How do I become a traffic controller
Get qualified to work as a traffic controller with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Traffic Controller.
Common questions
In Australia, a full time Traffic Controller generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
The number of people working in this industry has grown strongly in recent years. There are currently 10,300 people employed as a Traffic Controller in Australia, compared to 8,000 five years ago. Traffic Controllers may find work in all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Courses.com.au Team
If you’re interested in a career as a Traffic Controller, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Civil Construction (Traffic Management). This course covers topics including preparing traffic management plans, risk management, working as a spotter, reading and interpreting maps, positioning portable traffic signals, safe lifting and carrying, operating vehicles, escorting mobile works and operating truck mounted attenuators. Courses such as Control Traffic with Stop Slow Bat and Implement Traffic Management Plan may also be appropriate.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
Most popular transport and logistics courses
1st August 2022
How to start a career in Logistics
14th October 2021All traffic controller courses
- BSBWHS211 Contribute to the Health and Safety of Self and Others
- FSKLRG007 Use strategies to identify job opportunities
- RII20120 Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure Work Preparation
- RII20720 Certificate II in Civil Construction
- RII30920 Certificate III in Civil Construction (Road Construction and Maintenance)
- RII30920 Certificate III in Civil Construction (Traffic Management)
- RIICWD503E Prepare Traffic Management Plans and Traffic Guidance Schemes
- RIIHAN208E Perform Dogging
- RIIMPO208F Operate Support Equipment
- RIIRTM203E Work as a Safety Observer/Spotter
- RIIRTM301E Operate Truck or Trailer Mounted Attenuators
- RIISS00054 Traffic Controller Skill Set
- RIISS00055 Traffic Management Implementer Skill Set
- RIISS00056 Traffic Management Designer Skill Set
- RIISS00058 Traffic Controller Skill Set for Urban Streets and Low Volume Rural Roads
- RIISS00059 Traffic Controller Skill Set for High Volume Roads
- RIISS00060 Traffic Management Implementer Skill Set for Urban Streets and Low Volume Rural Roads
- RIISS00061 Traffic Management Implementer Skill Set for High Volume Roads
- RIISS00062 Traffic Management Implementer Skill Set for Motorways and Freeways
- RIISS00063 Traffic Management Designer Skill Set for Urban Streets and Low Volume Rural Roads
- RIISS00065 Traffic Management Designer Skill Set for Motorways and Freeways
- RIIWHS201E Work Safely and Follow WHS Policies and Procedures
- RIIWHS205E Control Traffic with Stop-Slow Bat
- RIIWHS206 Control Traffic with Portable Traffic Control Devices and Temporary Traffic Signs
- RIIWHS302E Implement Traffic Management Plan
- RIIWHS303 Position, Set Up and Program Portable Traffic Control Devices
- TLI20221 Certificate II in Road Transport Terminal Operations
- UETDREL004 Operate Plant and Equipment in the Vicinity of Live Electrical Apparatus
- UETDREL006 Work Safely in the Vicinity of Live Electrical Apparatus as a Non-Electrical Worker
Traffic Controller careers
A Traffic Controller directs cars and other vehicles or pedestrians during road closures or detours. You might direct traffic around an accident scene or roadworks or work during large public events or emergency situations. Traffic Controllers often use stop and slow signs but you may also set up temporary traffic lights. You’ll ensure traffic is moving as effectively as possible during a disruption.
Traffic Controllers should be safety focused and have strong situational awareness skills. It’s important that you are observant and can focus for long periods of time. Traffic Controllers must be comfortable working outdoors and should be able to follow instructions. You’ll need to be able to communicate clearly and work as part of a team.
