Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
No formal educational credential
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Crossing guards and flaggers help manage the safe movement of people and vehicles in public spaces. Nationally, this occupation has a median annual salary of $37,700 with about 91,000 people employed. It offers access to work without a formal educational credential, which can appeal to students, career changers, and those reentering the workforce. Projected employment growth of 3.6% and 18,000 annual openings indicate steady hiring needs over time. The role rewards people who are detail oriented, dependable, and able to stay focused on safety. Strong speaking and listening skills, customer service abilities, and interpersonal strengths help workers interact with the public. Physical strength and stamina are also important for spending significant time on one’s feet and handling equipment. Overall, crossing guard and flagger positions can provide a stable, skills-based pathway into the workforce with a clear emphasis on public safety and day-to-day interaction with community members.
For crossing guards and flaggers, the national median annual salary is $37,700. Earnings vary by location, with some states and metros offering higher pay. Among the top states by opportunity score, California stands out with a median salary of $50,610, followed by Washington at $48,940 and New York at $44,730. Massachusetts offers $43,460, while Colorado is close to the national median at $37,620. At the metro level, pay can be even higher: the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area has a median salary of $58,810, and San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA has $54,580. New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ offers $43,440, and Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH pays $44,840. These differences suggest that workers willing to consider various locations may see different earning potential within this occupation.
Crossing guards and flaggers have national employment of about 91,000, reflecting a sizable workforce in this occupation. Projected employment growth is 3.6%, which points to continued demand over the projection period. In addition to growth, labor needs are supported by an estimated 18,000 annual openings. These openings can come from a combination of new positions and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. The consistent 3.6% growth figure also appears across the top states and metro areas listed, indicating similar projected growth patterns in those highlighted regions. For job seekers, the combination of an established employment base, measurable projected growth, and a significant number of openings each year suggests that opportunities to enter or move within this career should continue to be available in many parts of the country.
Location plays a major role in opportunities for crossing guards and flaggers. Among states, California, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Washington rank highest by CareerGPS opportunity score. California leads this group with a score of 67.38, a median salary of $50,610, and employment of 9,390. New York combines a median salary of $44,730 with 10,430 employed, the highest employment among the listed states. Massachusetts and Washington both pair relatively high median salaries—$43,460 and $48,940—with moderate employment levels. Colorado, at $37,620 and 2,810 employed, is close to the national median salary. At the metro level, San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA and New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ have the highest opportunity scores, 77.42 and 77.27, respectively. San Jose offers the highest listed median salary at $58,810, while New York–Newark–Jersey City has the largest employment at 13,930. Other strong metros include San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA; Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV; and Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH.
Crossing guard and flagger roles typically do not require a formal educational credential, making this occupation accessible to people with diverse educational backgrounds. Instead of formal schooling, success in this career depends heavily on a set of practical skills and personal strengths. Being detail oriented is important for monitoring surroundings and responding appropriately. Physical strength and stamina matter because the work can involve standing for extended periods and handling equipment. Strong speaking and listening abilities, customer service skills, and interpersonal strengths support daily interactions with pedestrians, drivers, and other stakeholders. Mechanical skills and fine motor abilities can help with operating and managing equipment. Adaptability, problem solving and decision making, and critical and analytical thinking are valuable for responding to changing situations. Together, these skills form the core preparation for entering and growing within this occupation, even without formal education requirements.
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