FIFO Jobs in WA: The Complete Guide for Tradespeople

Fly-in fly-out work is one of the biggest drawcards for tradespeople in Western Australia. The pay is outstanding, accommodation and flights are covered, and the rosters give you solid blocks of time off. But FIFO isn’t for everyone.

Here’s everything you need to know about FIFO jobs in WA — from how to get started to what the rosters actually look like and which trades earn the most.

What Are FIFO Jobs?

FIFO stands for fly-in fly-out. You fly from Perth (or another hub) to a remote mine site, construction project, or industrial facility, work a set roster, then fly home for your break. Your employer covers flights, accommodation, and meals while you’re on site.

Most FIFO work in WA is in the Pilbara, Goldfields, Mid West, and Kimberley regions, servicing iron ore, gold, lithium, nickel, and oil and gas operations.

FIFO Rosters Explained

Rosters are described as days on / days off. The most common FIFO rosters in WA include:

2 and 1 (2 weeks on, 1 week off): The most common roster. Gives you roughly 17 weeks off per year.
8 and 6 (8 days on, 6 days off): Popular for roles closer to Perth. More time at home but more frequent travel.
4 and 3 (4 days on, 3 days off): Common for sites within driving distance of Perth.
3 and 1 (3 weeks on, 1 week off): Longer swing, higher pay, less time at home.
4 and 1 (4 weeks on, 1 week off): Typically for remote or international projects. Highest pay but longest time away.
9 and 5 (9 days on, 5 days off): Increasingly common for Pilbara operations.

Shifts are typically 12 hours, either day shift (6am–6pm) or night shift (6pm–6am). Some rosters alternate between day and night.

Which Trades Are Most in Demand for FIFO?

Nearly every trade is needed on mine sites and remote industrial projects. The most in-demand FIFO trades in WA include:

Electricians

Mine site electricians handle everything from high-voltage switchgear to control systems and instrumentation. Both industrial and auto electricians are needed. FIFO electrician salaries typically range from $120,000 to $160,000.

Boilermakers and Welders

Coded welders and boilermakers are essential for maintenance, shutdowns, and fabrication on mine sites. FIFO pay ranges from $110,000 to $150,000, with shutdown work pushing higher.

Fitters and Mechanical Fitters

Fitters maintain and repair heavy plant, conveyors, crushers, and processing equipment. Dual-trade fitters (fitter/welder or fitter/machinist) are especially sought after. Expect $110,000 to $140,000.

Diesel Mechanics

Heavy diesel mechanics keep the haul trucks, excavators, loaders, and drill rigs running. Experience with Cat, Komatsu, or Liebherr equipment is a major plus. Salaries range from $110,000 to $145,000.

Plumbers

Mine site plumbers handle water, sewage, and gas systems across camp and processing areas. FIFO plumber roles typically pay $100,000 to $130,000.

Crane Operators

Mobile and tower crane operators are critical on construction and shutdown projects. FIFO crane operator roles regularly pay $130,000 to $160,000.

Scaffolders and Riggers

Scaffolders and riggers are needed on virtually every shutdown and major maintenance project. Pay ranges from $100,000 to $130,000 on FIFO rosters.

Carpenters

Carpenters are needed for site construction, camp maintenance, and formwork on remote projects. FIFO carpenter roles typically pay $95,000 to $120,000.

Labourers

Even without a trade qualification, FIFO labourer roles are available for workers with the right tickets and attitude. Pay ranges from $75,000 to $100,000 depending on the site and roster.

How to Get a FIFO Job in WA

1. Get Your Tickets in Order

At minimum, you’ll need:

White card (construction induction)
Current first aid certificate
Manual handling certificate
National Police Clearance (less than 3 months old)
Pre-employment medical clearance
Drug and alcohol screen (clean result)

Depending on the role, you may also need:

Working at heights
Confined space entry
EWP (elevated work platform)
HR, HC, or MC truck licence
Specific equipment tickets (forklift, telehandler, front end loader)

2. Have Your Trade Qualification

For trade roles, you need your trade certificate or licence. Overseas-qualified tradespeople will need a skills assessment through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) or the relevant licensing body.

3. Build Relevant Experience

Most FIFO employers want at least 2 to 3 years of post-apprenticeship experience. If you’re newly qualified, building experience in Perth-based commercial or industrial roles first is a solid strategy.

4. Register With a FIFO Recruitment Agency

Many FIFO positions are filled through specialist recruitment agencies rather than advertised publicly. Perth Trades Recruitment works directly with mining and industrial companies across WA to fill FIFO trade roles.

5. Be Medically Fit

FIFO roles require you to pass a pre-employment medical, which typically includes a physical assessment, drug and alcohol screening, hearing and vision tests, and a general health check. Some sites also require a functional capacity evaluation.

FIFO Shutdown Jobs

Shutdown work is a specific type of FIFO that involves planned maintenance outages at processing plants, refineries, and mine sites. During a shutdown, operations stop and maintenance crews move in to complete repairs, replacements, and upgrades.

Shutdowns typically run for 2 to 8 weeks and pay premium rates including overtime, penalty rates, and shift loadings. It’s common for tradespeople to earn $3,000 to $5,000 per week during shutdown periods.

Trades in highest demand for shutdown work include:

Boilermakers and welders
Fitters
Electricians
Scaffolders
Riggers
Crane operators
Instrument technicians

The Pros and Cons of FIFO Work

Pros

Exceptional pay: Significantly higher than equivalent Perth-based roles
No living costs on site: Flights, accommodation, meals, and laundry are covered
Blocks of time off: Extended breaks for travel, family, or personal projects
Career progression: Exposure to large-scale industrial operations and complex maintenance
Tax benefits: Travel and some work-related expenses may be deductible

Cons

Time away from home: Missing family events, social occasions, and everyday life
Physically demanding: Long shifts (12 hours), often in extreme heat
Mental health: Isolation, loneliness, and difficulty maintaining relationships
Fatigue: The combination of long hours and roster patterns can be draining
Limited lifestyle on site: Camp life is basic — donga rooms, mess hall meals, limited recreation

FIFO and Mental Health

The mental health challenges of FIFO work are real and well-documented. If you’re considering FIFO, it’s worth thinking about:

How well you handle being away from family and friends
Whether you have a strong support network at home
Your ability to maintain routines and healthy habits on site
Access to mental health support — most major mining companies now offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and on-site counselling

Entry Level FIFO Jobs — No Experience Required

If you don’t have a trade but want to get into FIFO, there are options:

Mine site labourer: Basic tickets (white card, manual handling, first aid) and a clean medical
Camp services: Cleaning, kitchen hand, and laundry roles on mine site camps
Process technician trainee: Some companies offer traineeships in mineral processing
Trade assistant: Assisting qualified tradespeople on site — a great pathway into an apprenticeship

Find FIFO Jobs Through Perth Trades Recruitment

Perth Trades Recruitment connects qualified tradespeople with FIFO opportunities across Western Australia’s mining, oil and gas, and industrial sectors. We work with major operators and tier-one contractors across the Pilbara, Goldfields, Mid West, and more.

Whether you’re an experienced FIFO worker looking for your next swing or a Perth-based tradie considering your first FIFO role, we can help you find the right opportunity.

Contact Perth Trades Recruitment today to explore FIFO trade jobs in WA.