FIFO Mining Jobs: Is It Worth It? Pay, Rosters & The Reality

Career advice
FIFO
Wellbeing

November 28, 2025

Is FIFO worth it? The Real Pros and the Cons in Australian Mining

There’s no sugar-coating it.

FIFO mining life is a particular way of living. For some it’s a ticket to high pay and travel time at home. For others it’s long hours, tricky rosters and pressure on family life.

Is FIFO actually worth it, or does the pay come with trade-offs most people don’t see coming?

On paper, the numbers look strong. But talk to people who’ve lived it, and a more complicated picture starts to form.

Before you commit to a roster, here’s what FIFO work really looks like. We'll cover pay and perks, the day-to-day realities on site, the impact on family and mental health, and the questions to ask before you accept a role.

We’ll also share a quick FIFO pros and cons checklist, so you can make the right call.

So, is FIFO worth it? Let's jump in.

The Pros of FIFO mining work

The financial benefits are significant. Mining companies often pay excellent salaries (although you do work long hours) and most living costs, including meals, accommodation and travel are paid for.
You can live where you choose. To attract highly skilled workers, mining companies are often willing to fly employees to mine sites from a range of locations.
Working FIFO means that even if you change mining jobs, you probably won’t have to relocate your family or move away from home.
Your home and work life are completely separate. The roster system enables FIFO mining employees to spend extended time with their friends and family when they are home on R&R.
The “rest and relaxation” (R&R) period (your “off” time) gives you enough time to fully recover from the long hours and shiftwork
Between rosters and leave entitlements, people working in mining jobs can often take prolonged holidays (up to several weeks at a time). You can use the time for overseas travel they might not have been able to do otherwise.
The facilities on mine sites are generally very good. Depending on the site, workers may have access to gyms, sports facilities, and various leisurely activities. Most have reliable internet connections, and your accommodation is cleaned for you. You mostly need to take care of your laundry.
The skills shortage of recent years has seen mining companies focus on a range of inducements to encourage good people to stay in the industry. While we tend to think about pay, these days mining companies are offering plenty of other benefits, too, as part of their overall employee value proposition.
Career growth and opportunities are possible. Once you’ve proved yourself, there is the potential to move into another job or area. If it’s knowledge and career development you’re after, the mining industry is a great place to seek them out.

What are the disadvantages of FIFO life?

Long hours and shiftwork are undoubtedly the toughest aspects of FIFO work. In most cases, workers are required to work 12-plus hours per shift and work seven days a week while on site. It’s demanding work with not a lot of ‘downtime’ when you’re onsite.
Most sites are remote, and workers can be exposed to extreme temperatures, dust, pests and harsh terrain. Accommodation, while clean and functional, can be basic and certainly not like that of home. (Not all sites offer resort-style accommodation)
FIFO can put a lot of stress on families and relationships. Extended periods of time away from home can leave partners and children feeling that they are on their own a lot of the time, and the worker can feel isolated and cut off. The highs of coming home versus the lows of returning to work can be difficult to manage.
The roster system means it can be very difficult to plan for social events at home. Mining employees often find they miss out on weddings, birthdays, concerts, sporting events and their children’s activities.
It can be hard to adjust to shiftwork. A mining worker’s body clock has to adapt to changing between day and night shifts, and again between life at home and their roster onsite.
Some people can feel constrained by the camp lifestyle. There’s a lot less freedom, and it’s very routine. There aren’t many towns or places nearby you can escape to for a change of scenery.

FIFO mining life has its ups and downs. Is FIFO worth it? That all depends on you and whether you believe you can make it work.

To close, here are some FAQs that may help you further.

FAQs: FIFO Mining

Q: What is FIFO mining work?

A: FIFO (Fly In / Fly Out) typically involves working rostered blocks away on site (eg. 2 weeks on/1 week off, or 8 days on/6 days off) with employers covering travel, meals and accommodation. Conditions vary, so always check the site details.

Q: How much does FIFO pay / Are FIFO mining jobs well paid?

A: Generally, FIFO jobs are well paid. Usually in the 6 digits ($AUD). Mining roles often pay higher base rates and include allowances. However, pay varies by role, employer and roster. Ask for a total package breakdown.

Q: How can FIFO affect my family life?

A: Extended time away can strain relationships. Good communication, planning and employer support programs can reduce stress, but it’s vital to discuss expectations with loved ones before accepting a role.

Q: What are the benefits of fly in/fly out jobs?

A: On top of a good salary, you can usually expect your travel (flights), accommodation and food are paid for. FIFO doesn't give you weekends. You can take between 6 to 14 days off, depending on your roster. Finally, your roster is also structured, so you know when exactly when you're working.

A Final Thought about FIFO

It’s important to consider all aspects of FIFO life before embarking on a career working in the mining industry. If it’s a lifestyle that works for you, then you’ll have found a rewarding job that could set you up for life.

If you're interested, hear from those who've worked FIFO and what it cost them.

If you’re weighing up FIFO mining roles, register your details with MPI to ensure you’re considered for upcoming opportunities that match your skill set. Our friendly, knowledgeable consultants would be happy to answer any further questions you may have.

You can also apply for FIFO mining jobs - browse our current vacancies.