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Trade Assistant

Support qualified tradespeople on construction, shutdown and FIFO maintenance projects.

Estimated Salary: $85,000 - $130,000+ per year

Salary & Career Insights

What can I realistically earn as a Trade Assistant?

Typical Salary Range

$85,000 - $130,000+

per year, before tax

Entry Level$85,000 – $100,000
Experienced$110,000 – $130,000

Typical Rosters

2:18:6Shutdown swings 2-4 weeks

Industries

MiningShutdownConstruction

Career Growth

Starting Role

Trade Assistant

Next Role

Apprentice or Ticketed Operator

Advanced Role

Supervisor

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

Live FIFO Job Search

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Tailored to your selected career pathway across Australia's leading job platforms.

Current Career PathwayTrade Assistant
SK

SEEK

Australia's largest job board.

View Jobs on SEEK
IN

INDEED

Thousands of FIFO and remote workforce opportunities.

View Jobs on Indeed
C1

CAREERONE

Additional FIFO, shutdown and regional opportunities.

View Jobs on CareerOne

These job searches are tailored to your selected FIFO career pathway. FIFO Go is not affiliated with SEEK, Indeed or CareerOne. Listings and availability are managed by those platforms.

What Is This Job?

Trade Assistants (TAs) work alongside qualified tradespeople. You will help with tools, materials, site prep and safety so the trade can focus on the skilled work.

Typical Duties
  • Assisting tradespeople with tools and materials
  • Site preparation and clean-up
  • Operating basic equipment
  • Following work permits and safety procedures
Day In The Life
  1. Pre-start meeting and JSA review
  2. Collect tools and materials for the trade
  3. Assist on the job throughout the day
  4. Pack up and clean the work area
Typical Rosters
  • 2/1
  • 8/6
  • Shutdown rosters of 2-4 weeks
Physical Requirements
  • Standing, lifting and climbing
  • Working outdoors in hot conditions
  • Comfortable working at heights or in confined spaces
Common Employers
  • Monadelphous
  • Civmec
  • UGL
  • BGC Contracting
  • Decmil

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

Where Do They Work?
MinesConstruction ProjectsProcessing PlantsIndustrial SitesShutdowns
Common Entry Pathways
  • White Card is essential
  • Heights, Confined Space and Gas Test help on shutdowns
FIFO Readiness Impact

Excellent stepping stone. Opens up trades, shutdowns and high-paying ticketed roles.

Career Progression
Trade Assistant
Senior TA / Leading Hand
Apprentice or Ticketed Operator
Tradesperson
Supervisor
Tickets Needed
Tickets Needed
Who This Job Suits
  • Hands-on workers
  • People wanting to learn a trade
  • Shutdown workers
Common Questions

Can a TA become a tradesperson?

Yes. Many TAs build up experience and tickets and move into trade or operator roles.