How to become a crossing guards and flagger

Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such places as streets, schools, railroad crossings, or construction sites.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What crossing guards and flaggers do

• Communicate traffic and crossing rules and other information to students and adults.
• Record license numbers of vehicles disregarding traffic signals, and report infractions to appropriate authorities.
• Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such places as street and railroad crossings and construction sites.
• Monitor traffic flow to locate safe gaps through which pedestrians can cross streets.
• Direct traffic movement or warn of hazards, using signs, flags, lanterns, and hand signals.
• Direct or escort pedestrians across streets, stopping traffic, as necessary.

Skills that matter most

• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Learning
• Writing
• Learning Strategies

Is crossing guards and flagger a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 25% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• North Dakota $60,230
• California $50,610
• Washington $48,940
• Minnesota $48,100
• Oregon $47,110

Crossing Guards and Flaggers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.