Take on more complex work, mentoring and quality accountability while building evidence for the next formal step.
Compare roles and pay →Mechanical · Specialist
Mining Drill Fitter
Maintains production and exploration drill rigs where hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical and control-system reliability directly affects drilling output.
Indicative 2026 annual cash$150k–$220kGross, generally before super
Common roster contextFrequently 2/1 or 2/2; owner and OEM roles may use 8/6 or field-service patterns.
Typical work settingBlast hole drills, exploration rigs
Supplied rate guide · 28 September 2026
Indicative hourly rates.
These day and night / campaign ranges are separate from the annual band. They are broad comparisons, not an offer or an award minimum.
- Day / project
- $75–$90/hr
- Night / campaign
- $88–$108/hr
Check the applicable award or enterprise agreement, paid hours, penalties, allowances and super in the actual offer. Find an agreement ↗
Role at a glance
What this role actually does.
Maintains production and exploration drill rigs where hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical and control-system reliability directly affects drilling output. The precise scope changes with the employer, asset, jurisdiction and written authorities.
The work
Core duties
- 01
Diagnose drill performance faults
- 02
Maintain hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- 03
Repair feeds, rotation and rod-handling systems
- 04
Complete scheduled services
- 05
Support field breakdowns
- 06
Track recurring defects and components
The assets
Equipment and systems
- 01
Rotary blast-hole drills
- 02
Down-the-hole drills
- 03
Underground jumbos
- 04
Compressors
- 05
Hydraulic systems
- 06
Drill control systems
Before mobilisation
Typical foundations
- 01
Relevant mechanical trade qualification
- 02
Verified competence on the drill fleet
- 03
OEM training where requested
- 04
Site isolation, access and lifting requirements
Prove capability
Evidence employers can verify
- 01
Rig make and model
- 02
Drilling symptom and diagnosis
- 03
Hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical repair
- 04
Post-repair testing and availability outcome
Entry pathway
A credible way into the role.
- 01
Qualify in heavy mobile or mechanical fitting
- 02
Build mining fleet experience
- 03
Move onto drill maintenance with supervision
- 04
Develop deep OEM and drilling-process knowledge
Earning context
What tends to move pay
- 01
Underground or surface environment
- 02
Fleet scarcity and OEM depth
- 03
Breakdown and call-out expectations
- 04
Roster and employment type
Before accepting
Questions to ask about the offer
- 01
Is the quoted figure base salary, total cash or a package including super?
- 02
Which roster, shift length and point of hire does the offer assume?
- 03
How are overtime, nights, public holidays, allowances, bonus and travel treated?
Progression
Possible next moves.
Compare the role's actual scope, qualifications and employer requirements before treating this as a direct promotion.
Compare roles and pay →Leads a defined crew or work front, translating the plan into safe, controlled execution while managing people, interfaces and changing conditions.
Related role band: $150k–$210kDeepen the relevant technical methods, measurement and evidence, then confirm any specialist qualification or authority required.
Compare roles and pay →Progression depends on demonstrated competence, vacancies, performance, qualifications and any appointment requirements. A related profile is a starting point, not a guarantee of that exact title or scope. Browse all 98 role profiles →
Keep exploring
Related role profiles.
Editorial note
Salary bands are broad 2026 Australian mining comparisons, not promised rates. Some hourly guides were supplied and have not been independently validated role by role; others show selected advertised examples. Role requirements summarise common practice and do not replace legislation, regulator guidance, an employment agreement, site procedures or a written appointment. Pay presentation reviewed 28 September 2026.