Top 10 Highest Paying FIFO Jobs in Australia

FIFO jobs offer some of the most competitive salaries in Australia. If you’re looking to maximise income, here are the top-paying roles to aim for—and what it takes to get there.

1. Drill and Blast Engineers

Average Salary: $150,000 – $200,000

Required: Mining or civil engineering degree, 3–5 years site experience.

2. Mining Supervisors

Average Salary: $140,000 – $180,000

Required: Extensive on-site experience, leadership capabilities, safety certification.

3. Heavy Diesel Mechanics

Average Salary: $130,000 – $160,000

Required: Trade qualification, experience with CAT/Komatsu gear.

4. Electricians (High Voltage)

Average Salary: $120,000 – $150,000

Required: Electrical licence, high voltage ticket, LVR/CPR.

5. Geologists

Average Salary: $110,000 – $140,000

Required: Geoscience or geology degree, field experience.

6. Process Technicians

Average Salary: $100,000 – $130,000

Required: Chemical processing experience, Cert III/IV Process Plant Ops.

7. Plant Operators

Average Salary: $90,000 – $110,000

Required: Tickets for dozer, excavator, loader, grader.

8. Chefs & Camp Managers

Average Salary: $85,000 – $100,000

Required: Cert III in Commercial Cookery, previous FIFO or hospitality leadership.

9. Utility Workers (Entry-Level)

Average Salary: $70,000 – $90,000

Required: Minimal experience, solid work ethic, White Card.

10. Safety Advisors

Average Salary: $100,000 – $140,000

Required: WHS qualifications, industry experience, strong communication skills.

High-paying FIFO jobs require training, experience, and often a willingness to work long rosters in harsh conditions. But with the right plan and persistence, you can move up quickly in this lucrative industry.