What Does a Flag Person Do in Construction?
If you've ever driven past a construction zone and been directed by someone holding a stop/slow sign, you’ve met one of the most important—and underrated—figures on a job site: the flag person (also called a flagger or traffic control person).
While it might seem like a simple job on the surface, a flag person's role is critical to keeping workers, drivers, and pedestrians safe in and around active construction zones.
In this blog, we’ll break down what a flag person does, why their role matters, and what it takes to become one.

What Is a Flag Person?

A flag person is responsible for directing traffic around construction zones, utility projects, or road maintenance sites. They control the flow of vehicles using hand signals, signs, radios, and sometimes even temporary traffic lights.

Their job is to:

•    Keep workers safe from moving vehicles
•    Prevent accidents and confusion for drivers
•    Communicate with other flaggers or equipment operators to ensure smooth operations

In short: they are the eyes and ears of the job site when it comes to traffic.

Key Responsibilities of a Flag Person

•    Stop, slow, and release traffic safely and efficiently
•    Maintain clear communication with fellow flaggers or spotters
•    Set up and remove road signs, cones, and barriers
•    Watch for unsafe driving behavior and alert the crew if needed
•    Guide construction vehicles or heavy equipment entering/exiting the site
•    Provide information to drivers or pedestrians when required

Where Do Flaggers Work?

Flag persons are used anywhere traffic and construction intersect. That includes:

•    Highway or road construction
•    Utility maintenance (power, gas, water)
•    Bridge work
•    Rail and transit projects
•    Event traffic control

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Flag Person?

Being a flagger isn’t just about holding a sign—it requires focus, stamina, and strong communication skills.

Key qualities include:

•    Awareness of surroundings and hazards
•    Clear communication, both verbal and non-verbal
•    Responsiveness in fast-changing traffic conditions
•    Physical fitness, since flaggers often stand for long hours in varying weather
•    Calm under pressure, especially when dealing with impatient drivers

How to Become a Flag Person

In most regions (including Canada and the U.S.), flag persons must complete a certified training course covering:

•    Traffic control procedures
•    Sign usage and placement
•    Safety protocols
•    Proper PPE and visibility

Courses are usually short (1–2 days) and are offered through construction training centers, unions, and safety organizations.

Once certified, flaggers often work with road builders, municipalities, or subcontractors.

How Much Do Flaggers Make?

Flag person wages vary by region and project, but they typically range from $18 to $30+ per hour, with union jobs or remote work often paying more. Overtime and night shifts can boost earnings significantly.

For many, it’s a great entry point into the construction industry—offering hands-on experience and a path toward roles like traffic control supervisor, foreperson, or equipment operator.

A flag person may be the first face you see at a job site—but their role goes far beyond holding a sign. They are essential to keeping traffic flowing and people safe, often in unpredictable and high-risk environments.
So next time you pass a flagger, give them a wave—and a little patience. They’re out there keeping the roads (and the workers building them) safe for all of us.