High Paying Mining Jobs in Australia
Where the Six-Figure Roles Really are — and what it takes to land one.
Australian Mining Pays Well Above the National Average across almost every Role — from Entry-Level Truck Drivers to Specialist Tradespeople and Engineers. Click any Role Below for a Full Career Guide, Certificates Required, and Step-by-Step Advice on how to obtain the Role.
Mine Site Supervisor / Superintendent
Tickets / Qualifications: S1/S2/S3 statutory tickets (WA), Leadership Experience
Statutory Positions carry Legal Responsibility — Paid Accordingly.
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Underground Shot Firer / Blaster
Tickets / Qualifications: Shot Firer licence, Standard 11, Underground Induction
High-risk, Licensed work. Shortages across WA gold and Nickel underground mines.
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Mining Engineer (Underground)
Tickets / Qualifications: Bachelor of Mining Engineering, WA First Class Ticket for senior roles
Design, Ventilation, round Control — Engineering Degree Required.
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Drill & Blast Supervisor
Tickets / Qualifications: Shot Firer + Supervisory Experience
Runs the Highest-Risk Crew on Site so Paid High Accordingly.
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Advanced Rigger (Shutdowns)
Tickets / Qualifications: Advanced Rigging, Working at Heights, Confined Space
Peak Shutdown Seasons Pay Premium Day Rates for Experienced Riggers.
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Mine Site Electrician (HV)
Tickets / Qualifications: A-grade electrical, HV Switching ticket
High Voltage work on Fixed Plant — Safety-critical Premium.
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Boilermaker / Heavy Fabrication Welder
Tickets / Qualifications: Cert III Engineering (Fabrication), Pressure Welding tickets
Fixed Plant Maintenance and Shutdown work — always short.
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Auto Electrician (Mining)
Tickets / Qualifications: Cert III Auto Electrical, HV licence a plus
Autonomous Haulage fleets have created a chronic shortage.
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Geologist (Exploration & Production)
Tickets / Qualifications: Bachelor of Geology, AusIMM membership common
Gold Price is High — Exploration budgets are back.
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Dump Truck / Dozer / Grader Operator
Tickets / Qualifications: Verification of Competency (VOC) per machine
Multi-ticketed operators earn Well above single-Machine peers.
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Diesel Fitter / Heavy Duty Mechanic
Tickets / Qualifications: Cert III Mobile Plant / Heavy Vehicle
Caterpillar 793/797, Komatsu 930E Experience commands the top of the band.
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Haul Truck Operator (Autonomous & Manual)
Tickets / Qualifications: HR licence, Standard 11, Site Induction
Entry-friendly for a High Salary. 24/7 Iron Ore Operations in the Pilbara.
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FIFO Camp Chef
Tickets / Qualifications: Cert III Commercial Cookery
Best-paid hospitality work in the country, all meals and flights covered.
Read full role guide CLICK >> To Reveal More Detail →How to move up the pay scale
- Stack tickets. A truck driver with dogging, EWP, and forklift out-earns single-ticket peers.
- Chase shutdown work — 6 to 8 weeks of intense hours can add $40k+ to a year's earnings.
- Go remote or underground. Rosters get harder, pay gets much better.
- Move to Statutory Positions (supervisor, OCE) once you have the years.