Getting into FIFO · Entry roles
FIFO is a roster and travel arrangement. The entry threshold depends on the work: a village cleaner, a driller's offsider and a haul truck trainee need different evidence. Compare the actual vacancy and point of hire before spending on training.
Nine entry pathways
Indicative gross annual bands are editorial estimates, generally before super. They are not starting offers; hours, roster, employer and experience change the result.
Support a qualified trade within a clear task boundary.
Cleaning, dining, laundry and camp duties are distinct from production work.
Physically demanding; compare surface and underground vacancies carefully.
Some jobs are town-based rather than FIFO.
Inventory accuracy and critical-spares handling matter.
Prior office skills can transfer without mining experience.
This is not an automatic heavy-plant operating licence.
Intakes are competitive and location-specific.
Usually needs prior driving competence, so it is a licence-led path.
The ranges use the site's broad 2026 salary guide and the supplied entry-level research. They are not starting offers or entitlements. An experienced shutdown rate should not be treated as a first-job rate. Model an actual rate and roster in the salary calculator →
Before applying
Confirm work rights, departure city, roster and travel costs. Interstate travel to the departure city is not always covered.
A White Card applies to construction work, not every mine job. Queensland coal induction and coal medical rules are separate from WA iron ore. Police checks, licence classes and medical assessments follow the employer and role.
Put relevant licences and current evidence near the top of your resume. Name real tasks, shift work and safety habits; use supervisors who can verify them.
Search village contractors for camp work, drilling companies for offsider intakes, laboratories for sample preparation, and operators or contractors for trainee campaigns. Set alerts and check official careers pages.
Compare the full offer: base or hourly rate, paid hours, overtime, night shifts, super, allowances, travel days, meals and accommodation. A 2/1 drilling roster and an 8/6 site-services roster cannot be compared by headline annual pay alone. Use the salary and roster calculator, then confirm the actual offer with the employer and the applicable minimum with Fair Work.
These jobs can lead to trade apprenticeships, drilling, laboratory, supply, administration, village leadership or plant operation. Movement depends on vacancies, training and demonstrated competence. A Heavy Rigid licence or short course alone does not qualify someone to operate a mine's haul truck or loader.
Reviewed 27 September 2026. Vacancy examples can close or change. Confirm current requirements with the employer, regulator and issuing training organisation.