Traffic Manager
Traffic managers direct and coordinate the transportation of incoming materials from suppliers or raw material sources, and outgoing products to distribution houses and customers.
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Fleet Manager, Logistics Consultant, Supply Chain Analyst, Transportation Manager
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
Duties and responsibilities may vary from one position to another but, in general, traffic managers:
In smaller organizations, traffic managers also may:
Traffic managers usually work in an office environment and occasionally in a warehouse. Depending on the size and nature of the organization, they may have to do some travelling. In large organizations, they may be required to work shifts because goods must be shipped seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
It is not unusual for traffic managers to work overtime, often under pressure. Regardless of weather conditions or mechanical breakdowns, they must make sure that shipments reach customers on time and in good condition.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating information to direct, control and evaluate the operations of transportation companies, and to determine safety procedures for the handling of dangerous goods; and in overseeing dispatch of vehicles, vessels or aircraft and in recruiting personnel and overseeing their training
Interest in monitoring company and departmental performance, in planning changes to schedules and policies and in ensuring that company procedures comply with transport regulations
Interest in negotiating with personnel and senior management to change schedules and policies
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Traffic managers need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy coordinating information and directing the work of others, taking a methodical approach to monitoring and planning operations, and negotiating with service providers, workers and other managers.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 24, 2021 and Nov 27, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
Tasks: Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate daily operations | 65 |
---|---|
Tasks: Monitor company's or department's performance, prepare reports for senior management, and plan for changes to schedules and policies | 65 |
Tasks: Establish and implement policies and standards for the transportation and storage of goods | 60 |
Tasks: Oversee the scheduling and dispatching of vehicles and goods | 57 |
Tasks: Ensure transport compliance with regulations | 55 |
Tasks: Recruit, train and supervise staff | 49 |
Tasks: Oversee the setting of transportation service rates and monitor revenue | 47 |
Tasks: Arrange for shipping documentation and the tracking and tracing of goods in transit | 42 |
Attention to detail | 40 |
Tasks: Negotiate for services and preferential rates | 39 |
There is no standard education requirement for traffic managers. However, employers generally prefer to hire job applicants who have related work experience and post-secondary education related to commerce or business administration. Strong computer skills are essential.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field. To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs. Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Related Education
The Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation offers a designation in supply chain and transportation logistics to applicants who have successfully completed ten academic courses and five years of work experience. The required courses may be taken by distance education. Classroom instruction is available for some courses.
The Logistics Institute offers a Professional Logistician (P.Log.) certification to applicants who have successfully completed a series of online modules.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Traffic managers are employed by:
Those who have no previous training or related experience may start in supporting positions such as rate clerk, route clerk, dispatcher, shipper and receiver or warehouse technician. Those who have related post-secondary education may start in positions of greater responsibility.
Advancement opportunities depend on the size and nature of the organization and the individual's performance and qualifications.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 0731: Managers in transportation occupational group, 78.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 0731: Managers in transportation occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 78 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for traffic managers vary widely depending on the industry, the responsibilities of the position and the background of the manager.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting | $23.08 | $72.12 | $40.05 | $36.06 |
Overall | $24.04 | $81.58 | $45.90 | $43.13 |
Top | $24.52 | $90.72 | $51.08 | $47.01 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
ALL INDUSTRIES | $95,962 |
---|---|
Oil & Gas Extraction | $100,431 |
Construction | $97,937 |
Manufacturing | $128,905 |
Transportation and Warehousing | $95,114 |
Educational Services | $91,402 |
Public Administration | $115,263 |
Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation website: www.citt.ca
The Logistics Institute website: www.loginstitute.ca
Supply Chain Management Assocation website: www.scmanational.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 29, 2015. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.