Mining jobs in Australia in 2026 can lead to rewarding careers across iron ore, gold, coal and mineral processing. From FIFO dump truck operators and drillers to diesel mechanics and mining engineers, employers recruit for a wide range of skills. Jobs and Skills Australia reports median full-time mining earnings of A$2,832 per week, although individual pay varies considerably. This guide explains realistic salary expectations, entry requirements, FIFO rosters and where to apply through official Australian mining company career websites.
Job Overview
- Industry: Mining, Resources and Mineral Processing
- Country: Australia
- Locations: Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and other mining regions
- Positions: Mining Operators, Dump Truck Drivers, Drillers, Engineers, Mechanics and Technicians
- Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent, Contract and FIFO
- Industry Median Pay: Approximately AUD $147,264 annually
- Experience: Entry-Level Pathways and Experienced Positions
- Applications: Official Mining Company Careers Websites
Mining Jobs in Australia 2026: Career Opportunities
Australia’s mining industry offers opportunities across mineral extraction, equipment operation, engineering, maintenance and technical services.
Western Australia remains an important centre for iron ore and gold mining, while Queensland supports major coal and metallurgical mining operations.
Mining employers need experienced professionals, qualified tradespeople and workers capable of operating specialised machinery safely.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, approximately 314,500 people were employed in mining in February 2026.
For job seekers, understanding the difference between entry-level pathways and experienced mining vacancies is essential.
Workers exploring other Australian employment sectors can also read our Jobs in Australia 2026 for Foreigners – Salary and Employer Guide.
Mining Salaries in Australia 2026
Mining wages depend on qualifications, experience, location, working arrangements and applicable workplace agreements.
Australian Government data places median full-time mining earnings at approximately AUD $2,832 weekly, equivalent to approximately AUD $147,264 annually when multiplied by 52 weeks.
This represents an industry-wide median rather than the starting wage for every mining worker.
Indicative Mining Salary Benchmarks
| Mining Position | Indicative Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| Dump Truck Operator | AUD $110,000–$135,000 |
| FIFO Heavy Diesel Fitter | AUD $140,000–$180,000 |
| Mine Geologist | AUD $150,000–$185,000 |
| Shutdown Supervisor | AUD $170,000–$210,000 |
| Mining Engineer | Approximately AUD $183,000 median |
These figures are occupational market benchmarks, not salary offers from the companies below. Individual vacancies may pay considerably less or more.
Hourly, Weekly and Monthly Mining Pay
For a worker earning AUD $55 per hour, assuming 38 paid hours weekly:
- Hourly: AUD $55
- Weekly: AUD $2,090
- Monthly: Approximately AUD $9,057
- Annual: Approximately AUD $108,680
These calculations are before tax and exclude additional overtime, allowances and benefits.
Actual FIFO compensation can be calculated differently because rosters frequently involve extended shifts and alternating work-and-rest periods.
Top 8 Mining Companies in Australia to Explore in 2026
The following companies operate mining businesses or provide mining services in Australia. Their official career websites allow job seekers to investigate current opportunities.
Vacancies change frequently, and inclusion does not guarantee that every company has openings for every occupation.
1. BHP – Mining and Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs
BHP is a major Australian resources employer with mining operations spanning Western Australia, Queensland and other regions.
Its workforce includes mining operators, maintenance professionals, engineers and technical specialists.
Positions to explore:
- Mining Production Operators
- Heavy Equipment Operators
- Mechanical Fitters
- Mining Engineers
- Maintenance Technicians
Salary benchmark: Heavy diesel fitting roles in the broader FIFO market can offer approximately AUD $140,000–$180,000 annually.
Minimum requirements: Relevant trade credentials, machinery experience or professional qualifications, depending on the vacancy.
Typical duties: Operating mining equipment, inspecting machinery, completing production tasks and following safety procedures.
BHP also provides selected apprenticeships, graduate programmes and new-to-industry pathways.
Official BHP application website:
2. Rio Tinto – FIFO Mining Operator Jobs
Rio Tinto operates significant Australian mining and mineral-processing businesses, particularly in Western Australia.
Its career opportunities cover surface mining, equipment operation, engineering and industrial maintenance.
Positions to explore:
- FIFO Drill Operators
- Blast Operators
- Mining Equipment Operators
- Mechanical Technicians
- Processing Operators
Salary benchmark: Drillers, miners and shot firers have an occupational median of approximately AUD $151,216 annually based on government weekly earnings data.
Minimum requirements: Relevant operating experience, safety awareness, appropriate licences and role-specific competencies.
