Introduction to FIFO Australia
Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) employment has emerged as the backbone of Australia’s mining, oil and gas, and construction sectors, providing lucrative wages, interesting work-life balance, and chances of working in remote areas. In 2025, FIFO Australia remains to entice locals and global workers looking to secure well-paying jobs in mineral-rich regions such as Western Australia’s Pilbara or Queensland’s Bowen Basin.
This in-depth guide delves into what FIFO jobs are, their advantages and difficulties, trending roles, compensation, and how to obtain employment in 2025. As a veteran or a newcomer, this guide will assist you in embracing the FIFO lifestyle and excelling in Australia’s thriving industries.
What Are FIFO Jobs in Australia?
FIFO, or Fly-In Fly-Out, is an employment schedule where workers are flown to distant work locations for a fixed amount of time, usually 1-3 weeks, and then have the same or shorter amount of time off at home. This is a system that enables businesses to utilize experienced workers for work in remote locations without needing to make a permanent move. FIFO employment is common in:
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Mining: Iron ore, gold, and coal mines in Western Australia, Queensland, and South Australia.
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Oil and Gas: Onshore units and offshore platforms, such as those in Barrow Island, WA.
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Construction: Road and renewable energy facilities, for example.
Employees reside in company-owned camps with housing, food, and services such as gyms while on roster, then return home for rest. As of 2025, there are more than 13,000 FIFO jobs spread throughout Australia, with the majority in the mining industry, especially in the Pilbara.
Why Choose FIFO Jobs in Australia?
FIFO work provides special benefits that draw a wide range of staff:
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High Pay: Typical pay is approximately AUD 141,000 a year, with junior positions such as drillers’ offsiders at AUD 90,000-$130,000, including super and bonuses.
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Work-Life Balance: Shifts such as 2:1 (two weeks on, one week off) or 8:6 offer longer periods of leave to go on vacation or spend time with relatives.
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No Living Costs On-Site: Flights, accommodation, and meals are paid for by the employer, enabling staff to save considerably.
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Career Development: Trainee positions provide training and certification, leading to better-paying jobs such as mining engineers or project managers.
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Adventure: Be based in Australia’s beautiful outback, with the possibility of traveling in leisure time, e.g., spend time on Bali for cheap relaxation.
There are downsides to the FIFO lifestyle, e.g., the long working hours (12-hour shifts) and missing time with family and friends, which can affect one’s mental well-being.
Best FIFO Jobs for Australia in 2025
FIFO jobs are from beginners to highly qualified, suitable for all levels of experience. The following are some of the most sought-after jobs in 2025:
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Drillers’ Offsider: Beginner job with no experience, paying AUD 110,000-$150,000. Includes help with drilling and equipment maintenance.
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Heavy Machinery Operator: Works on excavators, dump trucks, or bulldozers, requiring qualifications such as a heavy rigid license. Earnings are AUD 100,000-$160,000.
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Mining Engineer: Designs and manages mining activities, receiving AUD 150,000-$200,000 with the appropriate qualifications.
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Utility Worker: Kitchen hands, housekeepers, or cleaners working FIFO camps with no experience receive AUD 90,000.
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Site Administrator: Manages paper and logistics on a 2:2 roster, receiving AUD 80,000-$120,000.
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Electrician: Keeps electrical equipment on-site, with earnings of AUD 120,000-$180,000 for experienced tradespersons.
Most positions, particularly entry-level, offer paid training, so FIFO is available to newcomers.
FIFO Rosters and Lifestyle
FIFO rosters differ by role and company, but typical rosters include:
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2:1: Two weeks at work, one week at home (most prevalent in mining).
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8:6: Eight days at work, six days at home, providing regular breaks.
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14:14: Two weeks at work, two weeks at home, used in oil and gas or hospitality work.
The FIFO Lifestyle Consists Of:
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On-Site: Residents of contemporary camps with single bedrooms, food courts, and recreational activities such as a gym or pool. Employees generally leave early (e.g., 5:30 AM) and have 12-hour shifts.
