From Queensland to Western Australia, FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) workers have become synonymous with high paychecks and sacrifices.
A 25-year-old scaffolder who shared his experience working as a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) worker, sheds light on the financial aspects of the job.
Fresh off a ten-day stint at a Queensland site, the scaffolder proudly revealed his earnings – a staggering $5,657 after tax. This amount includes not only his wages but also covers the costs of flights and travel days. When you break it down, that’s approximately $2,828 per week, equating to an annual income of around $147,056.
This all comes with a huge sacrifice, missing out on weeks with your family and long 12+ hour working days, the 25-year-old scaffolder says ‘You miss out on all the birthdays, barbecues and parties. Do a lot of sacrifice for a better future.’ and then went on to say ‘I’m investing all I can to get out of here ASAP!’
If you are interested in starting a career as a scaffolder you can start work as a scaffolder’s assistant or laborer to gain hands-on experience.
Many scaffolders start their careers through apprenticeship programs. These programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Look for opportunities with construction companies or industry organizations that offer apprenticeship programs.