Traffic Controller Salary: Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

What is a traffic controller salary?

A traffic controller salary is the pay a worker receives for manually directing road traffic and pedestrians during road closures, construction, events, or emergencies. The role involves setting up signs, using stop-slow bats, and communicating with crews to keep everyone safe. Because the occupation is classified under ANZSCO 899923 (Road Traffic Controllers), the Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings for this specific role. Instead, pay is determined by modern awards or enterprise agreements.

Awards versus the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, which gives an annualised salary of $52,255 and a Salary Index of 48.2. That means a full-time worker on the minimum wage earns about 48% of the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352). Most traffic controllers, however, are covered by an award that sets higher minimum rates.

Which award applies?

According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, traffic controllers are covered by an industry award if their employer operates in that industry and there is a matching classification. The most common awards are:

• Building and Construction Award – for traffic controllers working on onsite building, engineering, or civil construction projects.
• Security Services Industry Award – for traffic management done as part of security, protection, or crowd control.
• Miscellaneous Award – for traffic controllers not covered by an industry award.

Other awards that may apply include the Car Parking Award, Port Authorities Award, and Airport Employees Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides list the minimum hourly rates, allowances, and penalty rates for each classification.

How award rates compare to the minimum wage

Award rates for traffic controllers are typically higher than the national minimum wage. For example, the Building and Construction Award’s lowest classification (CW1) is around $27–$28 per hour, and higher levels (CW2, CW3) pay more. Casual loading of 25% applies, so a casual traffic controller on the lowest award rate could earn over $34 per hour. Penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday work add even more.

Because the median traffic controller salary is not published, we cannot give an exact index figure. However, using award minimums as a guide, a full-time traffic controller on the Building and Construction Award (CW1) would earn roughly $55,000–$58,000 per year, putting the index around 51–54. That is above the national minimum wage index of 48.2 but still below the national line of 100.

What the data shows

The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for Road Traffic Controllers (based on the 2021 Census) reports 16,100 employed, with 48% working part-time and 33% female. The median age is 43, older than the all-occupations median of 40. The average full-time hours are 45 per week, slightly above the national average of 44. The main industries are Public Administration and Safety, Construction, and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.

No median weekly earnings are available for this occupation, which is common for 6-digit ANZSCO roles. That means we rely on award rates and market information to estimate pay.

State and industry differences

Pay can vary by state. The states page shows that Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825) and the ACT 109.9 ($119,090), while Tasmania is 88.6 ($96,008). Traffic controllers in high-cost states may earn more, but award rates are national. Enterprise agreements or market pressure can push pay higher in areas with construction booms.

Industry also matters. Traffic controllers in the construction industry may earn more than those in security or local government. The industries page shows mining has an index of 154.7, but construction is not listed separately. Professional, scientific and technical services index 114.7, while retail trade is 75.9. Traffic controllers are not in those industries, but the comparison shows how industry affects overall earnings.

How the Salary Index works

The Salary Index compares a worker’s annual gross pay to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352). An index of 100 means you earn exactly the national average. The national minimum wage gives an index of 48.2. For a traffic controller on an award rate of, say, $28 per hour full-time (38 hours), annual pay would be about $55,328, giving an index of 51.1. Casual loading or overtime can push that higher. You can read more about how the index works.

Take-home pay example

A full-time traffic controller on the Building and Construction Award (CW1) earning $28 per hour, working 38 hours a week, grosses $55,328 per year. After tax (2026–27 rates, excluding Medicare) and the 2% Medicare levy, the take-home pay is approximately $44,500. That is about $3,700 per month. Adding casual loading or penalty rates would increase both gross and net pay.

Conclusion

Traffic controller salary is not a single figure because it depends on the award, employer, and hours. The national minimum wage sets a floor, but most traffic controllers earn above that under an award. The lack of published median earnings means we use award rates as a guide. For the most accurate rates, check the relevant pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman.