Traffic Control Salary: Where It Sits Against the National Line
Road traffic controllers play a vital role in keeping construction sites, roadworks, and events safe. But pinning down a single "traffic control salary" is tricky. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for this occupation because it is a 6-digit ANZSCO code. That means we cannot give you a precise median like we can for many other jobs. Instead, we look at the national full-time average and the factors that push traffic controller pay above or below that line.
The National Line and Where Traffic Controllers Typically Fall
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). This is the line on the Average site. Traffic controllers, however, often earn less than this average because the role is classified as a semi-skilled occupation under many awards. The median for all full-time employees is about $90,532, and for all employees (including part-time and casual) it is about $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). Traffic controllers who work full-time (about 52% of the workforce, according to the 2021 Census) may fall somewhere near the all-employees median, but overtime and penalty rates can lift their pay significantly.
How Awards Set the Floor
Most traffic controllers are covered by a modern award. The most common is the Building and Construction General On-site Award, but some work under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award or the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award. These awards set minimum hourly rates, allowances, and penalty rates. From 1 July 2026, award minimums rose by 4.75% following the Annual Wage Review. The national minimum wage itself is $26.44 per hour, but award rates for traffic controllers are typically higher—often between $27 and $30 per hour for a Level 1 employee, depending on the award and classification. Overtime (time-and-a-half or double time) and allowances (e.g., for using a stop-slow sign or working in wet weather) can push the effective hourly rate well above the minimum.
State Differences Matter
Where you work affects your traffic control salary. State full-time averages range from $96,008 in Tasmania to $119,090 in the Australian Capital Territory. Western Australia ($115,825) and New South Wales ($109,658) are above the national average, while Victoria ($106,137) and Queensland ($106,064) are close to it. Traffic controllers in states with strong construction or mining sectors—like WA and Queensland—may have more opportunities for overtime and above-award rates. In contrast, those in Tasmania or South Australia ($102,450) may find pay closer to the award minimum. The States and territories page shows how the line moves across Australia.
Hours and Demographics
The 2021 Census showed that only 52% of traffic controllers work full-time, compared to 64% across all occupations. Those who do work full-time average 45 hours per week—slightly above the all-occupations average of 44 hours. That extra hour can add up, especially when overtime rates apply. The median age is 43, and 33% of traffic controllers are women. These factors influence overall earnings: part-time and casual workers earn less per week, but their hourly rates may be higher due to casual loading.
Why the Figure Can Move Off the Line
The national average line is a useful benchmark, but traffic control salary can diverge for several reasons:
- Award classification: A Level 1 traffic controller under the Building Award earns a base rate that may be below the national average, but a Level 2 or 3 controller with additional responsibilities (e.g., traffic management design) can earn more.
- Overtime and penalties: Weekend work, night shifts, and public holidays attract penalty rates. A traffic controller working a Saturday road closure could earn 150% of the base rate.
- Enterprise agreements: Some large construction projects or local councils have enterprise agreements that pay above the award. These can push earnings closer to or above the national average.
- Location: As noted, state averages vary. A traffic controller in the ACT or WA may earn more than one in Tasmania, even under the same award, because of local labour market conditions and cost-of-living adjustments.
For a deeper look at how the national average is calculated and why it changes, see How the figures are set.
The Bottom Line
Without a published median, we can't give a single traffic control salary figure. But using the national full-time average of $108,352 as a reference, most traffic controllers likely earn below that line—especially those working part-time or at award minimums. However, those who work full-time with regular overtime in high-demand states can match or exceed the average. The key is to check the specific award and your state's average to get a realistic picture.