unions or industry organizations — combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. Length varies by trade (commonly 2–4 years). In highway construction, common unions are the Laborers’ International Union (LIUNA), International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Ironworkers, and Carpenters. Employer-run apprenticeships exist too and may be NCCER-accredited.

• Paid wages from day one and incremental increases
• Benefits (healthcare, pension) often included in union programs
• Higher placement rates on large public projects

To apply: contact local union halls, complete aptitude tests, pass drug screenings, and show up for entry interviews. Non-union apprenticeships usually advertise through contractor associations and community colleges.

Employer training & gig/temp staffing (flexible short-term entry)

Large contractors frequently hire labor through staffing agencies for early phases of big projects. These gigs can lead to full-time roles if you prove reliability and get certified onsite. This path is fastest but requires self-initiative to obtain credentials like OSHA-10 and a flagger card to stand out.

Certifications that matter (what to get first and why)

Below are high-impact certifications for highway construction. Prioritize OSHA-10 and flagger/ATSSA when starting, then add trade-specific credentials.

• OSHA-10 Construction: Industry baseline. Often required to set foot on federal/state sites.
• OSHA-30 Construction: For supervisors, forepersons, and anyone overseeing safety.
• Flagger / ATSSA (American Traffic Safety Services Association): Required on most highway jobs.
• NCCER Core and trade modules: Recognized craft training for equipment operators and craft labor.
• CDL Class A/B: Essential for drivers hauling aggregates, asphalt, or equipment; boosts pay significantly.
• Equipment operator certifications (manufacturer or NCCER): For excavators, dozers, loaders — high demand on highway projects.
• CPR / First Aid: Often required or strongly preferred.
• Welding certifications (ASME, AWS): For bridge, guardrail, and structural roles.
• Inspection & QA/QC certificates: For labs, concrete/soil testing technicians.

Typical costs: OSHA-10 ($50–$150), ATSSA flagger ($75–$150), NCCER modules (varies; often <$500). Many community workforce programs subsidize or cover costs for eligible candidates.

Union vs non-union: Which path fits you?

Choice between union and non-union affects pay, benefits, mobility, and training access. Consider the following trade-offs.

Union jobs — pros and cons

• Pros: Higher average wages with negotiated scale, health and retirement benefits, structured apprenticeships, job referral halls for steady work, stronger collective bargaining.
• Cons: Seniority systems can limit rapid advancement; geographic mobility sometimes restricted to union regions; entry may require waiting lists for apprenticeships.

Non-union jobs — pros and cons

• Pros: Often faster hiring with on-the-job promotion potential; some contractors provide strong in-house training; flexibility to work across regions.
• Cons: Less standardized benefits; wage and safety standards can vary by employer; must proactively stack certifications to remain competitive.

Salary expectations (2026 market snapshot)

Salaries in highway construction vary by role, location, certification level, and union status. Use the ranges below as a 2026 baseline for planning. Georgia, especially metro Atlanta projects like I‑75, tends to be at or slightly above state median for construction wages due to high demand.

• Entry-level laborer: $16–$25/hour (higher in union jobs and on major projects)
• Flagger / traffic control: $17–$28/hour
• CDL truck driver (highway haul): $25–$45/hour depending on experience and owner-operator status
• Heavy equipment operator: $22–$40/hour
• Skilled trades (ironworker, welder, carpenter): $25–$48/hour
• Site supervisor / foreperson: $35–$60/hour or $70k–$130k annually
• Civil inspectors / lab techs: $45k–$85k/year depending on licenses

Note: Union packages add value through benefits (healthcare, pension). A union laborer earning $30/hour with benefits may have total compensation equivalent to $36–$45/hour in non-union pay-and-benefit value.

How big projects like Georgia’s I‑75 translate into hiring pipelines

Large corridor projects create predictable demand over years. They open specific hiring funnels:

• Prime contractors use local hiring goals and pre-bid outreach to meet workforce commitments.
• Subcontractors seek certified equipment operators, truck drivers (CDL), and traffic control crews.
• DOTs and prime contractors often run pre-apprenticeship programs with community partners to recruit local residents.

Action steps to tap these pipelines:

1. Monitor GDOT and county procurement pages for pre-bid and pre-construction meeting notices.
2. Attend contractor outreach events and job fairs tied to the project.
3. Join local pre-apprenticeship pipelines and community workforce programs that contractors partner with.
4. Maintain up-to-date digital credentials (copies of OSHA cards, CDL, NCCER) and a short one-page skills resume to hand to hiring managers.

Remote, gig & internship opportunities tied to highway construction (content pillar)

Highway construction isn't only physical labor. Remote and flexible roles exist and are growing due to digital tooling, telematics, and project delivery models.

