What Are FIFO Jobs?

What FIFO Work Looks Like (Day-to-Day)

When you work FIFO, your job site is usually far from major cities. Instead of commuting daily, you follow a roster (your swing), such as a week or two on site, then a block of days off at home. Most worksites run on a strong safety culture, so you’ll be expected to follow procedures closely, use PPE correctly, and communicate clearly with your crew.

While you’re on swing, you typically:

• work long shifts (often 10–12 hours)
• follow strict safety procedures and site rules
• live in a camp or site accommodation
• eat at onsite facilities and follow a set routine
• handle early starts and physically demanding work (role dependent)

For many job seekers, FIFO becomes easier once you settle into the rhythm. The routine is consistent, and you know exactly when you’ll be home.

FIFO vs DIDO: What’s the Difference?

You’ll often see FIFO and DIDO advertised together:



• FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out): you fly to site and fly home
• DIDO (Drive-In Drive-Out): you drive to site and drive home

Both are roster-based and common in mining and construction. The difference is travel, and sometimes lifestyle—DIDO may suit you if you prefer driving and being closer to home, while FIFO is more common for remote operations.

What Industries Offer FIFO Jobs in Australia?

If you’re exploring FIFO opportunities, the most common industries include:



• Mining and resources (open cut and underground)
• Oil and gas
• Civil construction and infrastructure projects
• Shutdowns and industrial maintenance
• Remote operations and facilities management
• Camp services (catering, cleaning, utilities, housekeeping)

This is why FIFO isn’t only for operators and trades. There are also support roles that keep the site running smoothly behind the scenes.

Common FIFO Roles Job Seekers Apply For

FIFO jobs range from entry pathways through to specialist positions. You’ll often see roles grouped into three broad categories:

Mining and operations

• production operators
• dump truck operators (experienced roles and some trainee pathways, site dependent)
• drillers offsider and drilling crew roles
• underground mining roles (site dependent)

Trades and maintenance

• heavy diesel fitters / mobile plant mechanics
• electricians (including specialist and HV roles on some sites)
• boilermakers and welders
• mechanical fitters and fixed plant maintenance crew
• shutdown maintenance teams

Camp and support roles

• utilities (housekeeping, cleaning, kitchen hand)
• catering and hospitality
• stores and logistics support (site dependent)
• admin and general site support (project dependent)

If you’re trying to break into FIFO with limited site experience, camp support and entry-level roles can sometimes help you build a FIFO work history, depending on the employer’s requirements.

What Is a FIFO Roster?

A FIFO roster is your planned schedule: a block of time working on site, followed by a block of time at home. The roster affects fatigue, lifestyle, and total earning potential, so it’s worth choosing carefully.

Common FIFO rosters include:

• 2 weeks on / 1 week off (2:1)
• 1 week on / 1 week off (1:1)
• 8 days on / 6 days off
• 4 days on / 3 days off
• longer rosters during shutdown periods or peak project stages

If you’re new to FIFO, shorter rosters can be a good way to test whether the lifestyle suits you.

Why Job Seekers Choose FIFO Work?

People usually look into FIFO for a mix of financial and lifestyle reasons:

Better earning potential

FIFO work can pay well due to demand, longer shifts, and the industries involved—especially in mining, shutdowns, and skilled trades. Some roles also include allowances and loading depending on the site and roster.

Structured time off

FIFO suits job seekers who like predictable breaks. Instead of waiting for weekends, you may get a full week (or more) at home between swings, which makes it easier to plan family time, rest, or travel.

Experience on major sites

FIFO roles can expose you to large operations, high safety standards, and major projects. If you want to build your resume quickly, this experience can help you move into better roles over time.

What You Should Know Before You Apply?

FIFO can be a great fit, but it’s worth being honest with yourself about the lifestyle. Before you commit, ask yourself:

• Are you comfortable being away from home for a week or two at a time?
• Can you handle long shifts, early starts, and strict routines?
• Are you okay with a structured environment and site rules?
• Can you manage camp life and limited personal space (site dependent)?

Most FIFO employers also require pre-employment checks such as:

• medical assessments
• drug and alcohol screening
• police checks
• role-specific tickets/licences (depending on the job)

If you already have proof of safety training, site induction experience, or relevant licences, that can strengthen your application and help you feel more prepared.

FIFO Opportunities with Techforce Personnel

If you’ve been searching what are FIFO jobs, the key takeaway is simple: FIFO is a rostered work style where you fly to a remote site, work your swing, then fly home for scheduled time off. It can be a strong option if you want higher earning potential and structured breaks, but it works best for job seekers who are reliable, safety-focused, and comfortable with routine.



Techforce Personnel supports FIFO job seekers across Australia, with recruitment agencies in Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Brisbane, and Newcastle. If you’re exploring FIFO roles in mining, shutdowns, trades, maintenance, or site support, we can help connect you with opportunities that match your experience and goals.