FIFO Jobs in Australia: Latest Pay, Jobs & Scope in 2026

Written by

Inayat Sharma

Fact check by

Shreya Pandey

Updated on

Oct 20,2026

FIFO Jobs in Australia: Latest Fly-In Fly-Out Opportunities - TerraTern

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The wages you can expect from FIFO jobs in Australia in 2026 are likely to be high, given that the FIFO provisions provide workers with a fixed roster to fly to remote mining, energy, and infrastructure projects before taking a break back home. Depending on the job, experience, qualifications, place of work and roster, salaries range from low to high, with entry-level jobs typically paying the lowest salaries, while skilled trades, engineers, supervisors and project managers earn higher wages. Many FIFO packages also provide flights to remote Australia, accommodation, meals and site allowances as well as competitive wages, making this type of employment appealing to those looking to move into a high-paying career opportunity in a more remote location. This guide details the current FIFO jobs in Australia, occupations available and salary expectations, and scope for the future. 

What Are FIFO Jobs in Australia?

  • FIFO in Australia is a job that requires the ability to fly to remote locations, such as mining, energy, construction, and infrastructure projects. 

  • During their rostered-on period, employees reside at the worksite. 

  • Schedule rostered-off days for workers to return home. 

  • They are usually found in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory. 

  • FIFO jobs cover entry-level camp service, engineering, and management. 

  • FIFO jobs include FIFO jobs in Australia and non-mining remote site employment. 

Also Read: Fly In Fly Out Jobs Australia: The Ultimate Guide

How Does FIFO Work in Australia?

  • A worker is brought in from an approved airport to a distant Australian jobsite. 

  • Employers can arrange for flights, transport, accommodation, and meals. 

  • Staff have fixed schedules, typically 12- or 10-hour shifts. 

  • Once workers have finished filling in their roster, they go back home for their break. 

  • Typical sites have a 24-hour day and night shift. 

  • It can provide a good FIFO salary in Australia but calls for a lot of time away from home. 

What Are the Most Common FIFO Jobs in Australia?

  • Operators of dump trucks, haul trucks, excavators and dozers. 

  • Diesel mechanics, fitters, electricians and boilermakers. 

  • Drillers, blast crew and production technicians. 

  • Miners, geologists, surveyors and environmental officers. 

  • Cooks, cleaners, utility workers and village services workers. 

  • Supervisors, safety counsellors, project managers and logistics coordinators. 

How to Apply for FIFO Jobs in Australia

How to Apply for FIFO Jobs in Australia - TerraTern

  • Verify Work Rights: If you want to apply for FIFO jobs in Australia, ensure that you have the right to work in Australia based on your visa. A range of employers demand that applicants hold appropriate work visa status in Australia, and may have further requirements for overseas applicants. 

  • Take a job at the beginning level: If you have no experience in the mining industry, try positions like driller's offsider, utility worker, trade assistant, cleaner, stores assistant or trainee operator. There are many entry-level jobs listed at six figures these days. 

  • Avoid the hassle and confusion of getting the right tickets: Employers might require licenses, safety training, driver's licence, Working at Heights, Confined Space or other appropriate tickets depending upon the position. There are different requirements for different positions, so read every job ad closely. 

  • Create an Australian-style CV: emphasise physical work, construction, machinery, driving, safety experience, reliability and shift-work experience. Indicate clearly visa/work rights, licences, and availability for FIFO rosters. You will increase your chances if you customize your resume to fit each job opening. 

  • Seek FIFO jobs in Australia, mining jobs, and entry-level FIFO jobs from reputable job websites and companies to apply for a role. There are hundreds of FIFO mining jobs listed at SEEK at present, including positions that don't require experience in the mining industry. 

  • Before taking on a position, make sure to understand the FIFO Australia salary, FIFO jobs FIFO Australia salary, FIFO mining salary, highest paying FIFO jobs Australia, FIFO mining jobs, average FIFO salary Australia, average FIFO salary and FIFO jobs Australia salary, as it varies widely depending on the role, roster, experience and allowances. While this isn't an average of all FIFO jobs, the current range of advertised positions at entry level is AUD$105,000 to AUD$140,000+ and lower. 

