A traffic controller has exposed the grim reality of having a lucrative job claiming he struggles with inconsistent hours.
The Melbourne man said he earns between $1,200 and $1,500 a week as a team leader.
A traffic controller can earn an average of about $75,000 per year, however, the salary can increase up to $200,000 depending on the project.
The Melbourne traffic controller revealed it can be very difficult to get full-time hours at the start of your career.
After several promotions, the Melbourne man said he has “finally” reached the position where he can work up to six days a week, but his hours still vary.
Their job is to ensure pedestrians and residents are “well taken care of” and safe.
Some of his shifts may only last 10 or 20 minutes, but the advantage is that each shift earns him a minimum wage of four hours.
“You can get a job, I could finish it in 10 (or) 20 minutes and you still get paid for four hours,” he told job board Getahead.
A Melbourne man revealed he earns between $1,200 and $1,500 a week as a traffic controller team leader.
Other days you may find yourself working up to 14 or 16 hours per shift.
The man said a job like his is more suitable for those who don’t need a full-time job but would still like a little money in their pocket.
“I don’t recommend it to people who come to school and think they’re going to have five or six days a week right away,” he said.
“But if you’re looking to get into this and want a couple days a week to put some money in your pocket, I recommend it.”
On average, traffic controllers earn $37.46 per hour, which is equivalent to $73,053 per year, according to Talent.
Entry-level positions start approximately $61,256 and with enough promotions traffic controllers can increase that amount to approximately $96,130.
For those who benefit from a However, through a union agreement, the job becomes even more lucrative.
CFMEU-affiliated traffic controllers in Victoria working in the state’s Big Build can earn more than $200,000 a year working 67 hours a week at $49 an hour.
Paid double time, these workers can earn $98 per hour on average.
The Melbourne man said a downside to his job is the abuse he suffers from strangers on the street.
He revealed that some ‘rudes’ routinely get angry with him if the construction bothers them, whether he gets in their way or not.
Apparently, admission was warned during their induction that abuse was, however, part of the job and that controllers needed to be “disciplined” and “resilient.”