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Off-Site: Extended leave time enables vacations or time with family. Some employees, such as Cal Mcilwaine, take vacations to visit locations such as Esperance or Southeast Asia.
Then again, the long hours and isolation can take its toll on mental health, calling for responses such as Western Australia’s proposed $5.6 billion funding in FIFO mental health services for 2025.
Salary Range for FIFO Employment in 2025
FIFO wages are among the highest in Australia because of the isolation and stressful hours. Drawing from 2025 data:
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Entry-Level (No Experience): Drillers’ offsiders or utility hands make between AUD 90,000-$130,000 inclusive of bonuses and superannuation.
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Skilled Trades (e.g., Electricians, Mechanics): AUD $120,000-$180,000, with premiums for high-end skills.
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Professional Positions (e.g., Engineers, Project Managers): AUD $150,000-$250,000, based on experience and project complexity.
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Scaffolders: A 10-day tour can collect AUD 5,657 after taxes, or about AUD 147,000 per year.
Other incentives include tax refunds for flights, accommodation, and remote work.
How to Get a FIFO Job in Australia in 2025
FIFO jobs need to be prepared for, particularly for entry-level or overseas applicants. Here’s where to start:
Qualifications and Certifications
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Entry-Level: Little or no experience is usually necessary for positions such as utility workers or offsiders of drillers. Firms offer training, but a White Card (safety in construction) or mine safety classes (such as Work Safely at Heights) are beneficial.
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Qualified Positions: Trades such as mechanics or electricians require Australian-recognized certificates through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). Machinery operators can be assisted with a heavy rigid license.
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English Competence: Overseas employees require IELTS (minimum 6.0) or PTE Academic (minimum 50) tests.
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First Aid: Value-added for compliance with safety on-site.
Tips for Applying for a Job
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Customise Your Resume: Emphasise transferable skills (e.g., from the construction, hospitality, or logistics industries) and awareness of safety. Employ ATS-optimised resumes to get past Applicant Tracking Systems, which screen out 75% of candidates.
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Job Sites: Apply via SEEK (14,109 FIFO vacancies advertised), Adzuna, or Jora. Specialised mining sites such as MiningCareers also work.
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Networking: Network with recruiters via LinkedIn or by visiting job fairs to speak with employers.
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Work with Experts: Companies such as FIFO Australia or World Access Immigration provide resume preparation and visa advice, particularly for overseas workers.
Visa Options for Overseas Workers
Overseas applicants, such as Working Holiday Makers, may seek FIFO jobs:
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Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462): Permits 88 days of qualifying work in remote regions, toward the extension of their visa.
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Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): Employer-sponsored visa with a validity of up to 4 years, suitable for skilled tradesmen.
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Permanent Residency: Skilled employees can be eligible for state-nominated visas following a skills assessment.
Seek advice from migration agents such as Get Your Visa for visa assistance.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the FIFO Lifestyle
Advantages
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Six-figure wages for initial jobs and further.
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Free Amenities: No on-campus accommodation fees, maximizing funds.
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Career Advancement: Paid qualifications and progression to leading positions.
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Travel Opportunities: Long breaks provide time to explore, such as Bali or Esperance.
Disadvantages
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Long Hours: 12-hour shifts are physically and mentally exhausting.
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Isolation: Separating from family for extended periods can try relationships and mental wellbeing.
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Remote Conditions: Extreme heat (e.g., Pilbara 95-113°F in summer) and remoteness test some workers.
Comments on X and sites such as Daily Mail point to variable experiences, with some workers preferring time with family over high earnings.
Conclusion
FIFO Australia presents a different career option in 2025 with high pay, career advancement, and adventure in remote places such as the Pilbara or Queensland. With positions varied from drillers’ offsiders to engineers, and minimum salaries at AUD 90,000, FIFO employment is open to both beginners and experienced players.
While working conditions involve challenges such as long work days and solitude, incentives in the form of free housing, excessive leave, and training attract people. To get a FIFO job, customize your CV, gain qualifications, and search on platforms like SEEK or Adzuna.
Ready to adopt the FIFO way of life? Begin today with proper preparation and ride to new heights in your career in Australia’s booming industries!