Also Read: Electrician Jobs Australia for Indians: Salary & Scope

FIFO Jobs in Australia for Foreigners and International Workers

  • Foreign workers require a visa that allows them to work in Australia. 

  • Usually, employers are looking for those individuals who have formal qualifications and experience in the field. 

  • Be smarter about skilled trades, heavy-equipment maintenance & engineering. 

  • Requires skills assessment, registration, or Australian recognition for overseas qualifications. 

  • Employment fitness, health and English language proficiency requirements must be met (where applicable). 

  • There may be employer sponsorship opportunities available for occupations under eligible skilled visa or labour-agreement pathways, depending on the employer and occupation. 

FIFO Jobs in Australia With No Experience

  • There are positions in the utility industry that are available for those who don't have mining experience. 

  • Cleaner, kitchen hand, trade assistant, and storeperson are other entry-level positions. 

  • Many of the employers will hire entry-level haul truck operators and train them on site. 

  • Construction and warehousing, hospitality, and logistics experience is a plus for applications. 

  • Applicants will still undergo medical, safety, and drug and alcohol screening. 

  • Generally, an inexperienced position will be paid less than a skilled FIFO mining position. 

FIFO Job Requirements and Qualifications

FIFO Job Requirements and Qualifications - TerraTern

  • Relevant experience and training are a typical requirement for applicants, or readiness to undertake site induction. 

  • Manual, operational and outdoor jobs may require physical fitness. 

  • Safety, fatigue management and emergency procedures are very strict for workers. 

  • Police checks and medical assessments may be necessary for employers. 

  • Effective communication is essential for safety briefings and changeover. 

  • Formal qualifications and/or licences, registration or relevant experience may be required for professional roles. 

Also Read: How Much do Nurses Get Paid in Australia: Pay & Benefits

Licences, Tickets, and Certifications Required for FIFO Work

  • Construction-type work may require a White Card. 

  • In some roles, a forklift, heavy vehicle, and high-risk work licence may be applicable. 

  • Site requirements include working at height and confined space certificates. 

  • Training in first aid, fire-response and/or mine safety may be requested. 

  • Trade certificates are important for electricians, mechanics, fitters and boilermakers. 

  • Requirements differ from job to job, so it is important that candidates confirm the specific requirements of the employer. 

How Much Do FIFO Workers Earn in Australia?

  • The salary of utility and camp-services workers can be around A$70,000-A$100,000 per year. 

  • Entry-level operators and trade assistants can make a salary of around A$80,000 to A$120,000. 

  • The heavy-equipment operator can expect to be paid AUD$90,000 to AUD$140,000. 

  • Mechanics, electricians and specialist tradespeople can make A$120,000 - A$190,000. 

  • Senior supervisors, project managers, and mining engineers can make AUD 160,000 - AUD 300,000 or more. 

  • The average figure for FIFO salaries in Australia is variable, as both entry-level and highly paid technical positions are included in salary surveys, and mining engineer and project manager salary figures are published in the 2026 guides and are among the top. 

FIFO Work Rosters and Typical Working Hours

  • Typical workdays are 8 days in and 6 days out. 

  • The two weeks on, one week off schedule is also common. 

  • Two weeks on and two weeks off offers a longer recovery time. 

  • Roster sizes for some remote projects are 3:1 or 4:1. 

  • Typically, shifts last for 10 to 12 hours. 

  • The total FIFO jobs Australia salary is inclusive of overtime, roster changes, and night work. 

Also Read: Driver Jobs Australia for Indians: Pay, Visa & More

What Is Included in a FIFO Job Package?

  • Return flights from an approved departure location. 

  • Camp facilities close to the mine or project. 

  • Food, restaurants and some site facilities. 

  • Transport to and from the airport and to and from the worksite. 

  • Personal protective equipment, uniforms or selected training. 

  • Depending on the employer, salary allowances, bonuses, superannuation and leave benefits. 

