Is FIFO Work Worth It? 9 Biggest Pros & Cons

Choosing the best career is a personal journey. And when it comes to mining work, there are plenty of pros and cons worth considering. For some people, it’s the perfect fit. But for others, it’s not ideal.

So, is FIFO work worth it? Ultimately, this depends on your goals, work-life preferences, lifestyle and more. To help clarify things though, I put together this post covering the most important factors to consider when it comes to a FIFO mining career.

Now let’s get to it!

What Is FIFO? Industry Snapshot

FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) is a type of work where employees are “flown into” remote areas to carry out jobs on-site, and then “fly back out” after their shift or contract work has finished.

For example, Australia (especially Western Australia) has hundreds of mining sites in remote locations, where workers are sent to extract earth materials for a set period of time.

If you’re keen to learn more about the work conditions and lifestyle, check out my post on what to expect when working a FIFO job in Australia.

But for the rest of this article, let’s keep moving and look at the biggest pros and cons of doing this type of work.

Recommended: How to Get Started in FIFO Mining

Is FIFO Worth It? 9 Pros & Cons to Know

5 FIFO Benefits

1. Great Salary

For many, a high salary is one of the biggest reasons FIFO work is so worth it.

According to talent.com, the average FIFO mining salary is $114,501 ($58.72/hour), with entry-level positions starting around $92,000 AUD. With those claiming online to make $150,000+ in some roles.

This competitive pay starts to make FIFO sound pretty good.

Of course, it’s also important to set realistic expectations and talk with a qualified recruiter or your employer about your salary details, since this also depends on your role, experience level and other factors.

Recommended: FIFO Mining Salary Guide: What to Know

2. Boost Your Resume

When you work a FIFO job, you’re seriously boosting your resume and standing out in a crowded job market.

FIFO experience tells future employers that you mean business and you have the marks to show for it. FIFO work is difficult. And putting it on your resume shows that you have serious character and unshakable work ethic.

You also gain invaluable work and life skills from travel, using professional-grade equipment and working on-site in remote locations.

3. You Can Start With No Experience

While experience and advanced certifications definitely help you land a better, higher paying position, you also don’t need most of them to start working in the FIFO mining industry.

There are plenty of entry-level roles to get your foot in the door.

Some typical FIFO jobs that don’t require advanced ticketing or deep experience include:

General services work like cleaning or cooking
Entry-level construction roles

Keep in mind that many entry-level roles will be more competitive, so keep your options open and stay flexible with the types of offers you get (finding the best FIFO gigs is another benefit to working with a recruiter).

4. Career Growth Opportunities

We already talked about the resume-boosting advantages of working FIFO jobs. But let’s talk about the career opportunities in the mining industry.

For starters, you can work your way up internally by starting in an entry-level position, proving yourself on-site and gaining valuable work experience to land better, higher-paying roles.

Alternatively, you can apply for other jobs with new FIFO companies in new locations, depending on the offer packages and opportunities available to you.

Finally, you can take your skills back home to land better jobs with companies in your hometown.

However you leverage your FIFO experience, working in mining is a truly unique experience that opens many doors for exciting career growth opportunities.

Recommended: FIFO Career Growth Guide

5. Flexible Schedule

FIFO mining is known for its long hours (up to 12 hour shifts). But there’s a silver lining – you also have a flexible schedule, giving you some desirable work-life balance.

Extended time off is a normal part of the typical FIFO roster schedule. For example, with a 8/6 schedule, you’ll work 8 days on (in a row), but then have 6 days off.

To put it another way, FIFO work is not your typical 9-5 routine. Remote jobs are temporary and your schedule includes extended time off for rest and recharging.

For many workers, this type of work-life balance is very appealing.

Recommended: FIFO Mining Work Conditions & Lifestyle

4 FIFO Drawbacks

1. It’s Hard Work

I won’t sugarcoat anything here, FIFO work is hard. You’re expected to work long hours (up to 12-hour shifts) in physically demanding environments.

Working in the elements and dealing with harsh conditions means physical and mental exhaustion is common.

So it’s important that you fully understand what’s required of you before starting a FIFO career.

It’s true that some roles are more demanding than others – for example, drilling and exploration – but remember that you also have extended periods of time off.

2. FIFO Can Be Hard On All Relationships

FIFO work requires you to be away in remote locations for extended periods of time. This can put strains on your relationships back home.

While the FIFO lifestyle isn’t all work (you can still socialise and relax), this type of job can be especially difficult for workers who have families, friends or other similar obligations back home.

So keep this in mind before you apply.

3 Better Roles Are More Competitive

Higher-paying jobs (that require advanced training) or “easier” gigs (such as working in general services) tend to be more competitive and difficult to get.

So if you’re hoping to land that perfect role straight out of the gate (without experience), you may be disappointed.

Finding the best FIFO job can take patience and time. So setting realistic expectations and staying humble are important before starting a career in the FIFO mining industry.

But if you stick with it, pay your dues and keep applying (and networking in your company), you can absolutely find your dream FIFO job.

Just stay the course and be patient – great things take time, after all.

Recommended: 6 Types of FIFO Mining Jobs

4. FIFO Work Is Dangerous

In general, FIFO work can be dangerous. Some roles are more dangerous than others, but overall, the type of work you do and the conditions you’re operating in tend to be higher risk.

Here’s why:

You’re often working in harsh elements or extreme weather conditions
The work is physically demanding, leading to exhaustion
FIFO life can lead to mental strain and exhaustion
You’re working for long hours and back-to-back shifts
The rugged work culture can make “complaining” or speaking up difficult
Job sites are far away in remote locations

Recommended: Is FIFO Work Dangerous? What to Know

Who Is FIFO For?

FIFO isn’t for everyone. But if you value a different (but flexible) work-life schedule and are looking to gain real, valuable experience in the construction and mining industry, then it could be the perfect fit.

It’s important to consider your personality, past experiences and goals. Setting realistic expectations is crucial.

And if you’re still not sure or you’re new to this whole FIFO industry, consider talking with a recruiter to find out more. After all, you can’t know what you don’t know.

FIFO Frequently Asked Questions

Is FIFO hard to get into?

Some FIFO mining roles are more competitive than others. So getting certifications, hands-on experience or working with a recruiting company are smart ways to stand out. But just remember that you can start in the FIFO without any experience at all.

Is FIFO work dangerous?

Yes, depending on the role, FIFO work can be dangerous. You’re often expected to work outside in the elements for long hours using heavy machinery. Mental and physical exhaustion are common.

Is FIFO a legit job?

Absolutely! FIFO mining is a totally legit career with great pay and solid benefits. It’s important however that you fully understand the requirements, the type of work you’ll be doing and the demands of the job.

Is FIFO worth it?

If you’re a hard worker looking for valuable construction/mining industry experience and great pay, then yes, FIFO work is definitely worth it.

Just remember to fully understand the requirements and job responsibilities before applying. Setting realistic expectations is key to having a successful FIFO career. FIFO can be a resume-boosting experience that opens new doors and leads to exciting new work opportunities.

So yes, it can definitely be worth it.