Driller Offsider Salary in Australia (2026)
SEEK's Offsider page shows an average salary of $75,000 to $95,000 a year, based on pay disclosed in job ads (checked 10 October 2026). SEEK has no separate driller offsider page. The Mining Award minimum for entry roles is a floor, and many mines pay above it.
Last checked 10 October 2026. Pay changes, so check the source before you rely on a figure.
What does a driller offsider earn?
Each row is one source, shown as that source states it. We do not average or blend them, because they measure different things. SEEK says its insights are based on full-time salary ranges employers disclosed on SEEK job ads. Some disclosed salaries include superannuation and other benefits, others do not.
SEEK has no page titled "driller offsider". Its "Offsider" page is described as setting up, moving, operating and dismantling drilling rigs and equipment, so the figures below come from that page.
| Figure | What it measures | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 to $95,000 a year | SEEK's stated average salary range for the role "Offsider" in Australia. Based on full-time salary ranges employers disclosed on SEEK job ads. Some disclosed salaries include super and other benefits, others do not. | SEEK career advice, Offsider salary | 10 October 2026 |
| Median $85,000 a year | The middle point of SEEK's salary distribution for "Offsider", on the same disclosed-in-ads basis. | SEEK career advice, Offsider salary | 10 October 2026 |
| $55,000 to $115,000 a year | SEEK's 10th to 90th percentile spread. Most disclosed salaries fall inside it, with the lowest and highest tenth outside. | SEEK career advice, Offsider salary | 10 October 2026 |
| $87,667 a year average | SEEK's average salary for "Offsider" jobs in the Mining, Resources & Energy industry only. | SEEK career advice, Offsider salary | 10 October 2026 |
| $120,000 to $140,000 a year | A different role: SEEK's range for "Driller", shown only as a reference for where offsiders can progress. Median $131,500 a year, Mining, Resources & Energy average $115,731 a year. | SEEK career advice, Driller salary | 10 October 2026 |
| $27.53 to $29.67 an hourEntry level - Introductory to Level 2 - Intermediate. About $1,046.31 to $1,127.61 a week for 38 ordinary hours. | Minimum rates under the Mining Industry Award 2020, per hour, including the industry allowance. MiningReady's reading of which award levels this role usually falls under: the award does not name the role at a level. Many mines pay above the award under enterprise agreements. Indicative range here: Entry level to Level 2. | Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide, Mining Industry Award 2020 (MA000011) | 6 October 2026 |
Want to work out take-home pay? Try the salary calculator, or read the mining salaries guide.
What affects pay
Roster
No source we checked publishes a roster specific to driller offsiders. Rosters vary by site and employer, so confirm it in the job ad. A parliamentary inquiry found FIFO cycles run from 9 days on and 5 off to 28 days on and 7 off, with a twelve-hour on-site day typical. The report is from 2013, so treat it as background.
Parliament of Australia, FIFO/DIDO inquiry report (2013)FIFO or residential
No source we checked gives a FIFO versus residential pay figure for this role, so we do not show one. When you compare offers, check whether the figure is a base rate or an all-in figure, and what the employer provides for flights, accommodation and meals.
Award or enterprise agreement
The Mining Industry Award 2020 sets minimums only. Under it, casual staff get a 25% loading, and afternoon or night shift is paid at 115% of ordinary hourly rate. Mines often pay above the award under enterprise agreements, but we cannot verify typical figures.
Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide, MA000011Industry
SEEK's Mining, Resources & Energy average for Offsider is $87,667 a year. Its averages for the same role in other industries are Construction $68,909, Trades & Services $59,657 and Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics $56,644.
SEEK career advice, Offsider salaryProgression
SEEK's separate Driller page gives $120,000 to $140,000 a year. It is a different role, so treat it as a ceiling to aim at, not an offsider figure.
SEEK career advice, Driller salary
Tickets to check for as a driller offsider
Each employer and site sets its own requirements. Treat this as a list of what to look for in job ads, not a guarantee of what you need.
- White Card General construction induction card, often asked for on mine construction and shutdown work. Check the job ad.
- Standard 11 Generic induction for Queensland coal mines. Only needed for work on a Queensland coal mine.
- Working at Heights Training for work at height. Check whether the job ad lists it.
- Confined Space Training for entering confined spaces. Check whether the job ad lists it.
How to become a driller offsider
SEEK's Offsider page lists no entry pathway or required qualification. Requirements vary by drilling contractor, so check each job ad for the tickets, licences and site induction it asks for. The tickets below are the ones worth checking for.
Finding driller offsider jobs
Search the big job boards for current ads, and read the roster, award or agreement and ticket requirements in each one before you apply. These are plain search links, not endorsements.
Driller Offsider salary questions answered
Is a driller offsider a hard job?
No source we checked rates how hard it is. SEEK describes the work as setting up, moving, operating and dismantling drilling rigs and equipment. Ask about the site, roster and physical demands before you accept an offer.
Do I need qualifications to become a driller offsider?
SEEK's Offsider page does not list a required qualification. Requirements vary by drilling contractor, so check each job ad.
What does a driller offsider do?
SEEK's Offsider page says the role sets up, moves, operates and dismantles drilling rigs and equipment.
Which FIFO job pays the most?
We cannot rank every FIFO job with a verified source. Among the roles on this site, SEEK's stated ranges put mining engineer highest at $145,000 to $165,000 a year, but that is a professional role. See the salaries hub to compare.
Where to next
- Salary calculator Estimate take-home pay for your roster and classification.
- Mining salaries guide Award minimums by level, loadings and how pay is set.
- Excavator Operator salary $115,000 to $135,000 a year (SEEK career advice (Excavator Operator)).
- Rigger salary $80,000 to $90,000 a year (SEEK career advice (Rigger)).
- All salaries by role Compare the roles we have sourced, each with its source and date.