Finding the right roster for your lifestyle, family, and financial goals
Introduction
Choosing the right FIFO roster is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your mining career. Your roster determines how much time you spend away from home, how much you earn, and ultimately, how sustainable the FIFO lifestyle will be for you and your family.
There’s no universally “best” roster – it depends on your personal circumstances, life stage, financial goals, and what you’re willing to sacrifice. This guide breaks down the most common FIFO rosters, their pros and cons, and helps you figure out which one might work best for you.
Best FIFO Rosters for Work-Life Balance
How Rosters Work
A FIFO roster is expressed as a ratio of days ON (at site) to days OFF (at home). For example:
- 2:1 = 2 weeks on, 1 week off
- 8:6 = 8 days on, 6 days off
- 14:14 = 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off (even time)
Most FIFO roles involve 12-hour shifts (either days or nights, or a rotating schedule). So an 8:6 roster means eight consecutive 12-hour shifts followed by six days at home.
Key Metrics to Consider
Annual Working Hours: More days on = more hours worked = higher income. Even-time rosters work roughly 2,190 hours/year. 2:1 rosters work approximately 2,920 hours/year.
Travel Time: Each swing includes travel days. A 7:7 roster means losing two travel days from your 7 days at home. Longer swings reduce overall travel time lost.
Real Home Time: Calculate net home days after travel. Consider the recovery time needed after long swings.
The Most Common FIFO Rosters
2:1 Roster (14 days on, 7 days off) – The Standard
The 2:1 is Australia’s most common FIFO roster, especially in Western Australia’s iron ore operations.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Days on site | 14 consecutive days |
| Days at home | 7 days |
| Annual hours | ~2,920 |
| Cycle length | 3 weeks |
Pros: Higher annual earnings than even-time rosters, predictable 3-week cycle, long enough at home for meaningful activities, standard across the industry.
Cons: Two weeks away is significant, missing roughly 2/3 of events at home, can strain relationships and parenting, and fatigue builds over 14 consecutive shifts.
Best For: Workers without young children, those prioritising income over home time, and people comfortable with extended periods away.
8:6 Roster – The Family Favourite
The 8:6 roster consistently ranks as Australia’s preferred mining roster in industry polls, especially among workers with families.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Days on site | 8 consecutive days |
| Days at home | 6 days |
| Annual hours | ~2,500 |
| Cycle length | 2 weeks |
Pros: Excellent work-life balance, home every fortnight, present for more family events, less fatigue than longer swings, can be home for school runs every second week.
Cons: Lower annual earnings than 2:1, more travel days proportionally, less familiar – fewer positions available.
Best For: Parents with school-age children, workers seeking better work-life balance, those who struggle with extended time away, experienced workers who’ve “done their time” on harder rosters.
Why Workers Love It: The 8:6 seems to work best for families because it allows FIFO workers to be present for school runs and important events every other week. It takes some of the load off the non-FIFO partner.
14:14 Roster (Even Time) – The Lifestyle Choice
Even-time rosters have gained popularity as workers increasingly prioritise time at home over maximising income.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Days on site | 14 consecutive days |
| Days at home | 14 days |
| Annual hours | ~2,190 |
| Cycle length | 4 weeks |
Pros: Maximum time at home, long breaks allow for travel, hobbies, projects, good work-life balance, less cumulative fatigue over the year, essentially working “half the year”.
Cons: Significantly lower annual income (~25% less than 2:1), requires four crew rotations (less common), still means 2 weeks away at a time.
Best For: Workers who value time over money, those with outside interests or businesses, workers nearing retirement, and people who need extended time for health or family reasons.
Financial Impact: A 2:1 worker earning $150,000 would earn approximately $112,500 on an even-time roster for the same hourly rate – a $37,500 difference.
7:7 Roster – The Short Swing
The 7:7 offers the shortest standard swing, meaning less time away but more frequent transitions.
Pros: Shortest time away from home, weekly rhythm can feel more manageable, and an even time split.
Cons: Highest proportion of travel days, more transitions and adjustments, can feel like constant coming and going, less common in mining.
Best For: Workers who struggle with extended absences, those in locations close to fly-in points, and people who prefer routine over longer breaks.
4:1 Roster (28 days on, 7 days off) – The Money Maker
The 4:1 roster maximises time on site and therefore maximises earnings – but at a high personal cost.
Pros: Highest annual earnings, minimal time lost to travel, fewer transitions, popular with aggressive savers.
Cons: Four weeks away is highly demanding, high risk of burnout, significant relationship strain, mental health concerns, and missing most home events.
Best For: Single workers without dependents, those saving for a specific goal (house deposit, paying off debt), workers doing short-term stints (6-12 months), and very resilient individuals.
Warning: Research and industry feedback suggest that anything beyond 4 weeks on site leads to noticeable drops in performance, focus, and safety. Many employers are moving away from very long rosters.
3:1 Roster (21 days on, 7 days off) – The Middle Ground for Long Swings
Pros: High earnings potential, less demanding than 4:1, one week off provides a reasonable break.
Cons: Three weeks away is still very long, there’s a risk of fatigue and burnout, and there are relationship challenges.
Best For: Workers comfortable with extended absences, those building savings, and younger workers without family commitments.
