Traffic controller pay rates: the national award minimum from 1 July 2026 and the higher Main Roads WA scheme rates from 1 October 2026, with overtime, Sunday, public holiday and casual rates.
A traffic controller on the award minimum gets $30.39 an hour ($37.99 casual). On Main Roads WA work it's at least $39.13 ($48.92 casual).
Award rates (all states)
Level 2 (CW/ECW 2), civil construction, weekly hire, including the industry allowance.
| Full-time and part-time | Casual | |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | $30.39 | $37.99 |
| Overtime, first 2 hours (Mon-Fri) | $45.59 | $53.18 |
| Overtime after 2 hours | $60.78 | – |
| Sunday | $60.78 | $68.38 |
| Public holiday | $75.98 | $83.57 |
$1,154.65 a week for 38 hours, about $1,939 a fortnight after tax in 2026–27.
Main Roads WA registration scheme rates
Traffic management companies registered with Main Roads WA must pay these minimum rates on its work, by the worker's highest qualification.
| Category | Hourly | Sunday | Public holiday | Casual hourly | Casual Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A - Traffic controller and/or basic worksite traffic management | $39.13 | $78.27 | $97.84 | $48.92 | $88.05 |
| B - Worksite traffic management and/or truck mounted attenuator | $40.68 | $81.37 | $101.71 | $50.86 | $91.54 |
| C - Advanced worksite traffic management and/or roadworks traffic manager | $42.62 | $85.25 | $106.56 | $53.28 | $95.90 |
Hourly rate includes the $1.77 an hour industry allowance. Further allowances, loadings and penalties may apply under the award.
How it works
- The Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 lists traffic controllers at CW/ECW 2. The civil construction rate is used here.
- Overtime is time and a half for the first 2 hours on weekdays, then double time.
- Many traffic control companies have enterprise agreements that pay more than these minimums.
- Super is paid on top.
Common questions
How much does a traffic controller get paid in Australia?
The award minimum is $30.39 an hour ($1,154.65 a week) for a full-time or part-time traffic controller in civil construction from 1 July 2026, or $37.99 as a casual. Many traffic control companies pay more under enterprise agreements.
How much do traffic controllers earn in WA?
Companies registered under Main Roads WA's scheme must pay at least $39.13 an hour for a category A traffic controller from 1 October 2026 ($48.92 casual), up to $42.62 for category C.
Which award covers traffic controllers?
The Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 lists traffic controllers at Construction worker level 2 (CW/ECW 2). Rates differ slightly between the residential, general and civil construction sectors.
What do traffic controllers get on Sundays and public holidays?
Double time on Sundays ($60.78) and double time and a half on public holidays ($75.98) under the award, for full-time and part-time employees.
How much does a traffic controller take home?
On the award minimum of $1,154.65 a week, about $1,939 a fortnight after tax in 2026–27, before overtime.
See also building trades pay, the time and a half calculator and casual loading.
Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide MA000020 (effective 1 July 2026); Main Roads WA Traffic Management Company Registration Scheme pay summary tables (effective 1 October 2026). Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.