Shotfirer Salary in Australia (2026)
SEEK's Shotfirer page shows an average salary of $135,000 to $150,000 a year, with a median of $138,500, based on pay disclosed in job ads (checked 10 October 2026).
Last checked 10 October 2026. Pay changes, so check the source before you rely on a figure.
What does a shotfirer 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 shows no Mining, Resources & Energy average for Shotfirer.
| Figure | What it measures | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| $135,000 to $150,000 a year | SEEK's stated average salary range for the role "Shotfirer" 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, Shotfirer salary | 10 October 2026 |
| Median $138,500 a year | The middle point of SEEK's salary distribution for "Shotfirer", on the same disclosed-in-ads basis. | SEEK career advice, Shotfirer salary | 10 October 2026 |
| $120,000 to $165,000 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, Shotfirer salary | 10 October 2026 |
| $29.67 to $32.51 an hourLevel 2 - Intermediate to Level 4 - Advanced. About $1,127.61 to $1,235.31 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: Level 2 to Level 4. | 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 shotfirers. 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, MA000011Spread
SEEK's 10th to 90th percentile spread for shotfirers is $120,000 to $165,000 a year. SEEK shows no Mining, Resources & Energy average for this role.
SEEK career advice, Shotfirer salaryLicensing, Western Australia
Western Australia's regulator says a shotfiring licence is needed to blast rock or similar solid material. Applicants must be at least 18, hold or have applied for a WA dangerous goods security card (or a recognised clearance), pass a medical assessment and complete a course with an approved training provider.
WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, applying for a shotfirer licenceLicensing, Queensland
In Queensland a shotfirer licence is applied for through the RSHQ Portal, after getting a Queensland Explosives Security Clearance. The licence is not needed to work at a mine site if you meet section 37(1) of the Explosives Regulation 2017 and are appointed by the site senior executive or underground mine manager.
Queensland Government, applying for a shotfirer licenceAward coverage
The Mining Industry Award 2020 covers drilling and blasting in its Surface mining and haulage group at Entry level to Level 4. It does not name shotfirers at a level, so the indicative range below is our reading only.
Mining Industry Award 2020 (MA000011)
Tickets to check for as a shotfirer
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.
How to become a shotfirer
SEEK's Shotfirer page lists no entry pathway or required qualification. Licensing is set by each state or territory, so check the regulator for the state you want to work in. We read the Western Australian and Queensland pages above only, and we have not checked the other states.
WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, applying for a shotfirer licence
Finding shotfirer 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.
Shotfirer salary questions answered
How much does a shotfirer earn in Australia?
SEEK's page shows an average salary of $135,000 to $150,000 a year, with a median of $138,500, based on salaries disclosed in job ads.
Do I need a licence to be a shotfirer?
In Western Australia a shotfiring licence is needed to blast rock or similar solid material. In Queensland a licence is not needed at a mine site if you meet section 37(1) of the Explosives Regulation 2017 and are appointed by the site senior executive or underground mine manager. We have not checked other states.
What does a shotfirer do?
SEEK describes shotfirers as preparing, positioning and detonating explosives to demolish buildings and structures or dislodge rocks and soil.
Why is the award rate different from SEEK's range?
The award is a legal minimum, and SEEK's range reflects what employers disclose in job ads. The two measure different things, so we show them separately and do not blend them.
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.
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- All salaries by role Compare the roles we have sourced, each with its source and date.