Best Places in Australia to Find FIFO Jobs

Best Places in Australia to Find FIFO Jobs - TerraTern

  • Western Australia is a major centre for iron ore, gold and lithium FIFO mining jobs. 

  • Pilbara and Goldfields operations include a number of key Perth departures. 

  • Careers in the coal, infrastructure and energy care sectors are available in FIFO in Queensland. 

  • Copper, gold, iron ore and renewable-energy projects are in South Australia. 

  • Mining, construction and infrastructure projects are common in the Northern Territory and are located far from the population. 

  • Other job opportunities include coal mining, engineering and major projects in New South Wales. 

How to Find and Apply for FIFO Jobs in Australia

  • Check mining, energy and construction jobs on career pages of search companies. 

  • Utilize specialist recruiters, job boards and professional networking sites. 

  • Jobs from the FIFO category, that is, “FIFO jobs Australia” and “FIFO mining jobs”, can be found. 

  • Include licences, tickets, medical clearances and work rights towards the beginning of your resume. 

  • Customize your application for the specific roster, locale, equipment and experience desired. 

  • Do not pay any agency for a guaranteed job and check the employer before giving them documents. 

Visa Options for Overseas Workers Seeking FIFO Jobs

  • Working-holiday visas may be used for eligible applicants to work for a specified period of time. 

  • Qualifying occupations and employers may be eligible for skilledemployer-sponsoredd visas. 

  • Employment-based pathways can be applied for through regional employer-sponsored pathways if the position is located in a regional area. 

  • Sponsorship arrangements may be in place when an approved employer has a known skills shortage, in accordance with labour agreements. 

  • Employment routes such as employer nomination or eligible independent visas and nominated visas can be permanent skilled visas. 

  • Eligibility for a visa does not require a job offer, and applicants need to note the current Home Affairs rules. 

Also Read: ACCA Jobs in Australia: Latest Salaries, Scope & Guide

Advantages and Challenges of FIFO Work 

  • One of the top benefits is that there is a potential for a high FIFO mining wage. 

  • Flights, accommodation and meals can be paid for by employers. 

  • There is an opportunity for workers to acquire valuable mining and construction skills, as well as remote skills. 

  • Long shifts and prolonged absences may impact family and social activities. 

  • Working in isolation, away from family and friends, working through the night, and in difficult weather conditions can be a challenge. 

  • Job security could vary depending on commodity cycles, project completion, and staff changes. 

Is FIFO Work in Australia Right for You?

  • FIFO might be a good option for individuals who make a lot more money and can work from a different location. 

  • It can be a very appealing option for the skilled worker who wants to work in the best-paying FIFO positions in Australia. 

  • Evaluate your physical, andmental and handling long shifts. 

  • Take into account family obligations and distance when applying for a job. 

  • Look at the full package, not just the advertised average FIFO salary. 

  • Consider FIFO if the compensation, rostering, career advancement, and lifestyle sacrifices are in line with your objectives. 

Also Read: CFA Salary in India: Latest Pay Scale, Guide & More

Conclusion

FIFO Jobs in Australia remain promising employment prospects for 2026, especially within the mining, energy, construction, engineering, heavy equipment, and site-support sectors. Depending on expertise, roster, and allowances, entry-level FIFO jobs can pay around A$70,000-A$100,000; experienced operators, electricians, and mechanics can earn A$110,000-A$165,000, and engineers, senior supervisors, and project managers can earn A$160,000-A$350,000 or more. The salary in Australia for a FIFO job is highly dependent on the occupation, and the FIFO Australia salary, FIFO jobs Australia salary, and the FIFO mining salary are generally dependent on qualifications, site premiums, overtime, and location. While there's a constant need for skilled workers in the mining industry, automation, critical minerals projects, and new resource developments also offer good prospects for FIFO jobs, though a certain amount of thought should go into the choice of the highest-paying FIFO jobs in Australia has to offer, especially when it comes to long rosters, remote living, and time away from family.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need for FIFO mining jobs in Australia?

