FIFO electrician salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index
Find out how the typical FIFO electrician salary compares to the national line. Based on ABS data and award rates, see the index value and what it means for take-home pay.
The median full-time electrician earns about $2,191 per week, placing it at index 105 on the Australian salary index, but FIFO electricians in mining often earn well above the mining industry index of 155 due to site allowances and overtime.
What a FIFO electrician earns in Australia
A FIFO (fly-in fly-out) electrician is an electrician who works at a remote site—often in mining, oil and gas, or construction—and flies to and from the location on a roster. Because of the remote conditions, long hours, and specialised skills, FIFO electrician salaries are typically well above the national average. But exactly how much? And where does that pay sit on the Australian salary index?
The national benchmark: the salary index
The Salary Index sets 100 as full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which from May 2026 is $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 annualised). This is the line against which all pay is measured. For context, the national minimum wage from July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, index 48.2. The mining industry, where many FIFO electricians work, has an index of 154.7—meaning typical mining earnings are about 55% above the national line.
What the data says about electrician pay
The most recent public data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (via Jobs and Skills Australia) shows that the median full-time electrician earns $2,191 per week before tax, with median hourly earnings of $55. That works out to a salary index of about 105—just above the national line. But this figure covers all electricians, not just those working FIFO. The median electrician works 45 hours per week on average, and 94% work full-time.
FIFO electrician pay: above the median
FIFO electricians are concentrated in mining, which has the highest industry index of any sector at 154.7. That suggests typical FIFO electrician ordinary-time earnings could be around $3,220 per week ($167,500 annualised). However, this is an industry-wide benchmark, not a specific FIFO figure. In practice, FIFO electricians often receive additional allowances—remote area allowance, site allowance, living away from home allowance—and regular overtime that can push total compensation higher. Enterprise agreements in the resources sector frequently set base rates above the award minimum.
Award minimums for electrical work
The Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 sets minimum rates for electrical workers in contracting. As of July 2026, the highest classification (Electrical worker grade 10) pays $37.24 per hour, or $1,415 per week. That’s an index of about 68—well below what a FIFO electrician would earn. But this award is for contracting, not mining. The Mining Industry Award 2020 has higher base rates and additional allowances for remote work. Most FIFO electricians are covered by enterprise agreements that pay significantly more than the award.
The role of super and tax
From July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830 per year. So a FIFO electrician earning $167,500 would have an additional $20,100 contributed to super. For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates apply: 30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000, and 37% on income up to $190,000. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A FIFO electrician earning $167,500 would have a tax bill of roughly $40,000 plus Medicare, leaving about $124,000 take-home (excluding HELP or other deductions).
How to interpret the index for FIFO electrician salary
If you’re comparing a job offer or your current pay, the index helps you see where you sit relative to the national line. For a FIFO electrician:
- Index 105 (median electrician) = $2,191/week
- Index 155 (mining industry benchmark) = $3,230/week
- Index 200 = $4,167/week
Most FIFO electricians will fall between index 150 and 180, depending on experience, site, and roster. But remember: the index is based on ordinary-time earnings, not total package. Overtime and allowances can push actual weekly pay much higher.
Where to find more information
For award rates, check the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides or the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database. For industry comparisons, see the industries page. And to understand how the index is calculated, read how the index works.
The bottom line
A FIFO electrician salary is not published as a single number, but the evidence points to earnings well above the national average. The median electrician sits at index 105, while the mining industry index of 155 gives a better guide for FIFO roles. Actual pay depends on the employer, site, and agreement, but a FIFO electrician can expect to earn between $150,000 and $200,000 per year before tax, placing them comfortably in the top quartile of Australian earners.
Questions people ask
What is the typical FIFO electrician salary in Australia?
There is no single published figure for FIFO electrician salaries. The closest public benchmark is the median full-time electrician earnings of $2,191 per week (index 105) from the ABS. However, FIFO electricians in mining often earn significantly more due to site allowances, remote area allowances, and overtime. The mining industry salary index of 154.7 suggests typical earnings around $3,220 per week before tax, but actual pay depends on the employer and agreement.
How does FIFO electrician pay compare to the national average?
The national line (index 100) is $2,083.70 per week. A median electrician earns about 5% above that (index 105). A FIFO electrician in mining likely earns well above the mining industry index of 154.7, meaning their ordinary-time earnings are roughly 55% higher than the national average. Including overtime and allowances, take-home pay can be substantially higher. For example, at index 155, weekly earnings would be around $3,230 before tax.
What awards cover FIFO electricians?
FIFO electricians are typically covered by either the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (for contracting work) or the Mining Industry Award 2020 (for direct mining employment). Many large mining companies have enterprise agreements that set higher rates. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the minimum rates for these awards. Always check the specific award or agreement for your role, as FIFO allowances and penalties can significantly increase pay.