Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Flagger
What flaggers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Attend the job safety briefing and review the traffic control plan. From there, the day usually includes set up at the flagger station with proper signs and an escape route, stop, slow and release traffic using a STOP/SLOW paddle, and coordinate with other flaggers by radio. Shifts often start early and can be long during paving season. Night work is common on busy roads, and work slows in winter in cold climates.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a flagger working full time.
- Attend the job safety briefing and review the traffic control plan.
- Put on a high-visibility vest and hard hat and confirm advance warning signs are up.
- Take your station on the shoulder, test radios and plan an escape route.
- Stop traffic so paving equipment can cross, then release vehicles in turn.
- Switch positions with another flagger for a break.
- Guide a school bus and a pedestrian through the lane closure.
- Help remove signs in the proper order and report a near-miss to the supervisor.
Where flaggers work
Flaggers work outdoors next to live traffic on highways, city streets and rural roads, in heat, cold, rain and at night. The job involves standing for long periods and staying alert to fast-moving vehicles.
Hours and schedule
Shifts often start early and can be long during paving season. Night work is common on busy roads, and work slows in winter in cold climates.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Set up at the flagger station with proper signs and an escape route
- Stop, slow and release traffic using a STOP/SLOW paddle
- Coordinate with other flaggers by radio
- Guide pedestrians and cyclists safely through the work zone
- Watch for errant or distracted drivers
- Communicate with drivers calmly and briefly
- Report incidents, near-misses and sign problems
Tools you’ll use every day
- STOP/SLOW paddles
- High-visibility safety apparel
- Two-way radios
- Advance warning signs and cones
- Flashlights and lighted paddles for night work
- Automated flagger assistance devices (AFADs)
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Training takes a day or less
- Entry point into construction and traffic control
- Outdoor work with variety of job sites
- Steady demand during construction season
What’s hard
- Danger from distracted and speeding drivers
- Long hours standing in all weather
- Can be repetitive
- Seasonal work in cold regions
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I can stay alert and focused for hours
- I don’t mind standing outdoors in all weather
- I stay calm when drivers are frustrated
- I take safety seriously
- I want to start working right away
- I’d like to get into construction
Not sure? Take the free Flagger fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear high-visibility apparel and a hard hat at all times
- Never stand in an open lane of traffic
- Always have an escape route planned
- Stay off your phone and alert to approaching vehicles