How to Work at a Toll Booth
Understand the job description., Finish high school., Gain experience that will make you valuable to the Port Authority or Department of Transportation as a toll collector., Learn how to use computers and communication devices such as two-way radios...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Understand the job description.
Toll collectors are responsible for collecting tolls, making change, providing entry tickets and answering questions that motorists may have. -
Step 2: Finish high school.
Most toll booth operators are employed by the state or the city, and many government jobs require you to have a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED. , Work with money.
Spend a few years in retail or other service industries, where you are required to collect money, make change and provide receipts.
Work with the public.
As a toll booth operator, you will deal with members of the public throughout your entire shift.
Experience with the public will help you succeed when you work in a toll booth. , Your computer knowledge does not need to be extensive, but you will probably be required to record transactions on a monitor or screen. , People will ask toll booth operators for directions or help while they are traveling.
You might have to explain turnpike regulations or point out rest areas and exits.
Remain friendly.
Your job is to provide a public service, so be patient and accommodating when someone pauses at your toll booth to ask for help after they pay their toll. , Most modern tollbooths are air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter.
However, you will still be exposed to the elements.
Keep a jacket or sweater for cooler periods and a small fan for hot days. , Wear rubber gloves to protect yourself from germs and dirt found on the money they collect.
Get some earplugs to protect yourself from noise, especially if you work on a busy highway or turnpike.
For toll workers on the George Washington Bridge, hearing loss is a major work hazard.
Prepare to call for help immediately if you feel threatened.
Toll workers have reported being the victims of robberies and being flashed at.
Understand and follow procedures for what to do if you are threatened or someone commits a crime in your toll booth. , You will need to work evenings, weekends, holidays and even overnights as a toll booth worker. , You will need to sit or stand for long periods of time.
Check other physical requirements.
Some toll booth operators will be required to lift or push a minimum amount of weight, since you may be required to help move stalled vehicles out of the lanes of traffic. , Many toll collectors begin as trainees and advance to supervisory and leadership positions within their hiring agency. , The median salary for a toll collector is $45,000.
This usually includes full benefits, a pension and the opportunity for overtime, which is paid at time and a half. -
Step 3: Gain experience that will make you valuable to the Port Authority or Department of Transportation as a toll collector.
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Step 4: Learn how to use computers and communication devices such as two-way radios and walkie-talkies.
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Step 5: Practice being flexible.
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Step 6: Prepare for extreme weather.
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Step 7: Protect yourself.
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Step 8: Expect to work in multiple shifts.
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Step 9: Evaluate your physical fitness.
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Step 10: Look for advancement opportunities.
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Step 11: Expect to earn a decent salary
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Step 12: especially if you work overtime.
Detailed Guide
Toll collectors are responsible for collecting tolls, making change, providing entry tickets and answering questions that motorists may have.
Most toll booth operators are employed by the state or the city, and many government jobs require you to have a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED. , Work with money.
Spend a few years in retail or other service industries, where you are required to collect money, make change and provide receipts.
Work with the public.
As a toll booth operator, you will deal with members of the public throughout your entire shift.
Experience with the public will help you succeed when you work in a toll booth. , Your computer knowledge does not need to be extensive, but you will probably be required to record transactions on a monitor or screen. , People will ask toll booth operators for directions or help while they are traveling.
You might have to explain turnpike regulations or point out rest areas and exits.
Remain friendly.
Your job is to provide a public service, so be patient and accommodating when someone pauses at your toll booth to ask for help after they pay their toll. , Most modern tollbooths are air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter.
However, you will still be exposed to the elements.
Keep a jacket or sweater for cooler periods and a small fan for hot days. , Wear rubber gloves to protect yourself from germs and dirt found on the money they collect.
Get some earplugs to protect yourself from noise, especially if you work on a busy highway or turnpike.
For toll workers on the George Washington Bridge, hearing loss is a major work hazard.
Prepare to call for help immediately if you feel threatened.
Toll workers have reported being the victims of robberies and being flashed at.
Understand and follow procedures for what to do if you are threatened or someone commits a crime in your toll booth. , You will need to work evenings, weekends, holidays and even overnights as a toll booth worker. , You will need to sit or stand for long periods of time.
Check other physical requirements.
Some toll booth operators will be required to lift or push a minimum amount of weight, since you may be required to help move stalled vehicles out of the lanes of traffic. , Many toll collectors begin as trainees and advance to supervisory and leadership positions within their hiring agency. , The median salary for a toll collector is $45,000.
This usually includes full benefits, a pension and the opportunity for overtime, which is paid at time and a half.
About the Author
Helen Reed
Writer and educator with a focus on practical organization knowledge.
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