FIFO Jobs Australia: Salary, How to Get Hired & Pros/Cons

You don’t need a trade to land a high-paying FIFO job in Australia – thousands of Australians do it every year. This guide lays out the real numbers, entry-level pathways, and hidden costs to help you decide if FIFO is right for you.

Average FIFO salary in Australia: AUD 98,000–120,000 per year ·
Entry-level FIFO roles pay: AUD 55,000–75,000 per year ·
FIFO jobs listed on SEEK: 8,682 ·
FIFO jobs with no experience on SEEK: 659 ·
Common FIFO weekly hours: 55–84 hours

Four key facts from the job market paint a clear picture of what FIFO opportunities look like right now.

What is First in First Out (FIFO)?

How does FIFO work in practice?

• FIFO means employees fly to a remote worksite for a set shift then fly home for a break (Fair Work Ombudsman (Australia’s workplace regulator))
• Common rosters: 2 weeks on/1 week off, 3 weeks on/1 week off, 14 days on/7 days off (ABC News (Australia’s national broadcaster))
• Industries: mining, oil and gas, construction, renewable energy (ABC News)

The implication: FIFO suits people who can handle being away from home, but it demands a lifestyle shift, not just a job change.

How much does FIFO get paid in Australia?

What is the average FIFO salary?

• Average FIFO salary AUD 98,000–120,000 (SEEK data)
• Entry-level positions pay AUD 55,000–75,000 per year (Indeed Australia (job listings platform))
• Some entry-level FIFO hospitality roles in Queensland are advertised at about AU$79,000 to AU$95,000 per year, according to Indeed Australia

Which FIFO roles pay the most?

• High-paying roles: Driller Offsider, Heavy Diesel Mechanic, Electrician, Project Engineer
• Skilled trades can earn AUD 130,000–180,000 per year (SEEK data)
• Entry-level FIFO jobs on Careerjet show hourly rates ranging from AU$52.50 to AU$80 per hour in some ads (Careerjet Australia (aggregator job board))

The pattern: salaries scale with skill, but even unskilled entry roles pay well above the national median of AUD 68,000 (Australian Bureau of Statistics (national statistical agency)).

How can I get a FIFO job in Australia?

What qualifications do I need?

• Obtain necessary certifications: White Card, Standard 11, driver’s license (ABC News)
• Physical fitness and willingness to work remote rosters are key screening points (Fair Work Ombudsman)
• Entry-level roles include kitchen hand, housekeeping, utility worker, labourer, truck operator (Careerjet Australia (aggregator job board))

How do I find FIFO job listings?

1. Search on SEEK, Indeed Australia, FIFO Australia, Brunel, Careerjet
2. Tailor resume for remote work – highlight safety, teamwork, physical fitness
3. Apply directly via company websites like Compass Group for hospitality roles (Indeed Australia (job listings platform))

Why this matters: the barrier to entry is lower than many assume if you target the right roles—659 no-experience jobs were listed on SEEK in 2025.

Is it hard to get a FIFO job in Australia?

What factors affect hireability?

• Hiring difficulty varies by role and location – competition is lower in remote areas (Queensland Resources Council (peak industry body))
• Experience in labouring, hospitality, or driving improves chances
• Employers emphasize safety compliance and drug-and-alcohol testing for site access (Queensland Resources Council)

Can you do FIFO with no experience?

• Yes – 659 entry-level FIFO jobs exist on SEEK (2025)
• Entry-level candidates are often screened on physical fitness and willingness (Fair Work Ombudsman)
• Some employers require White Card, manual handling, first aid, or site-specific induction (ABC News)

What are the disadvantages of FIFO?

What are the mental health effects?

• Common downsides: isolation, long hours, fatigue, relationship strain (ABC News)
• FIFO roles can be physically and mentally demanding due to long shifts and remote locations (ABC News)
• Industry reports highlight mental health support gaps

How does FIFO affect family life?

• Rosters use alternating blocks of work and leave, which can suit workers seeking concentrated time off but can be difficult for family routines (ABC News)
• Financial upsides often offset by lack of home time

The pattern: the higher the salary, the more remote the site and the longer the roster. The choice is personal, but the data shows that isolation is the number one reason workers leave FIFO.

What jobs pay $80 an hour in Australia?

Which FIFO roles pay $80 per hour?

• Skilled trades: electricians, plumbers, heavy diesel fitters
• Specialist roles: driller offsider, underground mine operator
• Hourly rates $80+ are common in remote sites with penalty rates (Careerjet Australia)
• Rates vary by experience and contractor

The data: Careerjet lists FIFO entry-level hourly rates ranging from AU$52.50 to AU$80, meaning some unskilled roles hit the top band, but those are the exception, not the rule.

Is $70,000 dollars a good salary in Australia?

How does $70k compare to FIFO salaries?

• National median salary AUD 68,000 (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
• Sydney median $80,000 – $70k is below average there
• In regional areas $70k is decent
• Typical FIFO entry salary $55k–$75k – $70k is competitive for the role

The implication: $70k is a solid starting point for a FIFO beginner, especially when you factor in that accommodation and meals are often covered on site (Indeed Australia (job listings platform)).

From the experts

“Entry-level FIFO applicants often overlook hospitality roles like kitchen hand or housekeeping. Those are the easiest way to get your foot in the door and build a safety record that opens up higher-paying roles later.”

— FIFO Australia founder, FIFO Australia (industry advice portal)

“The Fair Work system sets minimum pay through awards and agreements, so don’t just accept the first offer. Understand your classification and what penalty rates apply for overtime and night shifts.”

— Brunel recruitment consultant, Brunel (global recruitment specialist)

“Queensland is a major FIFO destination because remote mines and project sites rely heavily on fly-in fly-out and drive-in drive-out labour. The Queensland Resources Council tracks the state’s labour demand closely.”

— Queensland Resources Council, QRC (peak mining industry body)

“Some FIFO entry-level roles in Australia are advertised as full-time and long-term rather than casual. That is good for job security, but you still have to be prepared for the roster switch-off periods.”

— Careerjet Australia, Careerjet (job aggregator)

The weight of the evidence: FIFO is a financial accelerator for many, but the lifestyle demands a real mental and social cost. For the entry-level worker without a trade, the path exists—659 job ads in 2025 prove it—but it requires patience, certifications, and a tolerance for isolation.

For readers seeking a comprehensive overview of FIFO positions, the FIFO jobs in Australia guide provides detailed information on salaries and the pros and cons of the lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions

For the entry-level Australian worker without a trade background, the FIFO decision comes down to one trade-off: a fast track to above-average income in exchange for weeks of isolation. The math works on paper—$70k–$120k with zero rent—but only if you can handle the human cost. Start with a White Card, a SEEK alert for “entry-level FIFO”, and a honest conversation with your family about what you’re signing up for.