In recent years, Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) jobs have gained considerable attention in Australia’s labour market, particularly in resource-rich states like Western Australia and Queensland. However, even in Victoria—a state better known for its manufacturing hubs, wind farms, and regional infrastructure projects—FIFO roles are gaining traction. One of the most in-demand occupations in this space? The FIFO electrician.
If you’re wondering how much does a FIFO electrician make per year in Victoria, Australia, the answer might surprise you. The role is not only lucrative, but also dynamic, offering high earnings, travel opportunities, and unique lifestyle arrangements. But, as with any high-paying trade, the devil is in the details. Let’s get into details with Plumber Warragul.
Understanding FIFO Roles: A Quick Snapshot
FIFO stands for Fly-In Fly-Out, a workforce model where employees fly to remote job sites—such as mines, oil rigs, or large-scale infrastructure builds—and return home after a set roster period (often 2 weeks on, 1 week off).
Victoria may not be home to the same scale of mining operations as Western Australia, but it still houses critical infrastructure and regional energy projects, including high-voltage transmission builds, solar farm installations in Mildura, and maintenance contracts on wind turbine networks in the Grampians and Gippsland regions. Many employers hire FIFO electricians to service these far-flung worksites from major hubs like Melbourne, Geelong, or Ballarat.
Annual Salary of a FIFO Electrician in Victoria
Let’s address the central question: How much does a FIFO electrician make per year in Victoria?
🔧 Base Salary Range
Based on national and local job market data, FIFO electricians in Victoria typically earn between:
- $110,000 and $160,000 AUD per year (before tax)
This figure can go higher based on qualifications, experience, and employer agreements.
💰 What Influences Their Pay?
Several factors affect a FIFO electrician’s annual salary in Victoria:
- Experience & Licensing
- Entry-level FIFO sparkies may start at around $100,000 AUD per annum.
- Those with Cert III Electrotechnology and High Voltage Switching certification can command up to $150,000-$160,000+ AUD.
- Roster Type
- A 2:1 or 3:1 roster (weeks on vs. weeks off) offers higher pay than a 1:1 arrangement, due to increased time spent on-site.
- Remote Site Allowances
- Some employers offer up to $20,000 AUD in annual allowances for extreme remote deployments (e.g., wind farms near Horsham or maintenance work on Snowy Hydro extension zones).
- Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs)
- Union-negotiated EBAs can push the hourly rate to $60–$80+ AUD, depending on the project, employer, and location.
Local Relevance: Victoria’s Growing Demand for FIFO Electricians
Victoria’s clean energy transition and regional infrastructure development are fuelling demand for skilled trades. The state is investing billions into:
- Regional rail upgrades (like the Shepparton and Geelong Line upgrades)
- Wind energy expansion in Western Victoria
- Battery storage facilities (notably the Victorian Big Battery near Geelong)
All of these projects need licensed electricians—often deployed on a FIFO or DIDO (Drive-In Drive-Out) basis from Melbourne or regional hubs. Salaries remain competitive to attract workers willing to operate in harsh or remote conditions.
In 2025, tradespeople with flexible work habits and open travel schedules are finding steady opportunities as part of large project teams. Victoria’s infrastructure pipeline ensures that FIFO electricians will remain in strong demand across the next decade. See Plumber Warragul for more.
FIFO vs Non-FIFO Electrician Salaries in Victoria
To better grasp the premium attached to FIFO roles, let’s compare:
| Role | Annual Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Local Domestic Electrician | $80,000 – $100,000 AUD |
| Construction Electrician (Metro) | $90,000 – $120,000 AUD |
| FIFO Electrician (Vic) | $110,000 – $160,000+ AUD |
| HV/Industrial FIFO Electrician | $150,000 – $180,000 AUD |
Clearly, FIFO roles offer a noticeable uplift in income due to remote hardship, roster cycles, and skillset scarcity.
Lifestyle Considerations: The Cost of a High Paycheck
While the salary can be attractive, FIFO life isn’t for everyone. Some challenges include:
- Time Away from Family
Long roster cycles can strain personal relationships, especially with young children or partners. - Mental Health Risks
Isolation, fatigue, and worksite pressures are common concerns in the FIFO space. - Physical Demands
FIFO electricians often work in extreme conditions: heatwaves in regional Victoria, icy mountain regions near Alpine areas, or windy open fields on wind farms.
However, for many, the roster-based flexibility (extended time off) and financial benefits outweigh these drawbacks—especially for early-career sparkies looking to build savings or support homeownership in high-cost areas like Melbourne or the Mornington Peninsula.
Key Qualifications and Licences
If you’re considering a FIFO electrician role in Victoria, here’s what you’ll typically need:
- A-Grade Electrical Licence (Energy Safe Victoria)
- Construction White Card
- Working at Heights / Confined Space Tickets
- CPR & LVR Certifications
- High Voltage Switching Ticket (for power infrastructure work)
- EWP Licence (Elevated Work Platform)
Extra certifications like Instrumentation or Hazardous Areas (EEHA) training can push your income above the $160K mark.
Where to Find FIFO Electrician Jobs in Victoria
Several platforms list FIFO electrician jobs specifically within or from Victoria:
- Seek.com.au (search terms: “FIFO electrician Victoria”, “remote electrical jobs VIC”)
- Indeed Australia
- LinkedIn Job Board
- Labour hire agencies like Core Talent, WorkPac, and Hays Trades & Labour
- Direct employer websites such as Downer Group, AusNet, Ventia, or TransGrid
The jobs may be in regional Victoria or interstate but originate from Victorian airports such as Tullamarine, Avalon, or regional airports like Mildura or Albury.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
So—how much does a FIFO electrician make per year in Victoria, Australia? On average, between $110,000 and $160,000 AUD, with room to grow.
For skilled sparkies, it’s one of the most rewarding financial paths in the trades sector. As Victoria continues its infrastructure and renewable energy boom, demand for FIFO talent is set to rise even further. The trade-offs in lifestyle are real—but for the right person, the rewards are undeniably compelling.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to shift from metro work into higher-earning regional contracts, FIFO electrical work in Victoria might just light the way. ⚡
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are FIFO jobs only for mining?
A: No. In Victoria, many FIFO roles support regional infrastructure, renewable energy, and electrical transmission projects.
Q: Can apprentices take FIFO roles?
A: Rarely. Most employers require full licensure and 2+ years of post-trade experience.
Q: Do FIFO sparkies get superannuation on top of salary?
A: Yes. Super is paid separately (usually 11% or more) on top of base pay.
Q: Is accommodation and food included in FIFO electrician packages?
A: Most FIFO packages include full board, meals, and return flights from designated hubs like Melbourne.