Do you work in the mining industry, or are you considering a career change? If so, have you considered fly-in fly-out (FIFO) work? While there are some disadvantages, FIFO work can be a great way to advance your career and increase your earning potential.

So, what are the benefits and limitations of FIFO work?

Benefits of fly-in fly-out work

Depending on your circumstances, fly-in fly-out work can offer various benefits. These include:

• You can live where you choose: To attract skilled employees, mining companies are often willing to fly employees in from a wide range of locations. Even if you change jobs, it is unlikely you will have to relocate your family.
• Separation of home and work life: When you are at home, you have the opportunity to fully relax and not have to worry about work.
• Financial benefits: Most FIFO mining jobs offer lucrative salaries. Highly experienced, skilled workers can earn well above six figures, while entry-level roles can offer salaries that are significantly above those in other industries. In addition, living costs, meals, accommodation, and travel expenses are often covered. For this reason, FIFO work can often appeal to single people or those without family responsibilities.
• Added incentives: In addition to good pay, many of these roles will offer additional incentives. For example, they may offer above-average superannuation and leave entitlements and health insurance.
• Job security: Mining operations are often long-term projects providing secure and stable employment. In addition, highly skilled workers are in short supply, increasing the job security of many roles.
• Great facilities: Many mine sites offer access to facilities such as gyms, basketball courts and swimming pools for the periods when you aren’t at work
• Extended leave: The nature of the work, which can see you rostered off for a week at a time, means you can take regular holidays without using any of your annual leave. Combining your roster with your leave entitlements can give you the flexibility to take prolonged holidays.
• Career growth: Many fly-in fly out roles offer abundant opportunities to progress your career. For example, many FIFO roles offer the opportunity for specialist training or to advance to management positions.

Limitations of fly-in fly-out work

However, there are some downsides to this form of work. These include:

• Time away from home: The nature of the work means you will often be forced to spend significant periods of time away from your family.
• Added stress on family: Depending on when you are rostered on, you may miss important family and social engagements at home, which can place stress on your family relationships.
• Long hours: In many roles, you will be expected to work long hours while you are at work.
• Remote work, weather & Conditions: You may be required to work in remote areas, and conditions may be hot and dusty.

Who is suitable for FIFO roles?

Many mining roles will require specific qualifications. These can include mining-specific certifications, trade qualifications, heavy machinery operation licenses, or other relevant industry qualifications.

Employers usually prefer candidates with previous experience in the mining industry, especially for more specialised roles. Skills such as operating heavy machinery, maintenance, drilling, blasting, or geotechnical expertise are often highly valued.

In addition, many roles will be physically and mentally demanding. Therefore, potential candidates may be forced to undergo medical assessments.

On mining sites, safety is always a top priority. Therefore, applicants may also be required to undergo safety assessments.

Fly-in fly out work is not for everyone, but for many it can offer a highly lucrative, rewarding career.
Are you considering a career in the mining industry?

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Article References

Evolve Talent (12 September 2023) ‘FIFO Mining Jobs: What to Consider and Tips for Getting Started’, Evolve Talent, accessed 2 December 2024.

MPI Recruitment (15 January 2024) ‘What are the pros and cons of being a FIFO worker in 2024?’, MPI Recruitment, accessed 2 December 2024.