Fly-in fly-out positions with competitive rosters and pay in Pilbara, Western Australia.
About FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) Work in Pilbara
Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) work represents one of Australia's most lucrative employment arrangements, with over 100,000 Australians currently employed under FIFO/DIDO systems earning an average salary of $141,000 per year (2026). Western Australia is the home of FIFO work, with the majority of positions located in the Pilbara region's iron ore operations and expanding into critical minerals, lithium, and renewable energy projects.
FIFO workers fly from Perth to remote mine sites for set roster periods (typically 2 weeks on/1 week off or similar patterns), with employers covering all flights, accommodation, and meals at no cost to workers. The arrangement offers premium salaries 40-80% higher than equivalent city roles, with entry-level FIFO positions starting at $90,000-$110,000 and experienced trades earning $130,000-$180,000. Mining engineers and specialists can earn $180,000-$250,000+ total packages.
Rio Tinto alone is planning to employ 2,000 new FIFO jobs in Pilbara operations through 2026, with major employers including BHP, Fortescue Metals Group, Roy Hill, and emerging sectors like Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), Lynas Rare Earths, Pilbara Minerals, and Liontown Resources offering positions in critical minerals and renewable energy. FIFO mining roles typically pay $100,000-$180,000 per year depending on role and experience, with FIFO mining engineers earning $150,000-$180,000 - representing a 20-30% premium over residential positions.
Average FIFO salary $141,000 per year (40-80% higher than city roles)
All flights, meals, and accommodation provided at no cost
Extended blocks of time off (typically 1-2 weeks off per roster cycle)
Fast-tracked career progression in mining and resources
Modern single-room camp accommodation with gyms and facilities
Tax advantages through living away from home allowances
Considerations
Extended periods away from family and home life (typically 2 weeks at a time)
Remote locations with limited mobile/internet connectivity
Physically demanding work in harsh conditions (40+ degrees in summer)
Adjustment to camp lifestyle and shared facilities
12-hour shifts on rotating day/night roster patterns
Common FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) Roles
Heavy Mobile Equipment Operators ($100,000-$140,000)
Drill and Blast Operators ($110,000-$150,000)
Electricians and Fitters ($130,000-$180,000)
Boilermakers and Welders ($120,000-$170,000)
Mining Engineers ($150,000-$250,000)
Process Technicians ($100,000-$140,000)
Roster Examples
2 weeks on / 1 week off - Most common roster offering balanced work-life schedule with predictable time off
3 weeks on / 1 week off - Higher earning potential with longer site rotations - common for specialist roles
8 days on / 6 days off - Shorter rotations suited to maintenance roles and those wanting frequent home time
2 weeks on / 2 weeks off - Equal time roster popular with families - balanced but lower annual income
Requirements & Compliance
FIFO workers must hold current site-specific inductions, valid driver's licence (HR/HC preferred), Working at Heights certificate, White Card (Construction Induction), National Police Clearance, and pre-employment medical. Trade roles require relevant certifications and licenses. Confined Space and First Aid certifications often required.
Lifestyle Guidance
Successful FIFO workers develop routines that maximise their time off, maintain strong communication with partners and family, stay physically and mentally fit during roster periods, and carefully manage finances to benefit from high incomes. Many FIFO workers use extended time off to travel, pursue hobbies, or manage investment properties.
Frequently Asked Questions About FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) Work
What qualifications do I need for FIFO work?
Requirements vary by role. Entry-level operators need a valid driver's licence (HR/MC preferred), White Card, National Police Clearance, and pre-employment medical. Trade roles require Certificate III qualifications and relevant licenses. Most positions require Working at Heights and site-specific inductions. FIFO jobs with no experience typically include camp services, kitchen hands, and general labourers.
How much can I earn in FIFO?
Average FIFO salary is $141,000 per year (2026). Entry-level operators earn $90,000-$110,000, experienced equipment operators $100,000-$140,000, qualified tradespeople (electricians, fitters, boilermakers) $130,000-$180,000, supervisors $150,000-$200,000, and mining engineers/specialists $150,000-$250,000+. FIFO mining engineers earn 20-30% premium over residential positions.
Who are the major FIFO employers in Australia?
Major FIFO employers include BHP (hiring for Pilbara iron ore operations), Rio Tinto (2,000+ new positions planned for 2026), Fortescue Metals Group (largest Pilbara employer), Roy Hill, Mineral Resources, and emerging sectors including Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), Lynas Rare Earths, Pilbara Minerals, and Liontown Resources for critical minerals and renewable energy projects.
What is the FIFO roster pattern?
Most common FIFO roster is 2 weeks on/1 week off (2:1), offering balanced work-life schedule. Other patterns include 3:1 (higher earnings), 8:6 (shorter cycles), and 2:2 (even split). All rosters involve 12-hour shifts on rotating day/night patterns. Employers cover all flights from Perth to site, with charter flights typically departing Perth Airport early morning.
FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) Jobs in Other Locations
Related Job Categories
FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) positions are often available in these industries: