High mining job wages are one of the main reasons the Australian mining industry is a hot spot for people looking for a way to set themselves up for life.
The allure of a FIFO lifestyle and the availability of mining jobs, has kept mining wages high.
The Australian mining industry may be showing signs it’s going through a transition in 2014, however, when it comes to the high wages, it seems there is still some steam left in the salary packet. Mining, resources and energy jobs to this day still command the highest pay packets in Australia.
This news was confirmed by the online jobs board SEEK – so let’s review the findings.
“mining jobs top the list of high salaries”
The annual SEEK salary review has indicated that on average, mining jobs in the resource sector have topped the five highest-paying positions in Australia. Not surprisingly, with the flurry of new exploration and the discovery of underground gas supplies, oil and gas geoscientists have occupied the top rung on the salary ladder with an average gross wage of $158,671.
The other top four resource sector roles that pay well are:
- mining managers.
- mining geoscientists.
- oil and gas drillers; and
- mining engineers.
The average salary across all industries advertised on Seek in 2013 was $81,055 which was a slight decrease from $84,458 in 2012.
On average, jobs in mining, resources and energy boasted a wage of $138,083.
Mining jobs opportunities
Despite what you may read in the media, there are still plenty of mining jobs going around. Yes, times have changed in the industry and those dream high paying salaries where anyone could walk into a mining job and earn over $100k a year are in the past. Australian companies have taken a new approach to growing and managing its workforce in 2014.
The new approach is to employ people who show a genuine interest pursuing a career in the mining and resource industry. When you consider the amount of money mining companies spend on mining job advertisements, selection people, training inducting them into the mine – it’s no wonder the bar has been raised in terms of who is allowed in through the front gates.
Mining is a very risky and hazardous business, with literally hundreds of potential risks faced by mine workers every day. Before anyone can dream of the $100k plus job in the mines, there are a few steps to the process.
Education & Training
Education and relevant qualifications are essential for the more senior of mining roles.
Degree qualified people can expect be at the top of the tree when it comes to mining job wages. Professional careers in mining can take years to develop as industry experience is a major factor in deciding just who is offered these select jobs.
Many senior mine managers have worked their way up the ladder and earned themselves the high paying wages they now enjoy. This is indicative of any industry, not just the mining and resource sector.
These days, many people prefer to skip the ‘hands-on’ – start at the bottom of the ladder and think they can slot in to a mining job with ease, bypassing the entry-level type roles.
Of course if you are one of those people who have invested in your education and attained the relevant qualifications, such as a degree or nationally recognised qualification, then mining job wages will undoubtedly be higher than that of entry level workers.
No matter which way you look at it, the mining industry in Australia is a great place to work and earn high mining job wages.
