What is the minimum wage for FIFO workers?

FIFO workers are entitled to at least the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) if not covered by an award or agreement. However, most FIFO roles fall under a modern award (e.g., Mining Industry Award) or an enterprise agreement, which set higher minimum rates. Always check the applicable award or agreement for the correct pay floor.

Are FIFO workers entitled to penalty rates?

Yes, if the applicable award or agreement includes penalty rates for overtime, weekend, or public holiday work. FIFO rosters often involve long shifts and irregular hours, so penalty rates can significantly boost total pay. The specific rates depend on the award classification and the hours worked.

How is super calculated for FIFO employees?

Superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid on top of gross pay. For FIFO workers, ordinary time earnings include base salary, shift loadings, and some allowances (but not overtime). Employers must pay super at least quarterly. Check your award or agreement for any additional super contributions.

FIFO Salary Guide: Minimum Pay, Award Rates, and What to Expect

There is no single FIFO salary; the legal floor is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (or an award rate if higher), but actual earnings vary widely by role, roster, and agreement.

Understanding FIFO Salary in Australia

Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers are a common sight in Australia’s remote mining, oil and gas, and construction sectors. Because rosters vary and roles differ, there is no single “FIFO salary” figure. Instead, pay is determined by a combination of legal minimums, industry awards, enterprise agreements, and individual negotiation.

The Legal Minimum: National Minimum Wage and Awards

Every FIFO employee in the national system is entitled to at least the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 for a 38‑hour week). Casual FIFO workers receive a 25% loading, making the minimum $33.05 per hour.

However, most FIFO roles are covered by a modern award. The most common is the Mining Industry Award, which sets higher minimum rates for classifications like “process worker” or “operator”. After the 2026 Annual Wage Review, award minimums rose by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below the national minimum. Some awards also have introductory rates (e.g., $25.74 per hour for the first six months) that are slightly lower.

If your employer has an enterprise agreement, that agreement can set rates above the award. Always check the applicable award or agreement – it will specify the correct minimum wage for your job and experience level.

What About Survey Averages?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a specific “FIFO salary” figure. The closest national benchmark is full‑time adult average weekly ordinary‑time earnings, which was $2,083.70 in May 2026. Many FIFO workers earn above this average due to shift allowances, penalty rates, and long rosters. But actual take‑home pay depends heavily on the roster pattern (e.g., 2 weeks on, 1 week off) and the employer’s pay structure.

Separating the Pay Components

When discussing FIFO salary, it helps to break down the elements:

Base rate: The hourly or weekly rate under your award or agreement.
Penalty rates: Extra pay for overtime, weekends, or public holidays. These can double or triple the base rate.
Allowances: Site‑specific, travel, or living‑away‑from‑home allowances.
Superannuation: The employer must pay 12% of ordinary time earnings into your super fund. This is on top of your gross pay.

Negotiated salaries (often called “package” rates) may include all of the above in a single annual figure. Always check whether the advertised “FIFO salary” includes super and allowances, or if those are extra.

Age and Junior Rates

If you are under 21 and award‑free, special national minimum wages apply. For example, a 19‑year‑old FIFO worker not covered by an award would receive $21.82 per hour (82.5% of the adult rate), or $27.28 per hour as a casual. However, most FIFO employers use awards that have their own junior rates or simply pay the adult rate. Always verify your classification.

How to Find Your Correct Rate

Start by identifying the award that covers your role. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool to calculate minimum pay, penalties, and allowances. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, check the agreement on the Fair Work Commission’s website. For award‑free employees, the national minimum wage applies – but this is rare in FIFO work.

For a quick overview of current minimum rates, see our Rate tables. If you want to understand how the figures are calculated, visit How the figures work.

The Bottom Line

A FIFO salary is not a fixed number. The legal floor is the national minimum wage ($26.44/h), but most FIFO workers earn more under an award or agreement. The best way to know your entitlement is to check the specific award or agreement that applies to your job. Remember that super is an additional 12% on top, and penalty rates can significantly boost your take‑home pay.

This article provides general information only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a workplace relations professional for your specific situation.