FIFO workers often earn higher salaries than many other industries, which means superannuation contributions can also be significant over time.
However, many workers are unsure how super works for FIFO roles, particularly when overtime, allowances and different roster arrangements are involved.
Understanding how superannuation is calculated can help FIFO workers better plan their long-term finances and retirement savings.
This guide explains how super works for FIFO workers and what to expect from employer contributions.
What Is Superannuation?
Superannuation is a retirement savings system used in Australia.
Employers must contribute a percentage of an employee’s earnings into a superannuation fund. These contributions are designed to help workers build savings for retirement.
Super contributions are separate from an employee’s salary and are generally paid directly into the worker’s nominated super fund.
Employer Super Contributions
Under Australian law, employers must pay Super Guarantee contributions on behalf of employees.
The contribution rate is currently 12% of ordinary earnings (this rate may change over time as legislation updates).
For FIFO workers earning higher salaries, this can result in significant yearly super contributions.
For example:
• FIFO salary $120,000 → employer super around $14,400
• FIFO salary $150,000 → employer super around $18,000
• FIFO salary $180,000 → employer super around $21,600
These contributions accumulate over time and are invested within the worker’s super fund.
Super on overtime and allowances
Super is generally calculated on ordinary time earnings (OTE), not simply on every amount shown on a payslip.
OTE usually includes:
- pay for ordinary hours
- some allowances linked to work
- some bonuses and paid leave
OTE does not always include overtime payments for hours worked outside ordinary hours.
Because awards, contracts and payroll setups can differ, FIFO workers should check their payslip and super payments rather than assuming every overtime or allowance amount attracts super.
Salary Sacrifice Super
Some FIFO workers choose to make additional contributions to their super through salary sacrifice.
Salary sacrifice involves directing a portion of pre-tax income into superannuation.
Potential benefits include:
• increasing retirement savings
• reducing taxable income
• potential tax advantages within super
However, workers should consider contribution limits and personal financial circumstances before making additional contributions.
Checking Your FIFO Payslip
FIFO workers should regularly review their payslips to confirm that super contributions are being paid correctly.
Payslips often show:
• employer super contributions
• total super paid during the year
• super fund details
Keeping track of these contributions can help workers ensure their retirement savings are growing as expected.
Related FIFO tax guides
- FIFO payslip explained
- FIFO overtime, allowances and bonuses
- Complete FIFO Tax Deductions List (2026)
Important Reminder
Super rules, contribution rates and what counts as ordinary time earnings can change over time. FIFO workers should review their payslips, super fund transactions and employment terms regularly to make sure contributions are being paid correctly.