Fabrication, lifting & SMP · Skilled

Mining Scaffolder

Erects, alters and dismantles temporary access structures within the relevant high-risk work licence class and design controls.

Indicative 2026 annual cash$100k–$165kGross, generally before super
Common roster contextCommonly 2/1 or campaign work, with 12-hour day and night shifts on outages.
Typical work settingOutage staging, shutdown access structures

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
$50–$63/hr
Night / campaign
$60–$75/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.

Erects, alters and dismantles temporary access structures within the relevant high-risk work licence class and design controls. The precise scope changes with the employer, asset, jurisdiction and written authorities.

The work

Core duties

  • 01

    Interpret scaffold requirements

  • 02

    Inspect components and foundations

  • 03

    Erect and alter within licence scope

  • 04

    Install edge protection and access

  • 05

    Support inspection and handover

  • 06

    Dismantle and segregate components

The assets

Equipment and systems

  • 01

    Tube and coupler systems

  • 02

    Modular scaffolds

  • 03

    Platforms and ladders

  • 04

    Edge protection

  • 05

    Gin wheels and hoists

  • 06

    Scaffold tags and inspection records

Before mobilisation

Typical foundations

  • 01

    Correct Basic, Intermediate or Advanced scaffolding HRW licence

  • 02

    Practical competence for scaffold type

  • 03

    Working-at-heights and site controls

  • 04

    Design and engineering inputs where the scaffold requires them

Prove capability

Evidence employers can verify

  • 01

    Licence class and scaffold type

  • 02

    Duty, environment and design basis

  • 03

    Inspection and handover controls

  • 04

    Alterations personally completed

Entry pathway

A credible way into the role.

  1. 01

    Enter through an approved HRW training and supervised experience pathway

  2. 02

    Build industrial scaffold exposure

  3. 03

    Maintain clear handover and inspection discipline

  4. 04

    Progress licence class with genuine scope

Earning context

What tends to move pay

  • 01

    Licence class

  • 02

    Shutdown or project demand

  • 03

    Height and access complexity

  • 04

    Night shift and overtime

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.

01Advanced scaffolder

Compare the role's actual scope, qualifications and employer requirements before treating this as a direct promotion.

Compare roles and pay →
02Scaffold inspector under employer systems

Inspection authority depends on competence, scaffold class and the employer's inspection and handover system.

Compare roles and pay →
03Leading hand

Coordinates a small crew's tasks and quality on a work front while the appointed supervisor retains their defined accountability.

Related role band: $135k–$185k
04Scaffolding supervisor

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–$210k

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

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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.