Are Those Mining Jobs You See on TikTok Legit?

TikTok is buzzing with videos claiming that mining jobs are paying huge $$$, with entry-level roles—requiring no experience—paying more than $10,000 per month. These eye-catching posts often depict a luxurious lifestyle funded by these high-paying positions. But is there any truth to these claims, and can you actually earn such a high income in the mining industry with little or no experience?

The Truth About High-Paying Mining Gigs

Look, those top-dollar mining jobs do exist, but here’s the kicker – they’re not exactly entry-level. The positions pulling in serious cash? They usually require some serious skills and experience. Everyone wants to start at the top, but that’s not how it works. You gotta put in the time and climb that ladder.

The type of roster also impacts earnings. Mining operations often use different rosters, such as FIFO or residential setups, to manage their workforce.

FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out): FIFO arrangements involve flying workers to the mining site for a set period, followed by a break where they return home. This type of roster is common in remote areas where it is impractical for workers to live nearby. FIFO workers often work long shifts, such as two weeks on and one week off, which can be demanding but is compensated with higher pay and additional allowances.

Residential Jobs: In contrast, residential mining jobs allow workers to live near the mine site and return home daily. While these positions might offer slightly lower pay compared to FIFO roles, they provide a better work-life balance. Residential jobs are typically found in more established mining regions with developed communities.

FIFO rosters, can be physically and mentally taxing. Workers must be prepared for long hours, extended time away from family, and the challenges of working in remote locations.

What You Can Actually Expect as a Newbie

Forget those TikTok fantasies – starting out in mining isn’t going to make you rich overnight. Entry-level jobs pay way less than what you see plastered all over social media. But don’t write them off – they can still be a solid gig and a foot in the door.

Here’s the deal: You start at the bottom, but there’s room to move up. As you gain experience and pick up new skills, your paycheck grows. Take a job like a driller’s offsider on a 2/1 roster (two weeks on, one week off). You might pull in around $120,000 a year. While it’s a decent salary, it involves a demanding schedule and is physically tough work.

Or maybe you start driving a dump truck as a trainee. Stick with it, and within a year or two, you could be operating a dozer or water cart. Keep at it, and you might end up running a digger, grader, drill, or moxy. Each new skill bumps up your pay.

The Bottom Line

Yes, there’s serious money to be made in mining. But those top-tier salaries? They go to the pros with years under their belt and specialised skills. How much you make depends on your experience, the roster, where the job is, the company and other factors. Do your homework before you buy into the hype. Mining can be a solid career, but it’s no get-rich-quick scheme.

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