How to Become a Construction Flagger (Traffic Control) - High Pay

It is the most common joke in construction: "That guy gets paid $30 an hour just to lean on a stick?"

The answer is yes. And if you play your cards right, you can be that person.

In Canada, the official title is Traffic Control Person (TCP). You are the human stoplight. You control the flow of traffic around construction zones, protecting the lives of the road crew behind you.

While it looks easy—and physically, it is one of the easiest jobs to get—it is mentally exhausting. You are standing on asphalt for 10 to 12 hours a day, rain or shine, trusting that distracted drivers won't run you over.

But for students, newcomers, or anyone who wants weekly pay without a degree, it is unbeatable. A unionized flagger in Ontario can earn more than a junior graphic designer.

Here is the no-nonsense guide to getting certified and hired as a TCP in 2026.

1. How to Get Certified (It Takes 1–2 Days)

You cannot just buy a vest and walk onto a highway. You need a provincial certification.

In Ontario (The Fast Route)

You need the "Traffic Control - Temporary Work Zones" certificate.

• Where to get it: The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) or approved private trainers.
• Cost: Approx. $50 – $150 CAD.
• Time: 1 Day (often virtual theory + short practical).
• Requirement: You must also have your "Working at Heights" and WHMIS if you want to work on major sites.

In British Columbia (The Strict Route)

BC is stricter. You need the BCCSA (BC Construction Safety Alliance) certification.

• Where to get it: Authorized providers like Universal Health and Safety.
• Cost: Approx. $250 – $400 CAD.
• Time: 2 Days (1 day classroom/online + 1 day practical road test).
• The Catch: The card expires every 3 years.

2. Union vs. Non-Union Pay (The Huge Gap)

This is where most beginners mess up. They take a job with a random temp agency for minimum wage. Do not do this.

The Non-Union "Temp" Job

• Pay: $17 – $20 per hour.
• Conditions: You get the worst shifts, no benefits, and crappy equipment.
• Verdict: Avoid unless desperate.

The Union Job (LiUNA)

The Labourers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) represents most professional flaggers.

• Pay: $30 – $38 per hour (depending on the Local chapter).
• Perks: Full pension, health benefits, and overtime after 8 or 10 hours.
• How to join: You don't apply to a "job." You apply to the Union Local (e.g., Local 183 in Toronto or Local 506). Once you are a member, they dispatch you to sites.

3. What You Actually Need (The Gear List)

The company gives you the vest and the paddle. You need to buy the rest. If you show up in running shoes, you will be sent home.

1. Grade 1 Steel-Toe Boots: Look for the green CSA triangle. Buy the most comfortable ones you can afford (brands like Timberland Pro or Keen). You will be standing for 12 hours.
2. Sun Protection: You are on a highway with no shade. You need a wide-brim hard hat attachment and polarized sunglasses.
3. The "Lawn Chair" Ban: Myth Busting: You are not allowed to sit down. If a Ministry of Labour inspector catches you sitting, you and your company get fined. You stand the whole time.

Consensus Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The "Buy" Verdict:

• Do it if: You are a student in summer. You can make $15,000 in 4 months working overtime.
• Do it if: You are an introvert. You don't have to talk to anyone except your partner on the radio.
• Do it if: You want night shift work. Highway paving happens at night, and the premiums are excellent.

The "Avoid" Verdict:

• Don't do it if: You have a weak bladder. (See the "Reddit Defense" below).
• Don't do it if: You have a short temper. Drivers will swear at you, throw things at you, and ignore your signs. If you fight back, you get fired.

Comparison Table: TCP Earnings Potential

Practical Questions Answered

"Where do I go to the bathroom?"

The ugly truth: If you are on a remote highway, you go in the bushes or use a "port-a-potty" that might be 1 km away.

• Consensus: Experienced flaggers bring a "she-wee" (for women) or a bottle (for men) for emergencies, or they coordinate radio breaks strictly. If you leave your post without a reliever, you can be criminally charged if an accident happens.

"Is it dangerous?"

Yes. Statistically, it is dangerous. You are standing feet away from cars moving at 80km/h.

• The Rule: Never turn your back on traffic. Always have an "escape route" (a ditch or barrier you can jump behind if a car doesn't stop).

"Do I need a car?"

Yes. Construction sites are rarely on bus routes. You usually need to drive to the site (which could be 50km out of town) by 6:00 AM.

• Exception: Some large crews meet at a yard and take a company van, but don't count on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a driver's license to be a flagger?

Technically, no. You don't drive the construction vehicles. However, 95% of employers require a G2 or G license because you need to drive your own car to get to the random job sites. If you rely on the bus, you will struggle to keep this job.

Can women be traffic control persons?

Absolutely. In fact, many construction companies prefer hiring women for TCP roles. Industry surveys suggest that drivers are statistically less aggressive and more likely to obey a stop sign held by a woman than a man. It is one of the most gender-balanced roles in construction.

What happens in winter?

You work. Construction doesn't stop in Canada just because it's cold. You will be standing outside in -20°C. You need to invest in high-quality thermal layers (Merino wool), heated socks, and a balaclava. If you can't handle the cold, look for indoor warehouse jobs instead.

How much does the TCP course cost in Ontario?

The IHSA course is very affordable, often costing around $50 to $100 depending on the provider. Private trainers may charge up to $200, but they often have more availability than the official IHSA slots.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

• Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (Ontario Training): https://www.ihsa.ca/
• BC Construction Safety Alliance (TCP Program): https://www.bccsa.ca/
• LiUNA Local 183 (Traffic Control Wages): https://liunalocal183.ca/

Note:

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.