FIFO Salary Australia: What You Can Earn

If you work FIFO in Australia, your earnings can vary based on your skills, experience, and the industry. Pay is built from a base rate plus site and roster allowances, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics put full-time adult ordinary time earnings in mining at $3,224.20 a week in May 2026, which is about $167,700 a year before overtime and allowances. Remote and hazardous environments, along with skill shortages, often push rates up, and additional allowances or benefits can increase your overall earnings. Keep investigating to find out how to maximise your FIFO income and what to expect from these roles.

What actually drives a FIFO salary

• Mining ordinary time earnings averaged $3,224.20 a week in May 2026 (ABS), about $167,700 a year before overtime and site allowances.
• Skilled and hazardous roles, especially in mining, tend to pay more than entry-level site work.
• Wages are influenced by remote work conditions, skill shortages, industry demand, and roster arrangements.
• The Mining Industry Award floor from 1 July 2026 is $1,046.31 a week for an entry level role, and most FIFO jobs pay above it.
• Benefits like employer-paid travel, accommodation, meals, and on-site amenities enhance overall earnings.

What Is FIFO Work and How Does It Work?

If you’re considering work in industries like mining, oil, or gas, you might’ve heard of FIFO, or Fly-In-Fly-Out, work. FIFO work involves flying to remote sites, like mine sites, for scheduled shifts that often last two weeks or more.

During this time, you stay on-site, receiving employer-provided accommodation and meals, before flying back home for rest periods. Many FIFO roles offer competitive pay and benefits, and the total depends heavily on the site, the roster, and whether the employer covers travel.

How Much Do FIFO Workers Earn in Australia?

Mining pays more than most industries. The three figures below are the ones worth planning around, and each carries the date it applies from, so check for a newer release before you quote any of them to an employer.

Read the first row as the average, not the offer. Ordinary time earnings exclude overtime and penalty payments, and the figure averages every mining role in the country, from a greenie on a haul truck to a mine manager. The advertised rate for the job you are applying for is the only number that matters to your decision.

The gap between the award and the average explains most FIFO payslips. A 12-hour shift, seven days a week on a two-week swing, is 84 hours, more than double a 38-hour week, so a large share of a FIFO year is worked beyond ordinary hours and paid at overtime or penalty rates. Site and camp allowances, paid travel, and enterprise agreements on the bigger operations make up the rest.

Sources: Average Weekly Earnings, Australia, May 2026 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, released August 2026) and the Mining Industry Award pay guide (Fair Work Ombudsman, published 24 June 2026).

Employers often seek candidates with continued professional development and relevant certifications, which can influence pay and job prospects ongoing professional development.

What Factors Influence FIFO Salary Packages?

Several key factors influence the FIFO salary, shaping how much you can earn while serving others. Remote work and the dangerous environment often justify higher pay.

While skill shortages in specialised roles drive up wages. Longer rosters, remote work allowances, and industry revenue from commodities also impact your earnings, encouraging you to develop skills that meet these high-demand needs. Many impactful roles do not require advanced degrees and can be entered through on-the-job training or short certifications.

What Are Typical Roster and Working Hours?

Understanding the typical roster and working hours for FIFO workers helps you prepare for the demanding schedules you might face.

FIFO workers usually work 10 to 12-hour shifts during their on-site roster periods, often with a 2 weeks on, 1 or 2 weeks off schedule.

Long hours, sometimes up to 84 per week, require resilience but offer extended rest periods.

Interview cues like detailed timelines and post-interview next steps can indicate clear planning and expectations.

What Perks and Benefits Come With FIFO Jobs?

When working FIFO jobs, you often benefit from employer-paid flights, which means your travel costs are covered when moving to remote sites.

Accommodation and meals are typically provided on-site, saving you money and removing the hassle of finding housing during your rotations.

Additionally, access to on-site amenities like gyms and entertainment options can improve your overall well-being and make your time away more comfortable.

Many FIFO employers also offer additional benefits such as industry-recognised training and certifications to support career progression and professional development.

Accommodation and Meals Provided

Many FIFO jobs come with a range of perks that make the position more appealing and manageable, especially if you’re working in remote areas. Accommodation is often provided in camp-style housing or shared dormitories, sometimes with private rooms.

Meals are usually supplied at no extra cost, which helps reduce living expenses and allows you to focus on serving others efficiently.

Paid Flights and Travel

Paid flights and travel are among the key perks that make FIFO jobs particularly attractive, especially for those working in remote or hard-to-reach locations.

With employer-paid flights from major hubs like Perth or Brisbane, you save on travel costs.

Some roles also include travel allowances, making your expedition smoother and more affordable, allowing you to focus on serving others effectively.

Access to On-Site Amenities

Access to on-site amenities is one of the significant benefits of FIFO jobs, providing you with a comfortable and convenient living environment during your work shifts.

As a FIFO worker, you can enjoy on-site amenities like gyms, recreation areas, and swimming pools.

Accommodations often include private or shared rooms, meals, and wellness services, all designed to support your well-being during your time away.

How Can You Maximise Your Earnings and Prepare for FIFO Roles?

To maximise your earnings and prepare effectively for FIFO roles, you should focus on enhancing your certifications, such as Heavy Machinery Tickets and safety training, which can open doors to higher-paying positions.

Additionally, optimising your work schedule by choosing companies that offer trainee or greenie programs allows you to gain precious experience quickly and increase your earning potential.

Have you considered how developing specialised skills in high-demand areas, like excavator or haul truck operation, can further elevate your career prospects?

Enhance Relevant Certifications

Enhancing your certifications is one of the most effective ways to increase your earning potential and prepare for FIFO roles, especially if you’re dedicated to serving others through your work.

Certifications like Heavy Vehicle Tickets, High-Risk Work Licences, and the S11 Mining Induction enhance skill development, opening avenues for career progression and higher wages in the mining and construction industries.

Optimise Work Scheduling

Optimising your work schedule is vital if you want to maximise your earnings and effectively prepare for FIFO roles.

By choosing rosters like 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off, or 7 days on, 7 days off, you can increase allowances and overtime opportunities.

Scheduling shifts during peak periods helps enhance income, while understanding FIFO rotations guarantees you balance rest, earnings, and fatigue management.