What is the Average Salary for a FIFO Fitter?
In Australia’s ever-expanding resources and mining sector, FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) jobs have become synonymous with high-paying, high-demand careers. One such role that consistently draws interest is the FIFO fitter—a specialist responsible for the maintenance and repair of heavy machinery. If you’re based in or around Victoria, Australia, and considering FIFO work, you might be wondering: What is the average salary for a FIFO fitter?
With Plumber Warragul, we’ll explore FIFO fitter salaries, job expectations, and key insights about the role within Victoria’s context.
🔧 What Does a FIFO Fitter Do?
A FIFO fitter—also known as a mechanical fitter or diesel mechanic—primarily works on remote mining or construction sites. Their duties include:
- Servicing and repairing heavy-duty machinery (e.g., excavators, haul trucks, loaders)
- Performing preventative maintenance
- Diagnosing faults in mechanical systems
- Replacing hydraulic and pneumatic components
In FIFO arrangements, fitters fly to job sites in regional Australia, often in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, or outback Queensland, but their home base can be Melbourne, Geelong, or other parts of Victoria. Rosters typically follow a 2/1 or 3/1 schedule (e.g., two weeks on, one week off).
💵 What Is the Average Salary for a FIFO Fitter?
As of 2025, the average salary for a FIFO fitter in Australia ranges between AUD $110,000 and $160,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and the roster.
✅ Victoria-Specific FIFO Fitter Salary Insights:
While Victoria itself is not a major mining state like WA, many Victorian-based fitters work FIFO roles in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, or in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, flying out of Melbourne Airport.
Victorian FIFO fitters typically earn:
- Entry-Level: AUD $105,000–$120,000/year
- Mid-Level (3–5 years): AUD $130,000–$145,000/year
- Senior or Specialist Fitters: AUD $150,000–$170,000/year
These figures include base pay, site allowances, tool allowances, overtime, and bonuses, all of which significantly impact total take-home pay.
📍 Why FIFO Jobs Pay More in Australia
To understand why FIFO fitters earn top dollar, you need to look at the conditions:
- Remote Locations: Sites are often in isolated, harsh environments
- Demand-Supply Gaps: Australia’s mining boom continues to fuel demand for skilled labour
- Extended Hours: 12-hour shifts are standard, often for 14 days straight
- Living Away from Home: FIFO workers are compensated for time away from family
These incentives are often reflected in salary packages, making roles like FIFO fitters among the best-paid trades jobs in Australia.
🧰 Skills and Qualifications Needed
To qualify as a FIFO fitter in Victoria, the following credentials are typically required:
🛠️ Core Qualifications:
- Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
- Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
- Heavy Diesel Trade Certificate (for diesel fitters)
📜 Additional Tickets That Boost Pay:
- Working at Heights
- Confined Space Training
- High-Risk Work Licences (e.g., dogging, rigging)
- Manual Handling
- Valid Driver’s License
More certifications usually mean better roster options, higher hourly rates, and a stronger ability to negotiate for overtime or lead fitter roles.
📈 Demand for FIFO Fitters from Victoria
Victoria’s TAFE system and trade colleges are churning out qualified mechanical tradespeople, many of whom seek FIFO roles for the higher pay. Employers often prefer candidates from Victoria due to:
- Strong mechanical training backgrounds
- Proximity to major airports for easy fly-out access
- Reputation for solid work ethic
Recruitment agencies like Chandler Macleod, Hays Resources & Mining, and WorkPac Group routinely post FIFO fitter roles on platforms like Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn Jobs Australia.
🏠 FIFO Lifestyle: Pros and Cons for Victorians
✔️ Pros:
- High salary and long-term financial security
- Paid accommodation, meals, and flights
- Block time off (7–14 days) to spend in Victoria with family or to pursue personal interests
❌ Cons:
- Long stretches away from home
- Physically demanding work
- Can lead to burnout or mental health challenges if not managed well
Many Victorian FIFO workers live in regional hubs like Ballarat, Bendigo, or Shepparton, enjoying affordable housing while earning top-tier wages.
🧠 Pro Tip: How to Negotiate a Better FIFO Fitter Salary
Whether you’re new to FIFO or a seasoned pro, consider these tips:
- Certify Up: The more licenses and high-risk tickets you hold, the higher your worth.
- Leverage Location: FIFO employers will often offer incentives to workers from non-local states like Victoria to ensure reliability and attendance.
- Watch the Market: Pay attention to mining activity and job board trends. When project demand spikes, wages follow.
Use keywords like “FIFO fitter jobs Victoria,” “high-paying mechanical roles Australia,” or “diesel fitter FIFO Melbourne” when searching online to optimise your job hunt. See Plumber Warragul for more.
📊 Salary Comparisons: FIFO Fitter vs. Similar Trades
| Role | Average Annual Salary (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FIFO Fitter | $130,000 – $160,000 | Includes allowances and overtime |
| FIFO Electrician | $135,000 – $170,000 | High demand for HV experience |
| FIFO Boilermaker | $120,000 – $150,000 | Similar conditions to fitters |
| Non-FIFO Fitter (Vic) | $75,000 – $95,000 | Typically workshop-based, 38-hour week |
| FIFO Maintenance Planner | $140,000 – $180,000 | Senior office-based role, often ex-fitters |
🔎 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Becoming a FIFO Fitter in Victoria?
For Victorians willing to travel, the FIFO fitter path offers significant income potential, career growth, and access to Australia’s booming mining industry. The investment in training, certifications, and readiness to work in remote, high-pressure environments pays off with salaries that dwarf standard trades roles.
Whether you’re based in Melbourne, Mildura, or the Gippsland region, FIFO opportunities are available to those who are qualified and ready to take the leap.