Remote and hybrid roles

• BIM/CAD technicians: Model road geometry and utilities from remote offices.
• Project coordinators: Manage schedules, submittals, and procurement remotely.
• Data analysts: Work with telematics and equipment data to optimize operations.

Gig and contract opportunities

• Short-term equipment operator gigs through staffing firms.
• Owner-operator truck drivers contracting on a per-load basis for asphalt or aggregate delivery.
• Independent traffic control crews contracted per shift.

Internships and co-ops

Students in civil engineering, construction management, and surveying should pursue DOT or contractor internships. These roles often convert to full-time offers and give early access to large projects’ hiring pipelines.

Practical week-by-week plan for the first 12 weeks

1. Week 1: Choose your target role and research local union halls and trade schools.
2. Week 2: Enroll in OSHA-10 and book a flagger/ATSSA class.
3. Week 3–4: Attend a community workforce orientation or pre-apprenticeship info session.
4. Week 5–6: Complete OSHA-10 and flagger; get CPR/First Aid.
5. Week 7–8: Apply to at least 3 apprenticeships and 5 contractor entry-level positions; prepare a one-page skills resume.
6. Week 9–10: If targeting CDL, enroll in accelerated CDL training; otherwise, sign up for NCCER core module.
7. Week 11–12: Attend local DOT or contractor job fair; follow up with recruiters and union hiring halls.

How to build a resume and interview checklist for highway roles

Keep it short, skills-first, and certification-focused.

• Header with name and contact info
• One-line career objective (e.g., “OSHA-10 certified equipment operator seeking apprenticeship on Georgia I‑75 corridor”)
• Certifications list (OSHA-10, ATSSA, CDL-in-progress)
• Relevant experience: emphasize reliability, physical fitness, teamwork, safety examples
• References: supervisor or instructor contact

For interviews: wear durable clothes, bring copies of certifications, and be ready to describe a time you solved a safety or teamwork challenge.

2026 trends to watch — plan for skills that will be in demand

• Digital construction tools: Drones for surveying, BIM for corridor modeling, and telematics in heavy equipment.
• Electrification and low-emission equipment: Expect training on battery-powered equipment and charging infrastructure.
• Safety tech: Wearables and proximity detection are increasingly required — familiarity helps you stand out.
• Workforce shortage & retirements: Many regions need skilled operators due to retirements — fast ramp-up opportunities exist.

Common barriers and how to overcome them

Barrier: Upfront training costs

Solutions: Apply for workforce grants, GI Bill benefits, Pell grants for qualifying trade programs, and employer-sponsored training. Many DOTs and contractors fund pre-apprenticeship cohorts tied to specific projects.

Barrier: Long apprenticeship waitlists

Solutions: Use staffing firms and contractor temp positions to get on-site experience; complete trade-school certifications to improve priority for apprenticeship selection lists.

Barrier: Lack of local connections

Solutions: Attend job fairs, join community college construction clubs, volunteer for road maintenance community projects, and use LinkedIn to connect with local craft forepersons and GDOT hiring coordinators.

Checklist: Before your first highway project day

• OSHA-10 card and printed copy
• Flagger/ATSSA certificate
• CPR/First Aid card
• Hard hat, steel-toe boots, hi-vis gear (employers may provide some gear)
• Photo ID and drug-test paperwork
• One-page skill resume and references

Final advice: Treat the first year as an investment

The first 12–18 months on the job are where you build a reputation for safety, reliability, and skill. Prioritize punctuality and safety compliance — these attributes often accelerate raises and tie you into project-specific hiring streams for multi-year corridor projects like I‑75.

Actionable takeaways (summary)

• Get OSHA-10 and ATSSA flagger cards immediately — they open doors.
• Decide early between trade school vs apprenticeship; both work but apprenticeships pay while you learn.
• Stack high-value skills (CDL, equipment operator certs, welding) to boost pay quickly.
• Monitor GDOT and prime-contractor outreach for project-specific pre-apprenticeship opportunities tied to I‑75 and similar projects.
• Explore remote/hybrid roles in BIM, CAD, and data analytics if you prefer less physical work later in your career.

Where to go next

Start by enrolling in an OSHA-10 course and registering for a nearby ATSSA flagger class. Then contact your local union hall and one trade school to compare timelines. If you’re in Georgia, watch GDOT procurement pages and contractor outreach for the I‑75 corridor to join project-specific hiring cohorts.

Infrastructure jobs are cyclical but large projects in 2026 mean steady demand. With the right combination of safety credentials, practical training, and local pipeline awareness, you can transition into highway construction quickly and build a career that pays well and offers long-term advancement.

Call to action

Ready to start? Take two immediate steps: register for an OSHA-10 class and sign up for your local DOT/contractor job fair. If you want a tailored plan, download our 12-week starter checklist and sample one-page construction resume on JobNewsHub — or contact your campus career center to join a pre-apprenticeship cohort tied to the I‑75 project.

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