What Crossing Guards and Flaggers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Crossing Guards and Flaggers this way: "Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such places as streets, schools, railroad crossings, or construction sites."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Monitor traffic flow to locate safe gaps through which pedestrians can cross streets"; "Direct or escort pedestrians across streets, stopping traffic, as necessary"; "Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such places as street and railroad crossings and construction sites"; "Communicate traffic and crossing rules and other information to students and adults"; "Report unsafe behavior of children to school officials".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Crossing Guards and Flaggers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 94,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 98,100 in 2035, an increase of 3,300 jobs (+3.5%). That matches the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 17,300 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 18.2% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $38,100, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Crossing Guards and Flaggers earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $41,777 in New Jersey to $42,991 in New York, a gap of $1,214 (1.03 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $38,100 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 19,160, which is 55.1% of the 34,770 counted across them. New York follows with 15,610.
Highest-paying states
New York ($42,991) and New Jersey ($41,777) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($41,777) and New York ($42,991) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Crossing Guards and Flaggers
School Bus Monitors and Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (33-9000) include Security Guards.
Frequently asked questions about Crossing Guards and Flaggers
How much do Crossing Guards and Flaggers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $38,100. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $41,777 to $42,991.
Which state pays Crossing Guards and Flaggers the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $42,991. New Jersey is next at $41,777.
Is Crossing Guards and Flaggers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3.5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 17,300 openings a year.
What education do Crossing Guards and Flaggers need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.