Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) work has become increasingly popular among Western Australians due to its attractive lifestyle and high-paying salaries. Working on rotating swings, FIFO employees can earn substantial incomes with limited experience compared to other industries in Australia.
If you are looking to get in on the action but are unsure where to start, mining recruitment agencies or browsing job ads online are among the many avenues keen West Aussies use to kick-start their FIFO career. Here is a detailed guide to getting ahead of the pack.
Getting Started
For those looking to break into the industry, Brayden Santich, general manager of recruitment operations at MPI, said obtaining the required tickets is a basic necessity.
“For people without mining experience, obtaining tickets usually involves getting a white card, basic first aid and safety tickets, and having a clean driver's license,” he said.
“If you are aiming for an equipment operating position, some mining companies will require an HR license. Other tickets can include confined spaces and working at heights.”
As the old adage goes, you need to spend money to make money, and that is the same with FIFO work, as there are costs involved to obtain the tickets. But once that is in order, a world of opportunity opens up.
While all are necessary, a white card is crucial to work on construction sites in Australia. It proves that the holder understands basic health and safety regulations, hazard identification, and site procedures. It usually takes just one day of training through a registered training organisation for potential employees to be certified to work on site.
Anyone successful through the application process will be required to undergo pre-employment checks.
“All mining companies require a lab drug and alcohol test, as well as a national police check,” Mr Santich said.
“Most medicals for the industry are not tick and flicks; they will require different levels of fitness tests dependent on the position.”
What Kind of Jobs Can You Get?
The modern-day Aussie dream has become driving dump trucks on mine sites, with entry-level operations earning a sizeable amount. However, Mr Santich warned that there are many positions to fill on each site.
“The reality is that there are only so many entry-level dump truck operators a mining company can employ at any one time. They have hundreds of candidates to choose from,” he said.
“Consider the long game. Those wanting to drive a dump truck should start in roles that are in high demand and greater supply, such as trade assistants or general labourers, and then apply after they have built a good level of experience and skills around a mine site.”
Mine sites offer a wide range of jobs outside the typical mechanic and rigger roles that can provide steady income for those new to the game. According to MPI, common entry-level jobs that can help net a salary between $80,000 and $120,000 per year (depending on role, location, and roster) include:
- Driller’s Offsider – Support drill rig operations by handling samples, moving equipment, and maintaining site safety.
- General Mining Labourer / Trade Assistant – Help tradespeople, perform hands-on tasks, and keep things moving on site.
- Site Admin Mining Entry Level – Office-based support roles that help manage data and logistics.
- Trainee Dump Truck Operator Jobs – Operating heavy vehicles on site after training.
- Utility Worker – Take on a variety of tasks, from cleaning to basic equipment assistance.
- Nipper – Typically underground work that involves supporting mining crews by moving equipment, setting up tools, and keeping work areas organised and safe.
Mine sites across WA often employ a farm of workers to keep the ship running, and FIFO roles can range from cleaners and kitchen hands to day operators on a processing plant and laboratory technicians. More unusual jobs include camp attendants, laundry assistants, gym managers, and bar attendants.
Helpful Tips
The FIFO industry continues to grow more intriguing for West Aussies both young and old, with MPI seeing applications flood through regularly. Mr Santich said a solid resume can make a world of difference.
“Aim to write a resume without gaps. Gaps are fine, but ensure you can explain them,” he said.
“Display transferable skills in your resume. List qualifications and tickets that are relevant to the job you are applying for.”
Thinking about plugging your work history and qualifications into ChatGPT for a quick solution? Think again. Potential employers can easily spot the difference between a written resume and cover letter compared to something AI has whipped up in a minute.
“Our recommendation is to NOT use AI to write your resume or cover letter,” Mr Santich added.
“MPI has seen a correlation between a spike in applications generated by AI and an increase in irrelevant skills and experience. Recruiters and employers know when a resume has been written by AI.”
Writing your own resume shows a willingness for the job and will help you shine through a pack of AI applications.
“Write your CV yourself with your own experience, showing your transferable skills,” Mr Santich said.
“Only you know this first-hand, and your personality will shine through.”
Once the basics are sorted, the next best step is networking with those in the know to help propel a good applicant into a great applicant. Another helpful tip is to consider if the FIFO lifestyle is right for you. It can be easy to look at the pros of an entry-level salary, but the cons are often overlooked. The work on site often entails gruelling 12-hour days where you are away from friends and family for weeks at a time. Anyone up for the work is also reminded to “have an open mind” and consider moving to a regional town to boost their job prospects.
