If you’re looking for one of the easiest ways to break into the Australian mining industry, becoming a driller’s offsider is one of the best entry points available.

Every year, hundreds of people with little or no mining experience land offsider roles with drilling contractors across Australia. Most companies provide on-the-job training, meaning previous drilling experience isn’t usually required. If you’re physically fit, willing to work hard and have the right attitude, you could be earning between $110,000 and $140,000+ per year in an entry-level FIFO role.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

What a driller’s offsider does
The basic requirements to get started
How much offsiders earn
Which companies hire driller’s offsiders
Where to find jobs
How to improve your chances of getting hired

Download Our FREE Driller’s Offsider Guide

This article covers the basics, but if you’re serious about landing a FIFO drilling job, we’ve put together a free step-by-step guide that walks you through the entire process.

Inside you’ll find:

Resume tips that actually work
Companies currently hiring
The best tickets to get first
Interview advice
Common mistakes to avoid
Where to apply
What to expect during recruitment

👉 Download your FREE Driller’s Offsider Guide here: https://thefifoinsider.com/offsider-guide/

What Does a Driller’s Offsider Do?

A driller’s offsider works alongside an experienced driller operating exploration or production drill rigs on mine sites throughout Australia.

Your daily duties may include:

Handling drill rods and equipment
Mixing drilling fluids (mud)
Cleaning and maintaining equipment
Loading supplies and consumables
Assisting with rig setup
General labouring around the drill site
Following strict safety procedures

The role is physically demanding. You’ll spend long hours working outdoors in hot, dusty conditions while lifting heavy equipment and working around machinery.

Although it’s challenging, many people use this role as their first step into the mining industry before moving into higher-paying positions.

Do You Need Experience?

One of the biggest advantages of becoming a driller’s offsider is that many employers hire people with no previous mining experience.

Instead of experience, recruiters generally look for applicants who:

Have a strong work ethic
Are physically fit
Can pass a pre-employment medical
Can pass a drug and alcohol test
Have a manual driver’s licence (preferred)
Hold a White Card
Have a positive attitude and willingness to learn

Some companies may also prefer applicants with:

HR Driver’s Licence
First Aid Certificate
Working at Heights
Confined Space
National Police Clearance

These aren’t always mandatory but can make your application more competitive.

How Much Do Driller’s Offsiders Earn?

Salaries vary depending on the employer, roster and project, but most entry-level roles pay well above the Australian average.

Experience	Typical Salary
Entry Level	$110,000 – $130,000
Experienced	$130,000 – $150,000+
Senior or Specialised	$150,000 – $170,000+

Many roles also include:

Superannuation
Site allowances
Paid flights
Accommodation
Meals while on site

Which Companies Hire Driller’s Offsiders?

These companies regularly recruit driller’s offsiders throughout Australia.

Major Drilling Contractors

DDH1 Drilling
Swick Mining Services
Wallis Drilling
Boart Longyear
Topdrill
Strike Drilling
Ranger Drilling
VM Drilling
McKay Drilling
Deepcore Drilling
Precision Exploration Drilling
AMWD
Capricorn Drilling
HMR Drilling Services
Serra Drilling
Ground Test Drilling
Acqua Drill Resources
Bostech Drilling

Recruitment Companies

Many employers also recruit through labour hire companies such as:

Aston Advantage
True Resources
Redfield Resources
Itch Recruitment
Niche Resources Group
Guma-Warnii Resources
LH Partners
Harmec

These companies recruit throughout Australia depending on project requirements.

Where Are Most FIFO Drilling Jobs?

Most drilling jobs are located in Australia’s major mining regions, including:

Western Australia
Queensland
South Australia
Northern Territory

Workers commonly fly to site from:

Perth
Brisbane
Adelaide
Darwin
Melbourne
Sydney

Even if you don’t live in Western Australia, many companies recruit interstate applicants for FIFO positions.

Where Should You Look for Jobs?

Most driller’s offsider jobs are advertised through:

SEEK
Indeed
LinkedIn
Company career pages
Labour hire companies

It’s also worth creating job alerts so you’re notified as soon as new positions become available.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired

Competition can be strong, especially for entry-level positions. Small improvements to your application can make a big difference.

Here are a few ways to increase your chances:

Tailor your resume specifically for mining jobs.
Highlight any labouring, construction, farming or trade experience.
Obtain your White Card before applying.
Be prepared to complete a medical and drug test.
Apply consistently rather than waiting for the “perfect” job.
Follow up with recruiters after submitting your application.

A well-written resume that targets the mining industry is often the difference between getting an interview and never hearing back.

Common Mistakes Applicants Make

Many people miss out on interviews because they make simple mistakes.

Some of the most common include:

Sending the same generic resume to every employer.
Applying for experienced roles without meeting the requirements.
Not including a current phone number or email.
Ignoring licence and ticket requirements.
Giving up after only a few applications.

Remember, many successful offsiders applied for dozens of positions before receiving their first opportunity.

Is Being a Driller’s Offsider Worth It?

For many people, absolutely.

The role offers:

Excellent entry-level pay
No previous mining experience required
Full on-the-job training with many employers
A pathway into the mining industry
Opportunities to progress into driller and supervisor positions
Experience that can open doors to other FIFO careers

While the work is physically demanding, it’s one of the fastest ways to establish a long-term career in mining.

Download the FREE Driller’s Offsider Guide

If you’re serious about becoming a driller’s offsider, don’t stop here.

Our free guide covers everything you need to know before applying, including:

Step-by-step application process
Resume examples
Companies currently hiring
Tickets worth getting
Interview preparation
Medical assessments
FIFO lifestyle tips
Common mistakes that stop people getting hired

👉 Download your FREE Driller’s Offsider Guide here: https://thefifoinsider.com/offsider-guide/

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a driller’s offsider with no experience?

Yes. Many drilling companies hire people with no previous mining experience and provide on-the-job training.

Do I need a White Card?

In most cases, yes. A White Card is one of the most commonly requested requirements for entry-level drilling jobs.

Is being a driller’s offsider hard work?

Yes. It is one of the most physically demanding entry-level jobs in mining, requiring long hours, manual handling and outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

What FIFO rosters do driller’s offsiders work?

Common rosters include 2:1, 2:2, 8:6 and occasionally longer swings depending on the employer and project.

Can women become driller’s offsiders?

Absolutely. More women are entering the drilling industry every year, and many companies actively encourage female applicants.

Is there an age limit?

No. Employers focus on your fitness, attitude and ability to perform the work rather than your age.

Do I need an HR licence?

Not always. Some companies prefer applicants with an HR licence, but many entry-level roles don’t require one.

How long does it take to get hired?

It varies. Some applicants secure a role within a few weeks, while others may need to apply for several months before receiving an offer. Persistence is key.

Final Thoughts

A driller’s offsider role remains one of the best pathways into the Australian mining industry. With strong wages, ongoing demand and opportunities for career progression, it’s an excellent option for people looking to start a FIFO career without previous mining experience.

If you’re ready to take the next step, make sure you have the right information before you start applying.

Download our FREE Driller’s Offsider Guide today and give yourself the best possible chance of landing your first FIFO drilling job.

👉 https://thefifoinsider.com/offsider-guide/

Driller’s Offsider Jobs: The Complete Beginner’s Guide