FIFO Salary Guide: How Fly-In Fly-Out Pay Compares to the National Average

What is a FIFO salary?

FIFO stands for Fly-In Fly-Out, a work arrangement common in remote mining, oil and gas, and construction sites. Workers are flown to a site for a set roster (e.g., two weeks on, one week off) and accommodated there. Because of the remote location, long hours, and disruption to normal life, FIFO roles often attract higher pay than equivalent jobs in cities. However, there is no single published FIFO salary figure. The ABS does not report a specific FIFO category in its Average Weekly Earnings survey. Instead, FIFO earnings are captured within broader industry and occupation data.

How FIFO pay compares to the national average

The national benchmark for full-time adult ordinary time earnings is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year, according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026. This is the line used on this site. Many FIFO roles, particularly in mining, pay above this average. For example, Western Australia has the highest state full-time average at $115,825, reflecting the concentration of resource jobs. Queensland ($106,064) and the Northern Territory ($103,173) also have strong FIFO industries.

FIFO salaries can vary widely by occupation. A truck driver on a mine site may earn differently from a geologist or a chef. The all-employees median (including part-time) is about $74,100, while the full-time median is about $90,532 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). FIFO roles often sit above the full-time median, especially when allowances for overtime, shift work, and remote location are included. To see where a specific salary sits, you can place a salary on the line.

State and territory differences

FIFO work is not evenly spread across Australia. The highest concentrations are in Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. The state full-time averages from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026 are:

New South Wales: $109,658
Victoria: $106,137
Queensland: $106,064
South Australia: $102,450
Western Australia: $115,825
Tasmania: $96,008
Northern Territory: $103,173
Australian Capital Territory: $119,090

These figures are full-time adult ordinary time earnings annualised. A FIFO worker based in Perth but working on a remote site may earn more than the WA state average due to site-specific allowances. For a breakdown by state, see our states and territories page.

Minimum wage and award coverage

FIFO workers are covered by either an enterprise agreement or a modern award. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week. Award minimums increased by 4.75% in the 2026 Annual Wage Review. However, most FIFO roles pay well above award rates. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains the minimum rates for classifications, allowances, and penalty rates under each award. For example, the Mining Industry Award 2020 covers many FIFO workers. You can check the database for specific rates, but remember that actual pay is often higher.

Take-home pay and tax

To estimate take-home pay from a FIFO salary, apply the 2026–27 resident tax rates: nil on the first $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. Add the 2% Medicare levy. Some FIFO allowances, such as a living away from home allowance (LAFHA), may be taxable or subject to fringe benefits tax. The ATO provides guidance on what is reportable. For a quick take-home calculation, use our guides section.

How the figures are set

The national full-time average is derived from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, released twice a year (May and November). The most recent data is for May 2026. Medians come from the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey, most recently August 2025. The minimum wage is set by Fair Work after the Annual Wage Review. For more detail on how these benchmarks are calculated, see how the figures are set.

Summary

While no official FIFO salary figure exists, the national full-time average of $108,352 provides a useful reference. FIFO roles in mining and resources typically pay above this, especially in Western Australia. Use this site to compare any salary against the average, median, and minimum wage, and to see how location and industry affect earnings.

Questions

What is the average FIFO salary in Australia?

No single official figure exists for FIFO salaries because the term covers many roles, industries, and rosters. However, FIFO work is concentrated in mining and resources, where full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings are well above the national average. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey does not publish a FIFO-specific category, but industry data for mining typically shows higher earnings. For a personalised estimate, you can [place a salary on the line](/line) to see how it compares to the national full-time average of $108,352.

How does FIFO pay compare to the national average?

FIFO roles often pay above the national full-time average because they include allowances for remote work, long hours, and rosters. The national full-time adult average ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year) according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. Many FIFO positions, especially in Western Australia where the state full-time average is $115,825, exceed that figure. However, earnings vary by occupation and experience. See [industry medians](/industries) for more context.

What tax considerations apply to FIFO workers?

FIFO workers are subject to the same resident tax rates as other Australians. For 2026–27, tax is nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above that, plus the 2% Medicare levy. Some FIFO allowances, such as living away from home allowances, may be taxable or subject to fringe benefits tax. It is best to consult the ATO or a tax professional for your specific situation. For a take-home estimate, use the [guides](/blog) on our site.