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Driller Offsider

Assist drillers on exploration, mining and civil drilling rigs.

Estimated Salary: $90,000 - $140,000+ per year

Salary & Career Insights

What can I realistically earn as a Driller Offsider?

Typical Salary Range

$90,000 - $140,000+

per year, before tax

Entry Level$90,000 – $110,000
Experienced$120,000 – $140,000

Typical Rosters

2:13:14:1Even Time

Industries

MiningExplorationCivil

Career Growth

Starting Role

Driller Offsider

Next Role

Senior Offsider

Advanced Role

Drill Supervisor

Salary information is indicative only. Actual earnings depend on location, employer, experience, qualifications and market demand.

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Current Career PathwayDriller Offsider
SK

SEEK

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IN

INDEED

Thousands of FIFO and remote workforce opportunities.

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C1

CAREERONE

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What Is This Job?

Driller Offsiders (or Offsiders) support the Driller on a drill rig. The role is physical, often outdoors and remote, and is a common pathway to becoming a Driller.

Typical Duties
  • Rigging up and rigging down drills
  • Handling drill rods and casings
  • Sampling and recording
  • General site labour and rig clean-up
Day In The Life
  1. Pre-start safety check on the rig
  2. Set up rods and assist drilling
  3. Bag and label samples
  4. Pack down and reset for the next shift
Typical Rosters
  • 2/1, 3/1 or even-time
  • Some swings of 4 weeks on / 1 week off
Physical Requirements
  • Heavy lifting and repetitive movements
  • Working in remote, dusty conditions
  • Long shifts outdoors
Common Employers
  • DDH1
  • Boart Longyear
  • Mitchell Services
  • Major Drilling

Employer names are listed for general information. FIFO Go is not affiliated with these companies.

Where Do They Work?
MinesExploration SitesCivil ProjectsRemote Bush Camps
Common Entry Pathways
  • Labouring or trades background helps
  • White Card and First Aid recommended
FIFO Readiness Impact

Strong long-term pathway. Builds rig experience and unlocks senior driller roles with much higher pay.

Career Progression
Driller Offsider
Senior Offsider
Driller
Drill Supervisor
Tickets Needed
Tickets Needed
Who This Job Suits
  • Physically fit workers
  • People wanting to become a Driller
Common Questions

How long until I become a Driller?

Typically 1-3 years of consistent offsider experience, depending on the company.