✈️ How to Move Into FIFO From Construction

(Australia 2026 Guide)

FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) jobs are some of the best-paying roles in Australia, especially for people already working in construction.

If you’re currently a tradie, laborer, supervisor, or civil worker, moving into FIFO can mean:

Higher pay
Free flights & accommodation
Great saving potential
Big career opportunities

But many workers ask:

👉 “How do I actually get into FIFO?”
👉 “Do I need experience?”
👉 “Do I need special tickets?”
👉 “Which FIFO jobs pay the most?”

This guide explains exactly how to transition from construction into FIFO, what you need, and how to get hired.

⭐ Why Move From Construction to FIFO?

FIFO can completely change your financial future.

💰 Higher Income

Many FIFO workers earn:

💵 $120,000 – $220,000+ per year

Even entry FIFO roles often pay much more than regular construction.

🏠 Accommodation & Flights Included

Flights paid for
Accommodation provided
Meals often included

This means low expenses + high income = big savings.

🎯 Career Growth

FIFO exposes you to:

Major civil projects
Mining infrastructure
Remote construction builds
Shutdown and maintenance projects

Many FIFO workers go on to become:

Supervisors
Construction Managers
Mine superintendents
Project leaders

It’s a powerful career accelerator.

✅ Step-By-Step: How to Move Into FIFO from Construction

Step 1 — Get Relevant Construction Experience

FIFO employers prefer workers who already understand:

Site safety
Construction processes
Teamwork
Hard work in tough environments

If you already work in:

Civil construction
Commercial construction
Trades
Industrial construction

You’re already on the right path 👌

Step 2 — Make Sure You Have the Right Tickets

Different FIFO employers require different tickets, but these are commonly requested:

🟢 Essential / Highly Common

White Card
Working at Heights
Confined Spaces
First Aid & CPR

🟡 Very Valuable Tickets

(These dramatically improve your chances)

EWP (Elevated Work Platform)
Dogging / Rigging
Telehandler
HR / HC Truck License
Traffic Control (civil)

🔴 Trade Licenses (If Applicable)

If you’re a tradie:

Electrical license
Plumbing & gas license
Trade certifications
Civil qualifications

These open doors to premium FIFO roles.

Step 3 — Get FIFO-Ready Compliance

Most FIFO employers require:

Pre-employment medical
Drug & Alcohol testing
National Police Check
Sometimes vaccination or health requirements

If you’re serious about FIFO, it’s best to be prepared.

Step 4 — Decide What FIFO Role You’re Targeting

Different roles suit different backgrounds.

🔨 FIFO Construction Roles

Perfect if you already work in construction.

Examples:

Construction laborer
Civil construction worker
Steel fixer
Concreter
Formworker
Carpenter
Plumber
Electrician

These roles work on:

Camp construction
Mine infrastructure
Roads & civil works
Maintenance projects

🚧 FIFO Civil & Infrastructure Roles

High demand in:

Roads & rail
Bridges
Bulk earthworks
Utilities
Remote infrastructure

Plant operators are especially valuable:

Excavator operators
Dozer drivers
Loader operators
Grader operators

👷 FIFO Supervisor & Leadership Roles

If you’re already in leadership, FIFO needs:

Site Supervisors
Civil Supervisors
Construction Managers
Project Superintendents

These pay extremely well.

Step 5 — Apply to FIFO Employers & Labor Hire Companies

Look for:

Mining companies
Civil contractors
Construction companies
Shutdown companies
Labor hire agencies specializing in FIFO

Recruiters love candidates with:

Strong work history
Good attitude
Solid references
Safety awareness

💰 FIFO Salary Guide (2026)

FIFO pay depends on:

Role
Experience
Roster
State / site
Company

But here’s a typical guide:

FIFO Laborer

💵 $110,000 – $150,000+

FIFO Civil Construction Worker

💵 $120,000 – $170,000+

FIFO Skilled Trades

💵 $130,000 – $200,000+

FIFO Supervisor

💵 $140,000 – $220,000+

FIFO Construction Manager

💵 $180,000 – $280,000+

Plus allowances, bonuses, uplift and more.

⏰ FIFO Rosters Explained

Common rosters include:

2:1 – 2 weeks on / 1 week off
8:6 – 8 days on / 6 off
7:7 – 7 on / 7 off
3:1 – 3 weeks on / 1 off

FIFO life means:

✔️ Intense work blocks
✔️ Then big chunks of time off

Many workers use time off to:

Spend time with family
Travel
Study
Run a side business

👍 Pros & Cons of Moving to FIFO

✅ Pros

Very high pay
Accommodation + flights covered
Strong career opportunities
Excellent saving potential
Experience on major projects

⚠️ Cons

Time away from home
Long shifts
Physically & mentally demanding
Remote environments
Strict safety & compliance

FIFO is not for everyone — but for many, it’s life-changing.

🧠 Common Questions About FIFO

❓ Do I need FIFO experience to start?

No — many first-time FIFO workers come from normal construction.

❓ Is FIFO only mining?

No — FIFO also includes:

Construction
Civil
Infrastructure
Energy

❓ Do I need to be super fit?

You need to pass a medical and be work-ready.

❓ Can supervisors & managers work FIFO?

Yes — and they are amongst the highest paid.

🏁 Final Word — FIFO Could Be Your Big Life Upgrade

If you’re already in construction, FIFO is a realistic and powerful next step.

You get:

More money
Bigger opportunities
Skills development
Financial security potential

FIFO isn’t just a job change — it can be a life upgrade.

✅ What To Do Next

1️⃣ Make sure your tickets are up to date
2️⃣ Decide what FIFO role you want
3️⃣ Get medical & compliance ready
4️⃣ Apply to FIFO companies & civil contractors
5️⃣ Step into one of the best-paying careers in Australia

How to Move Into FIFO From Construction