The qualifications depend on the role. Entry-level positions may require only a high school diploma and basic safety certifications, while skilled roles need trade qualifications (e.g., Certificate III in Engineering). Professional roles like mining engineers require a relevant bachelor's degree and industry experience. Essential certifications include Standard 11 (Queensland) and a Heavy Rigid (HR) driver’s license for certain roles.

How much can I earn as a FIFO worker in the Australian mining industry?

FIFO workers in Australia earn an average salary of around $141,000 per year, depending on experience, job role, and location. High-paying roles like mining engineers and geologists can earn between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, while entry-level positions start at approximately $70,000 per year.

Are there FIFO mining jobs available for international workers in Australia?

Yes, international workers can apply for FIFO mining jobs in Australia, but they must secure a valid visa, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482). Employers may sponsor skilled workers for positions that cannot be filled locally. Qualifications obtained overseas may also need assessment for recognition in Australia.

What is the typical roster for FIFO mining jobs in Australia?

FIFO rosters vary by employer and site, but common schedules include: 2 weeks on, 1 week off (e.g., Pilbara region mines) 8 days on, 6 days off (used in some Queensland mining sites) 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off (common for remote locations) These shifts ensure workers maximize productivity while balancing time off.

How can I prepare for the FIFO lifestyle in Australia's mining sector?

Preparing for FIFO life involves: Understanding roster schedules to plan time off effectively. Maintaining physical and mental health to cope with isolation. Building strong relationships to manage long-distance family life. Packing essentials for extended stays at remote sites. Familiarize yourself with on-site amenities for a smoother transition into FIFO work.

How to get a job at FIFO Australia?

FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) relates to workers flying in and out of the Australian field, typically to mining, construction, oil and gas-related locations. When looking for a FIFO job, look for entry-level positions like a utility worker, kitchen hand, cleaner, driller's offsider or trade assistant on mining and recruitment sites. Get necessary tickets, training and medical clearance. Work rights are also relevant as employers have to check visa conditions – this is Australia-specific.

What does FIFO pay in Australia?

The rate of pay for FIFO can also significantly differ from industry to industry, roster to roster, and position to position, as well as include overtime and allowances. Entry-level mining jobs begin at about award rates, while higher-paying jobs are for experienced operators, tradespeople, and specialist workers. The rates of the mineworkers in the Black Coal Mining Industry Award 2026 range from approximately AUD 31.15 to AUD 39.23 per hour, inclusive of overtime and other applicable rates.

Can Indians apply for FIFO jobs in Australia?

Yes. Indian citizens can apply for FIFO jobs, but they should not be able to work. Must have an Australian visa to work in the relevant occupation, and an employer willing and able to sponsor (where applicable). There are also some visa categories that require skills and experience, such as the Skills in Demand visa, which requires at least 12 months' relevant experience.

Is it hard to get a job at FIFO?

There can be competition for FIFO employment, for example, for highly sought-after entry-level roles. Applicants must have existing Australian work rights, relevant tickets, mining experience, safety training, a driver's licence, and pass medicals and drug and alcohol tests. It isn't impossible to get a job without any experience; it just may make it more difficult. You can enhance your prospects by being persistent, having the right qualifications, and by applying broadly.

Can I work FIFO with no experience?

Yes, there are FIFO jobs available for those who do not have any experience working in the mining industry. Opportunities for entry-level employment range from camp utility and cleaner to kitchen hand, laundry worker, stores assistant, trade assistant and a variety of positions supporting the drilling operation. Requirements may differ from one employer to another, however. Further site-specific qualifications such as safety inductions, licences, and medical assessments may still be required. There are also specific qualifications for entry at mining sites: mining awards indicate that some mining occupations allow entry with established worker experience.

What are the disadvantages of FIFO work?

Negative things about it are low personal freedom, working long hours, fatigue, possibly having to work away from family and friends, and working in remote locations. Rosters may also harm relationships, exercise, social activities, and normal activities. The isolation is a challenge for some workers. While FIFO pays well, they must balance the financial benefits with the physical, mental, and social challenges of frequent and far-flung travel and work.