FIFO salary: what lands in your bank account after tax and Medicare

FIFO pay varies widely by role, roster, and location; no single figure is published by the ATO or Fair Work.

Minimum wage Full-time average $80,000 $120,000 $180,000

What a FIFO salary really means

When you see a job ad for a FIFO (fly-in fly-out) role, the figure quoted is rarely the amount that lands in your bank account. Employers often advertise a salary package that includes superannuation, site allowances, and even travel costs. Your actual take-home pay depends on how the package is structured, the tax withheld, and the Medicare levy.

This guide helps you cut through the confusion. We use the latest ATO tax tables and Fair Work benchmarks so you can estimate your after-tax income from a FIFO salary.

Gross salary vs package vs take-home

A typical FIFO ad might say "$150,000 package". That could mean:

Base salary – the cash component before tax and super.
Plus super – the employer adds 12% super on top (from 1 July 2026).
Including super – the $150,000 already contains the super contribution.
Allowances – site, travel, or living-away-from-home allowances that may be taxable.

Your take-home pay is the amount after your employer withholds PAYG tax and the Medicare levy. Super is not deducted from your pay if it's quoted as "plus super". If the package is "including super", part of that $150,000 goes to your super fund, not your bank account.

Using ATO tax tables to estimate withholding

The Australian Taxation Office publishes fortnightly tax tables that apply from 1 July 2026 . To estimate your take-home:

Determine your gross fortnightly earnings (ignore cents).
Use the table column for "claiming the tax-free threshold" (most residents).
The table gives the amount to withhold. Subtract that from your gross.
Then apply the Medicare levy. For full-time workers, that's 2% of taxable income. If your taxable income is below $35,013 (single), you may pay a reduced rate or none. The latest published single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013.
Add any tax offsets you're eligible for, such as the Low Income Tax Offset (up to $700).

Example: A FIFO worker earning $2,000 per fortnight (gross) would have about $240 withheld (using the table) plus $40 Medicare levy, leaving around $1,720 take-home. This is an estimate only – your actual withholding depends on your tax file number declaration and any study loans.

The National Minimum Wage benchmark

Fair Work sets the National Minimum Wage at $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026 . This is the floor for employees not covered by an award. Most FIFO roles are covered by awards (e.g., Mining Industry Award) that pay significantly more. Use the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool to check your award rates.

Why FIFO pay varies

There is no single "FIFO salary" figure published by the ATO, Fair Work, or the ABS. Pay depends on:

Role – electricians, drillers, and supervisors earn different rates.
Roster – 2/1, 3/1, or 8/6 rosters affect total hours and penalties.
Location – remote sites often attract higher allowances.
Experience – senior roles command premiums.

Because of this variation, you need to calculate your own take-home using the tools on this site. Our Take-home pay guide walks you through the steps, and our Tax and Medicare page explains the thresholds and offsets.

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming the package is your cash salary. Always ask: "Is super included or on top?"
Forgetting the Medicare levy. Even if you earn below the threshold, full-time workers usually pay the full 2%.
Ignoring allowances. Site allowances are taxable and increase your withholding.
Using last year's tax tables. The ATO updated all withholding schedules for 2026–27 due to tax cuts.

Final word

A FIFO salary can be lucrative, but the number on the ad is not what you take home. Use the ATO's fortnightly tax table and the Fair Work minimum wage as your starting points. Then adjust for your specific package, allowances, and tax offsets. Bookmark this guide and our Clearance tool to run your own estimates.

Resident estimate only. Excludes HELP/HECS, Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll tax-table rounding. Not an assessment.

Questions

Why is my FIFO salary package different from my take-home pay?

A FIFO salary package often includes employer superannuation contributions (12% from 1 July 2026), site allowances, and travel benefits. Your take-home pay is the amount after income tax and the Medicare levy are withheld. The ATO's fortnightly tax table [] shows how much to withhold based on your gross earnings. Always check whether the advertised figure is 'plus super' or 'including super'.

How do I estimate my take-home pay from a FIFO salary?

Start with your gross annual salary (excluding super if it's quoted as 'plus super'). Divide by 26 for a fortnightly amount. Use the ATO's fortnightly tax table [] to find the withholding amount. Then subtract the Medicare levy (2% of taxable income, but reduced if you earn below $35,013 as a single). Add any tax offsets like the Low Income Tax Offset (up to $700). The result is your estimated take-home per fortnight.

Are FIFO workers entitled to the National Minimum Wage?

Yes, if you are an employee covered by the Fair Work Act, you must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week []. However, most FIFO roles are covered by awards or enterprise agreements that set higher rates. Your minimum pay is determined by the award that applies to your industry and role.