Typical duties: Operating mining equipment, completing inspections, monitoring production and reporting operational hazards.
FIFO applicants should check the nominated departure city and roster before submitting applications.
Official Rio Tinto application website:
3. Fortescue – Mining Operator and Maintenance Careers
Fortescue is a major resources company operating iron ore mining facilities in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
Its official careers portal lists opportunities in operations, maintenance, technical services and engineering.
Positions to explore:
- Mining Operators
- Automotive Electricians
- Mine Geologists
- Maintenance Technicians
- Mechanical Specialists
Salary benchmark: Mid-level mine geologists in the wider Australian resources market may earn approximately AUD $150,000–$185,000 annually.
Minimum requirements: Appropriate skills, industry experience and relevant qualifications for the selected occupation.
Typical duties: Supporting mineral production, maintaining equipment, conducting technical inspections and improving operational performance.
Fortescue also offers apprenticeship, trainee and graduate pathways.
Official Fortescue application website:
https://careers.fortescue.com/en/jobs
4. Macmahon – Dump Truck and Underground Mining Jobs
Macmahon provides mining services across Australian surface and underground operations.
Its recruitment portal includes opportunities in mining production, equipment maintenance and operational support.
Positions to explore:
- Dump Truck Operators
- Underground Mining Operators
- Excavator Operators
- Boilermakers
- Heavy Diesel Mechanics
Salary benchmark: Experienced dump truck operators may earn approximately AUD $110,000–$135,000 annually in comparable market roles.
Minimum requirements: Relevant mining experience, equipment competencies and required licences.
Typical duties: Transporting materials, operating heavy machinery, inspecting equipment and meeting production and safety requirements.
Candidates should distinguish experienced operator vacancies from genuine trainee opportunities.
Official Macmahon application website:
https://careers.macmahon.com.au/search
5. NRW Holdings – Civil and Mining Careers
NRW Holdings operates through businesses providing mining, civil construction, drilling and engineering services.
Its group includes NRW Civil & Mining, Golding and Action Drill & Blast.
Positions to explore:
- Mining Equipment Operators
- Heavy Vehicle Mechanics
- Civil Plant Operators
- Maintenance Tradespeople
- Mining Project Engineers
Salary benchmark: Comparable qualified FIFO mechanical fitting positions may offer approximately AUD $140,000–$180,000 annually.
Minimum requirements: Suitable experience, trade qualifications or machinery operating competencies.
Typical duties: Operating site equipment, supporting excavation work, maintaining machinery and performing safety inspections.
Employment conditions depend on the specific NRW group business and project.
Official NRW application website:
6. Thiess – Open-Cut Mining and FIFO Operator Jobs
Thiess provides mining services and recruits operational and technical employees for Australian projects.
Its career platform contains categories covering dump truck operations, mining maintenance, engineering and apprenticeships.
Positions to explore:
- Dump Truck Operators
- Multi-Skilled Operators
- Excavator Operators
- Heavy Diesel Fitters
- Mining Engineers
Salary benchmark: Comparable experienced equipment operators may earn approximately AUD $110,000–$135,000 annually.
Minimum requirements: Relevant operator competencies, experience, safety training and qualifications where required.
Typical duties: Operating mobile mining machinery, completing pre-start inspections, transporting materials and following site production plans.
Applicants can filter vacancies by Australian location and occupation.
Official Thiess application website:
https://careers.thiess.com/jobs/search
7. Mineral Resources – Mining Operations and Maintenance Jobs
Mineral Resources, commonly known as MinRes, operates in iron ore, lithium, energy and mining services.
Its Western Australian operations provide employment opportunities across technical, logistics, maintenance and production activities.
Positions to explore:
- Dump Truck Operators
- Maintenance Technicians
- Heavy Vehicle Drivers
- Mechanical Fitters
- Processing Employees
Salary benchmark: FIFO mechanical specialists in comparable market positions may earn approximately AUD $140,000–$180,000 annually.
Minimum requirements: Appropriate licences, experience, technical competencies and the ability to meet site requirements.
Typical duties: Operating and maintaining equipment, supporting production, completing safety checks and reporting faults.
Some roles require applicants to be available for remote work and extended rosters.
Official Mineral Resources application website:
https://careers.mineralresources.com.au/home-page
8. Byrnecut – Underground Mining Careers
Byrnecut specialises in underground mining services and operates across multiple Australian mine sites.
The company provides career opportunities for experienced underground mining personnel and selected development pathways.
Positions to explore:
- Underground Truck Operators
- Underground Mining Workers
- Drilling Personnel
- Mechanical Tradespeople
- Mining Supervisors
Salary benchmark: The Australian occupational median for drillers, miners and shot firers is approximately AUD $151,216 annually.
