Have you ever wondered how much FIFO workers earn in the mines of Western Australia? Well, an Aussie fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) heavy-diesel mechanic working 84 hours per week on a two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off swing has revealed the details of his income.
In a viral TikTok video Richard Detering answered the burning question that so many had asked him: just how much does he make? But before we dive into the numbers, let’s be clear – Richard emphasises that this isn’t about bragging or claiming superiority based on his earnings; he simply wants to share the reality of his financial situation.
The Staggering Figures: Earning Double the Norm
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter. Richard, as a FIFO heavy-diesel mechanic, earns a jaw-dropping $165,000 per year. But that’s not all. There’s an annual bonus of approximately 15 percent, pushing his total yearly earnings to nearly $190,000. However, after taxes and without the bonus, his take-home pay still lands at around $115,000 annually.
Here’s the catch: Richard works 84 hours a week on a two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off roster. This translates to approximately 2,016 working hours per year, compared to the 2,080 hours of a typical 40-hour work week. It’s an unconventional setup, to say the least, but the numbers speak for themselves.
But how does this stack up against the industry average? The average salary for heavy-diesel mechanics in Australia sits at $88,920 per year, or roughly $45.60 per hour. Entry-level positions typically start at $80,000 annually, while experienced mechanics can hope to earn up to $137,725 per year. Richard’s pay check, significantly higher than these averages, certainly begs the question: is the FIFO lifestyle worth it?
Earning double the average salary is undoubtedly alluring, but it doesn’t come without sacrifices. The FIFO lifestyle demands being away from home, family, and friends for extended periods. You might miss birthdays, anniversaries, and even holidays like Easter and Christmas. It’s not your typical 9-to-5 job, and it requires resilience and adaptability.
The Sacrifices and Rewards of FIFO Work
So, why do it? Richard, and many like him, find the trade-off worthwhile. The ability to earn substantially more while working fewer total hours has its appeal. It allows them to focus on work intensely for six months of the year and then enjoy extended downtime with loved ones and personal pursuits. It’s a lifestyle that’s not for everyone, but for those who embrace it, the financial rewards can be substantial.