FIFO salary in Australia can vary a lot depending on role, experience, commodity, roster and site location. Entry-level utility or operator roles may sit much lower than experienced electricians, fitters, engineers or supervisors working remote mine sites.
This guide breaks down common FIFO salary ranges in Australia, explains why 2:1, 8:6 and 7:7 rosters can change annual earnings, and shows how overtime, site allowances and super can affect total pay.
Quick answer
Most FIFO salaries in Australia fall roughly between $100,000 and $180,000+, but some entry-level roles can be lower and experienced trades, engineers and supervisors can earn much more depending on roster, overtime and site conditions.
Average FIFO Salary In Australia
FIFO salaries in Australia vary widely depending on the type of job and level of experience.
Entry level roles may earn around $90,000 to $120,000 per year, while experienced tradespeople and operators often earn between $120,000 and $180,000 annually.
Supervisors, engineers and specialist roles can earn $180,000 or more, particularly in remote mining operations.
Because FIFO workers typically work longer shifts and remote rosters, these higher salaries are designed to compensate for the demanding work environment.
Typical FIFO salary ranges in Australia
Different FIFO roles come with different pay ranges.
Some typical salary ranges include:
• Dump truck operators: $100,000 – $140,000
• Electricians: $130,000 – $180,000
• Diesel fitters: $140,000 – $200,000
• Mining supervisors: $160,000 – $220,000
• Engineers: $150,000 – $220,000+
Actual salaries may vary depending on the mining company, project location and worker experience.
FIFO Rosters And Salary
FIFO workers are usually paid based on roster schedules rather than a standard Monday-to-Friday work week.
Common FIFO rosters include:
• 2:1 roster – two weeks on site, one week off
• 8:6 roster – eight days on site, six days off
• 7:7 roster – seven days on site, seven days off
Longer rosters often result in higher yearly salaries because workers complete more hours per year.
FIFO Allowances And Additional Pay
In addition to base salary, FIFO workers may receive additional payments depending on the role and location.
These may include:
• site allowances
• remote area allowances
• overtime payments
• travel allowances
• meal allowances
These payments may increase the overall income earned during a roster.
What changes FIFO salary the most
FIFO pay usually changes based on:
- role and trade
- years of experience
- roster pattern
- remote or regional location
- overtime availability
- allowances and site bonuses
- whether accommodation and travel are employer provided
A worker on a 2:1 roster with regular overtime may earn much more than someone on an even-time roster with fewer extra hours.
Example FIFO salary comparison
For example, an entry-level operator on an even-time roster may earn far less than an experienced diesel fitter on a remote 2:1 roster with regular overtime and site allowances.
That is why two FIFO workers can both work in mining but have very different annual incomes.
Understanding FIFO pay, tax and deductions
A higher FIFO salary does not automatically mean a bigger refund. Tax withheld on your payslip is only an estimate, and overtime and allowances can affect each pay differently.
To understand how this works, read our guides on FIFO payslips, overtime and allowances, FIFO superannuation, and the complete FIFO tax deductions list.
Final reminder
FIFO salary figures are only guides. Actual pay depends on your contract, roster, overtime, allowances and site conditions.
Always check:
- your employment contract
- your payslips
- your allowance breakdown
- your super contributions