What are the pros and cons of being a FIFO worker in 2025?
- Career advice
- FIFO
FIFO Jobs in 2025: The Pros and the Cons
There’s no sugar-coating it.
FIFO 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.
If you’re weighing up FIFO work in 2025, this guide breaks down the real pros and cons of being a FIFO worker, and gives practical tips to help you decide if the roster life is for you.
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.
The Pros of FIFO work
- The financial rewards 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 mining employees to spend extended time with their friends and family when they are home on R&R.
- 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.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is FIFO work like in 2025?
A: FIFO typically involves working rostered blocks 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: Are FIFO jobs well paid?
A: Generally, yes. 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 will 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.
A Final Thought
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 weighing up FIFO 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 browse our current vacancies.
