What a Road Traffic Controller is
A Road Traffic Controller ensures the safety of construction workers, vehicles, and the public. They direct road traffic and people around a construction zone, accident or public events, emergency responses and other road disruption. They may:
- set up, manage, and remove temporary traffic control signage, fences, and bollards
- use a two-way radio
- direct traffic using a stop-slow sign.
Find out more about Road Traffic Controllers on the Jobs and Skills Australia website.
Entry level requirements
You don’t need formal qualifications to be a Road Traffic Controller. Completing a traffic control recognised training course may help. Work experience and being able to understand and speak basic English is an advantage.
A Road Traffic Controller may be a perfect job if you:
- enjoy working outdoors
- are fit and healthy
- can stand for a long time
- have experience or are willing to learn.
Some examples of other entry level jobs related to Road Traffic Controllers include:
- traffic control
- labouring
- site office administration.
Skills and knowledge
Road Traffic Controllers must be alert and pay attention to traffic flow to ensure public and your own safety.
The top 5 skills employers are looking for in Road Traffic Controllers are:
- traffic management and control devices
- leadership
- traffic maintenance
- communication skills
- first aid.
Having a certificate in road transport operations or traffic control can make you more employable.
To gain experience and build your knowledge you may want to do a course or training, such as:
- traffic controller skill set
- traffic controller skill set for high volume roads
- traffic controller skill set for urban street and low volume rural roads
- control traffic with portable traffic control devices and temporary traffic signs.
Use our course search tool to find related courses.
Visit the Apprenticeships Australia website to explore construction pathways.
Pay and hours
Work will vary between full-time, part-time, and casual depending on who employs you. You may need to work evenings and on the weekends. Around half of Road Traffic Controllers live in regional areas.
Find out how much a Road Traffic Controller earns and what hours they work.
Licences and permits
While not required, having certain licences or tickets can increase your chances of getting a job.
Visit the business.gov.au website to find a full list of licences and permits needed for the construction industry.
Employment outlook
Road Traffic Controllers are the seventh-largest entry level employing occupation in the construction industry. It employs 9,186 people. The future employment demand is strong for Road Traffic Controllers and is expected to grow by 7.8% between 2023 and 2033.1
Forty-five percent of people employed as Road Traffic Controllers work full-time (45 hours per week on average), with 42% working part-time. The average age of workers is 43 years. Over 23% of workers don’t have any post-school qualifications.2
Visit the Jobs Skills Australia website to find out more about Road Traffic Controllers.
Possible career pathways
You can progress your career from a Road Traffic Controller to another occupation in the construction industry. There are many education and training options to help improve your career pathways based on your interests, skills, and experience.
As you develop new skills there are several other occupations you could consider. You could choose to work across many roles, such as:
- trade apprenticeship
- civil construction
- labourer
- building site administration
- WHS officer.
Road Traffic Controllers can work in other industries, such as:
- public administration and safety
- construction
- transport postal and warehousing
- administrative and support services.
Visit the Jobs Hub website and watch the showcases building your career in construction.
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