Career Pathways for Traffic Controllers in WA & What They Get Paid

Traffic control is a great starting point for those interested in a career in road safety, civil construction, or infrastructure projects. But what comes next? If you’re currently working as a traffic controller in Western Australia, you might be wondering what career opportunities you can move into and how much you can earn.

In this article, we’ll break down career progression pathways, expected salaries, and how to upskill for better-paying roles in the industry.

1. Traffic Controller – The Starting Point

Most people enter the industry as a traffic controller, where they manage traffic flow around roadworks and construction sites. This role involves using stop/slow bats, directing vehicles and pedestrians, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Salary:

• Entry-level traffic controllers in WA typically earn between $30 – $40 per hour
• With experience, wages can reach $45+ per hour, especially for night shifts, weekends, and regional projects
• Annual earnings vary but can range from $60,000 – $100,000, depending on shifts and overtime

How to Get Started:

• Complete a Traffic Management Implementation Course (Basic Worksite Traffic Management & Traffic Control – BWTM & TC)
• Obtain a White Card (Construction Induction)

2. Traffic Management Supervisor

Once you gain experience, you might be offered the opportunity to step up to a Traffic Management Supervisor role, where you oversee teams of traffic controllers, coordinate job sites, and ensure compliance with regulations.

Salary:

• Typically earns between $80,000 – $120,000 per year, depending on location and employer
• Higher pay for FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) or remote projects

How to Get There:

• Gain at least six to twelve months of traffic control experience
• Complete an Advanced Worksite Traffic Management (AWTM) course
• Get leadership training (some companies offer in-house programs)

3. Traffic Planner / Traffic Engineer

A traffic planner designs traffic management plans (TMPs) for road projects, ensuring safe and efficient vehicle flow. Traffic engineers go a step further, working on large-scale urban planning and infrastructure projects.

Salary:

• Traffic Planner: $70,000 – $110,000 per year
• Traffic Engineer: $90,000 – $150,000 per year

How to Get There:

• Experience in traffic control or traffic management
• Study a Certificate IV in Civil Construction or Diploma in Traffic Management
• Traffic engineers usually need a degree in Civil Engineering or Transport Planning

4. Site Supervisor or Project Manager (Construction & Civil Works)

If you’re interested in broader civil construction or infrastructure projects, moving into a Site Supervisor or Project Manager role could be a smart move. These positions involve overseeing roadworks, managing teams, and ensuring projects meet deadlines and safety standards.

Salary:

• Site Supervisor: $100,000 – $140,000 per year
• Project Manager: $120,000 – $180,000 per year

How to Get There:

• Gain experience in traffic control and traffic management
• Study a Certificate IV or Diploma in Civil Construction Management
• Obtain leadership and project management training

5. FIFO Traffic Controller or Road Safety Officer

FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) traffic control roles offer higher wages but require travel to remote mine sites and regional projects. Some experienced traffic controllers transition into Road Safety Officer roles, where they focus on compliance and safety audits.

Salary:

• FIFO Traffic Controller: $45 – $60 per hour (plus allowances)
• Road Safety Officer: $90,000 – $130,000 per year

How to Get There:

• Experience in traffic control
• Additional training in workplace health & safety (WHS)
• Strong knowledge of road safety regulations

Where Can You Go from Here?

Traffic control is a great stepping stone into high-paying construction, engineering, and project management roles. With the right experience and training, you can increase your salary and job opportunities significantly.

If you’re looking to move up in your career, consider:

• Getting additional certifications (e.g., Advanced Traffic Management, Civil Construction, WHS)
• Gaining leadership experience
• Networking with construction and roadwork companies

Find out more about our traffic control courses