Roster Comparison Table
| Roster | Days On | Days Off | Annual Hours | Income Level | Family Friendly | Fatigue Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:6 | 8 | 6 | ~2,500 | Medium-High | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Low |
| 7:7 | 7 | 7 | ~2,190 | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Low |
| 14:14 | 14 | 14 | ~2,190 | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium |
| 2:1 | 14 | 7 | ~2,920 | High | ⭐⭐⭐ | Medium |
| 9:5 | 9 | 5 | ~2,500 | Medium-High | ⭐⭐⭐ | Medium |
| 3:1 | 21 | 7 | ~2,920 | High | ⭐⭐ | High |
| 4:1 | 28 | 7 | ~3,360 | Very High | ⭐ | Very High |
Choosing the Right Roster: Key Questions
Consider Your Life Stage
Single, No Dependents: More flexibility to choose income-focused rosters. 2:1 or even 3:1 may be manageable. Good time to save aggressively.
Young Family: 8:6 is often ideal. Allows for school involvement—less strain on partner.
Older Children: 2:1 becomes more manageable. Evening can support teenagers’ activities.
Established Career, Pre-Retirement: Even-time rosters preserve health—more time for outside interests.
Financial Goals
Aggressive Saving: 2:1 or 3:1 maximises income. Accept the trade-off of time away.
Sustainable Income: 8:6 provides good earnings with balance—long-term career sustainability.
Lifestyle Focus: Even-time rosters (14:14, 7:7). Prioritise time over maximum earnings.
What Industry Polls Say
Australia’s Favourite Roster
According to Mining People International (MPi) polls:
Recent Results:
- 14:14 – 34% preference (growing popularity)
- 8:6 – 30% preference (consistent favourite)
- 2:1 – Remains common but less preferred
Why 8:6 Remains Popular: Balance between earnings and home time, works well for families, less demanding than 2:1, allows participation in kids’ lives.
Why 14:14 is Growing: Workers increasingly prioritise home time; long breaks enable travel and hobbies; better mental health outcomes; “half the year” appeal.
Roster Red Flags
Signs Your Roster Isn’t Working
- Constant fatigue, even during R&R
- Relationship deterioration
- Missing essential family events repeatedly
- Dreading the return to the site
- Mental health concerns
- Physical health decline
When to Consider Changing
- If you’ve been on a demanding roster for years
- When family circumstances change (new baby, elderly parents)
- If mental health is suffering
- When financial goals have been achieved
How to Change Rosters
- Internal transfer – Request a different roster within the company
- New role – Apply for positions with preferred rosters
- Different employer – Some companies offer better roster options
- Contract work – More flexibility to choose assignments
The Future of FIFO Rosters
Industry Trends
Move Away from Long Swings: Mental health concerns are driving change, 4:1 and similar rosters are declining, and companies are recognising burnout risks.
Technology Improvements: Better internet at camps, video calls easier than ever, and reduced isolation.
Family-Friendly Focus: More 8:6 and even-time options, companies competing for workers through roster quality, and recognition that roster quality affects retention.
Flexible Options: Some companies offer roster choice, the ability to swap shifts with colleagues, and part-time FIFO is emerging in some sectors.
Tips for Each Roster Type
8:6 Roster Tips
- Use the 6 days wisely – quality over quantity
- Establish routines that include you on alternate weeks
- Be present when at home – avoid distractions
2:1 Roster Tips
- Make the one week count
- Plan something special each time you’re home
- Keep connected during the 2 weeks away
- Build a support network for your family
Even-Time Roster Tips
- Use extended time for meaningful activities
- Avoid excessive travel during R&R (save energy)
- Develop hobbies and interests
- Consider part-time work or study during R&R
Long Roster Tips (3:1, 4:1)
- Only do these short-term if possible
- Have a clear financial goal and timeline
- Monitor mental health closely
- Take all available leave breaks
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I negotiate my roster?
A: Sometimes. It depends on the employer and role. Larger companies often have fixed rosters, but some positions offer flexibility. Always ask during the interview process.
Q: What if I hate my roster?
A: Give it time to adjust (3-6 months), then consider internal transfer, a different position, or a new employer. Don’t stay in an unsustainable situation indefinitely.
Q: How do I compare salaries across different rosters?
A: Calculate the hourly rate rather than the annual salary. A $150k job on 2:1 might have a lower hourly rate than a $120k job on 14:14.
Q: Do rosters affect annual leave?
A: Annual leave is separate from your R&R days. You accrue leave based on hours worked and can take it in addition to your regular roster breaks.
Q: Which roster is best for new FIFO workers?
A: 8:6 or 2:1 are good starting points. Avoid very long rosters (3:1, 4:1) until you know how you handle FIFO life.
Conclusion
The “best” FIFO roster is the one that aligns with your life circumstances, financial goals, and personal well-being. What works brilliantly for one person may be unsustainable for another.
Key Takeaways:
- 8:6 is ideal for families and long-term sustainability
- 2:1 offers a good balance of income and standardisation
- Even-time rosters prioritise lifestyle over maximum income
- Long rosters (3:1, 4:1) should be time-limited
- Your roster can change – don’t feel locked in forever
Consider your roster choice carefully, reassess regularly, and remember that no amount of money is worth your health and relationships. The best FIFO career is one that works for your whole life – not just your bank account.
Last updated: November 2025
Disclaimer: Roster availability varies by employer, role, and location. Always confirm roster details before accepting a position.