Yahoo Finance FIFO worker reveals huge salary
The FIFO heavy-diesel mechanic works 84 hours a week - two weeks on, two weeks off.
An Aussie FIFO worker has lifted the lid on exactly how much he earns working in the mines in Western Australia.
Heavy-diesel mechanic Richard Detering took to social media to share his salary after receiving “so many comments” about it.
“I just want to preface though in saying that this is in no way meant to be a flex, and I don’t think I’m better than anyone else because of my earnings,” Richard said in a TikTok, which has now racked up half a million views.
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“Currently, I’m earning $165,000 per year. On top of this, we also receive a yearly bonus of about 15 per cent, which brings the total yearly earnings to around about $190,000.”
Richard said this worked out to about $115,000 per year without the bonus, after tax.
“As a FIFO worker, working 84 hours a week - two weeks on and two weeks off - I rack up around 2,016 working hours per year. Compared to 2,080 for a standard 40-hour working week,” he said.
Earning double the pay
The average heavy-diesel mechanic salary in Australia is $88,920 per year, or $45.60 per hour, according to Talent.
Entry-level positions start at $80,000 per year, while experienced workers can make up to $137,725 per year.
Richard said the higher salary he was receiving made FIFO work worth it for him.
“For me, earning over double the amount while working less total hours and having to only think about work for about six months of the year has been more than enough reason to make certain other sacrifices,” he said.
‘Deserve every penny’
Hundreds of users flocked to the video’s comments, with many saying his salary was well deserved.
“That money is justified though. You're away from family and friends, missing birthdays, anniversaries, Easters, Christmases,” one person commented.
“Congrats sir, you deserve every penny. People don’t realise how much hard work it is,” another said.
Others were surprised at the salary reveal, with some believing he should be getting paid more.
“I get more sitting in my air con cab on the mines. Tradesmen are so underpaid for the conditions and work they do out here,” one said.
“I thought it would be more than that. Doesn't sound particularly high to me,” another wrote.
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