Explore how your federal experience as a Highway Safety (GS-2125) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
---|---|---|---|
1-4 | Entry-Level Safety Analyst, Junior Highway Safety Inspector, Traffic Safety Coordinator | Assist in the collection and analysis of traffic accident data, participate in safety audits, and support the development of safety improvement initiatives under supervision. | $45,000 - $55,000 |
5-7 | Safety Program Specialist, Highway Safety Consultant, Traffic Safety Specialist | Coordinate safety assessments, analyze accident trends, develop educational materials, and assist in policy implementation for highway safety programs. | $55,000 - $75,000 |
8-9 | Senior Highway Safety Analyst, Regional Safety Manager, Traffic Safety Policy Advisor | Lead safety program evaluation projects, provide expert recommendations, manage statewide safety initiatives, and collaborate with government agencies and stakeholders to enhance highway safety. | $75,000 - $95,000 |
10-11 | Highway Safety Manager, Traffic Safety Director, Safety Program Consultant | Oversee safety program operations, manage a team of safety analysts, develop strategic safety initiatives, and serve as liaison to federal and state agencies on highway safety matters. | $95,000 - $120,000 |
12-13 | Highway Safety Division Manager, Director of Traffic Safety Programs, Senior Safety Policy Advisor | Direct comprehensive highway safety strategies, influence legislation and policy development, manage large-scale research initiatives, and represent the agency at national safety conferences and meetings. | $120,000 - $150,000 |
14-15 | Vice President of Safety Operations, Chief Safety Officer, Senior Director of Roadway Safety | Establish the vision for organizational safety programs, drive policy innovations, lead cross-agency collaborations, and ensure compliance with federal safety regulations and best practices. | $150,000 - $200,000 |
SES | Executive Director of Highway Safety, Senior Executive for Transportation Safety, Chief Executive of Road Safety Programs | Lead the development and implementation of national highway safety priorities, advocate for legislative changes, engage with high-level stakeholders, and oversee significant budgets and resources dedicated to reducing fatalities and injuries on highways. | $200,000 - $300,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
The CSP certification demonstrates a strong understanding of safety protocols and risk management practices relevant to highway safety. This credential is highly regarded in the civilian workforce, signaling an individual's capability to manage safety programs effectively and enhance community road safety initiatives.
National Safety Council (NSC) Defensive Driving Course Certification
This certification equips individuals with the skills to instruct others in defensive driving techniques, which is crucial in promoting safe driving behaviors. Having this credential can open doors in both public and private sectors, especially in roles focused on driver education and traffic safety programs.
Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Certification
The TIM Certification is vital for understanding the strategies and best practices for managing traffic incidents effectively. It enhances an individual's qualifications for roles in emergency management and public safety, allowing seamless collaboration between various agencies.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-hour Training
Completing OSHA's 30-hour training course provides a comprehensive understanding of workplace safety regulations and hazard recognition, which is relevant for roles focused on safety compliance within highway departments. This certification is often a requirement or strong preference for many employers in the emergency management and public safety sectors.
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
The PMP certification showcases an individual's ability to lead and manage projects efficiently, a key skill in highway safety initiatives that often require cross-functional coordination. This credential is highly sought after in the civilian sector, differentiating candidates in project management roles across various industries including infrastructure development and public services.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal job, particularly from a GS-2125 Highway Safety role, to the private sector can feel daunting, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can make this journey successfully. This guide will help you navigate through critical areas like mindset shifts, resume and interview preparation, networking, and translating your federal experience into language that resonates in the private sector.
Transitioning from your federal GS-2125 Highway Safety role to a position in the private sector is within your reach. Embrace the transition as an opportunity to grow, develop new skills, and find a career path that excites you. Stay positive, persistent, and proactive in your job search, and remember, the skills you've gained in federal service are highly valuable in the private sector. Your experience is an asset; it's all about how you present it.