Minimum requirements: Appropriate mining experience, site safety competencies and relevant training for specialised equipment.
Typical duties: Supporting underground extraction, operating equipment, inspecting working areas and following mine safety procedures.
Byrnecut also provides information about apprenticeships and graduate opportunities.
Official Byrnecut application website:
https://www.byrnecut.com.au/careers
What Are FIFO Mining Jobs in Australia?
FIFO means Fly-In Fly-Out.
Workers travel from an approved departure location to a remote mining site, complete a roster and return home during scheduled rest periods.
Common arrangements include:
- 8 days working and 6 days off
- 2 weeks working and 1 week off
- 2 weeks working and 2 weeks off
Some FIFO employers provide accommodation, meals and transport between designated departure points and mine sites.
However, these benefits depend on the employment agreement.
FIFO work can involve long shifts, remote living conditions, physical demands and extended periods away from family.
Applicants should examine these conditions alongside the advertised salary.
Minimum Requirements for Mining Jobs in Australia
Requirements differ substantially between occupations.
Employers may request:
- Legal Australian working rights
- Appropriate trade qualifications or operating competencies
- Relevant heavy machinery experience
- Valid driver’s licence where required
- Ability to complete pre-employment medical assessments
- Drug and alcohol testing where applicable
- Strong workplace safety awareness
- Willingness to work rotating rosters
- Communication and teamwork skills
Engineering positions generally require relevant professional qualifications, while apprenticeships and traineeships have different entry conditions.
Can You Get Mining Jobs Without Experience?
Some mining employers offer apprenticeships, traineeships and introductory pathways.
However, beginners should not assume that experienced dump truck or drilling vacancies provide training.
Suitable entry searches include mining traineeships, apprentice mechanical fitter positions, entry-level processing roles and mine-site support jobs.
Candidates interested in alternative Australian employment sectors can also explore Aged Care Jobs in Australia 2026 – Companies and Hourly Pay.
Mining Jobs in Australia With Visa Sponsorship
International candidates may qualify for selected Australian mining opportunities where an employer is willing and legally able to sponsor an eligible occupation.
Australia’s Skills in Demand visa, subclass 482, provides an employer-sponsored pathway for suitably skilled workers.
Eligibility can depend on:
- An eligible nominated occupation
- Employer sponsorship
- Relevant work experience and qualifications
- English-language requirements
- Skills assessments where applicable
Visa sponsorship is not guaranteed, and ordinary entry-level mining vacancies should not be assumed to accept overseas applicants.
Official immigration information:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Visa-subsite/Pages/work/skills-in-demand-482-landing.aspx
How to Apply for Mining Jobs in Australia 2026
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Select a mining employer from the official career websites above.
- Search for a position matching your qualifications and experience.
- Review the vacancy location, salary, roster and closing date.
- Confirm the required licences and Australian work-right conditions.
- Prepare an updated résumé highlighting relevant experience.
- Submit the application through the employer’s official recruitment portal.
- Monitor your email for interviews, assessments and recruitment updates.
Applicants should never pay an unofficial recruiter who promises a guaranteed mining job.
For additional international opportunities, explore the JobsWithDamian Global Jobs and Careers section.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do mining workers earn in Australia in 2026?
Jobs and Skills Australia reports median full-time mining earnings of AUD $2,832 weekly, equivalent to approximately AUD $147,264 annually. Actual salaries vary by occupation and employer.
2. Can I get a FIFO mining job without experience?
Some employers provide apprenticeships or trainee pathways. Experienced mining equipment positions normally require relevant skills and competencies.
3. Which companies offer mining jobs in Australia?
Major companies and mining contractors include BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Macmahon, NRW Holdings, Thiess, Mineral Resources and Byrnecut.
4. What does FIFO mean in Australian mining?
FIFO means Fly-In Fly-Out, where employees travel to remote sites for scheduled work periods before returning home.
5. Do Australian mining companies provide accommodation?
Some FIFO employers provide site accommodation and meals. Applicants must check the individual employment agreement.
6. Can foreigners apply for Australian mining jobs?
Yes, provided they satisfy the employer’s requirements and hold appropriate work rights or qualify for a suitable sponsored visa.
7. Which mining jobs pay the highest salaries?
Specialised engineering, maintenance, geology and supervisory positions can attract high salaries, although experience and qualifications are important.
8. Where are most mining jobs located in Australia?
Western Australia and Queensland are major mining employment centres, with additional opportunities in New South Wales and other resource-producing regions.
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