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Contents
- What is Fly-In-Fly-Out?
- Why does FIFO attract so many foreign working holiday makers?
- Types of FIFO jobs available
- Table of FIFO salaries
- Working conditions and lifestyle
- Advice to succeed as a working holiday maker
- FAQ
Fly-In-Fly-Out is an employment type that has generated lots of interest among current and prospective working holiday makers in Australia, particularly because salaries are very attractive. However, this lifestyle is far from suitable for everyone. In this article, we’ll explain how FIFO works, the types of jobs available, the pay, working conditions, and tips to have a good experience.
Are Working Holiday Visa holders allowed to do FIFO work in Australia?
Yes, lots of working holiday makers find FIFO opportunities in hotels, restaurants, maintenance, and logistics. These posts do not require previous relevant experience, and some even count as “specified work” to help you qualify for a Working Holiday Visa renewal.
What is Fly-In-Fly-Out?
FIFO is a type of employment where workers are flown directly to remote work locations, generally in the mining, oil, or gas sectors. They work there for a certain period of time (often two weeks) before then being flown home to rest (usually the same duration as the period worked). This arrangement allows companies to staff workers in remote regions without requiring them to permanently relocate.
FIFO is very common in Western Australia, notably around Perth and in mining zones such as Pilbara and Kalgoorlie.
Why does FIFO attract so many foreign working holiday makers?
- Competitive salaries: this type of work pays relatively well, even for beginners.
- Minimal living expenses: employers pay for housing, meals, and transportation, which means you can save all your earnings.
- Unique experience: working in remote regions will give you a unique perspective on the country.
- Visa renewal: certain FIFO jobs count toward the 88 days of “specified work” that must be performed in order to apply for a second Working Holiday Visa. In the case of a third WHV, the threshold is 179 days.
Types of FIFO jobs available
Working holiday makers can occupy a range of posts, including:
- Kitchen: cook, dishwasher
- Hotel/accommodation: room cleaner, laundry staff
- General service: site assistant, multi-skilled worker
- Logistics and transportation: shuttle driver, storekeeper
- Maintenance and repair: mechanics’ assistant, electrician (this is a regulated profession in Australia)
Table of FIFO salaries
| Role | Experience | Annual salary range* (AU$) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-skilled worker | Beginner | $95k-105k |
Includes room and board |
| Cook | Beginner to intermediate | $100k-120k |
Long hours and teamwork |
| Shuttle driver | Intermediate | $110k-130k |
Requires specific licence |
| Mechanics’ assistant | Intermediate to experienced | $120k-140k |
Certification required |
| Machine operator | Experienced | $130k-160k |
Specialized training required |
*Data from 2025.
Working conditions and lifestyle
FIFO work is synonymous with long hours, often 12 hours a day for several days in a row. The living conditions vary from site to site but generally include:
- Housing: individual rooms or shared rooms with basic necessities.
- Meals: criteria offering three meals a day.
- Amenities: gym, leisure areas, sometimes a pool.
- Limited Internet access and phone calls.
Advice to succeed as a working holiday maker
- Tailor your CV: include all relevant experience, even ones that weren’t remunerated.
- Obtain necessary certifications: some roles require specific training (see examples).
- Prepare yourself for an intense lifestyle and a demanding work environment.
FAQ
If the job is in an eligible region and in a qualifying sector (such as agriculture, construction, or mining), then yes. Carefully read the job title and the postal code.
Not necessarily. Many posts, such as cooks or assistants, are open to applicants without previous experience.
Use specialized sites like Seek, Indeed, Jora, and Backpacker Job Board. Also check Facebook groups.
Beware of scams. You should never have to pay for promises of work.
In general, you’ll need your CV, a valid visa (such as the Working Holiday Visa), and professional references if you have any. If a medical certificate or a background check is required, that will be explained to you by the employer. Depending on the job and the company, professional certifications such as the White Card might be required too.
Contracts can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to even longer, depending on the needs of the project. Some working holiday makers only do it for a few weeks to save some money, before continuing their adventure elsewhere. Others stay for several months to save even more.
In most cases, schedules are preplanned but you may be able to indicate your preferences. As for the location, it depends on the needs of each site. Certain employers operate several sites.
A functional level of English is usually sufficient for non-technical posts such as cooking and cleaning. For more qualified or technical posts, fluency is recommended.
Have you already worked in FIFO in Australia during your working holiday? Are you hesitant or still have unanswered questions?
Feel free to drop a comment or share your experiences below! The community of working holiday makers is here to support you.
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