Mobile Plant Operators

How to become a Road Roller Operator

Operates a power-driven roller to prepare surfaces for roads, runways and car parks.

Main tasks

Controls roller speed and direction to achieve desired compaction and smoothness
Monitors surface conditions and adjusts roller operation as necessary
Performs routine maintenance and cleaning of roller equipment
Follows project plans and specifications for surface preparation and compaction

Typical full-time pay: $88,192 a year
About 13,800 people work in this job group now, and about 14,300 are projected by 2035. (+3.7%)
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Median full-time pay is $88,192 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 13,800 to about 14,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Usually not. Only 1% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04