What a FIFO Electrician Salary Means for Your Take-Home Pay
FIFO electrician pay varies by site, roster, and allowances; award minimums start at $26.44/hour ($1,004.90/week) for Grade 1, while the median full-time electrician earns $2,191/week before tax.
Understanding Your FIFO Electrician Salary
If you're working as a FIFO electrician, your pay can vary significantly depending on the site, roster, and allowances. This guide focuses on what actually lands in your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy — your take-home pay. We'll use the latest award rates and median earnings to give you a realistic picture.
What the Award Says
Fair Work sets minimum rates under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020. For a full-time employee (38 hours per week), the minimum weekly rate ranges from $1,004.90 (Grade 1) to $1,415.00 (Grade 10). That's $26.44 to $37.24 per hour. These are the legal minimums — many FIFO contracts pay well above these figures, especially for remote work.
Median Earnings for Electricians
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time electrician earns $2,191 per week before tax, or about $55 per hour. That's higher than the all-occupations median of $1,852. Keep in mind this includes all electricians, not just FIFO. FIFO roles often attract additional site allowances, travel pay, and higher base rates, so your actual salary may be higher.
What Changes Your Fortnightly Pay
Your take-home pay depends on three main factors: income tax brackets, the Medicare levy, and superannuation.
Income Tax Brackets (2026–27)
For resident taxpayers, the first $18,200 is tax-free. Then:
- $18,201 to $45,000: 15c per dollar over $18,200
- $45,001 to $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c per dollar over $45,000
- $135,001 to $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c per dollar over $135,000
- Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c per dollar over $190,000
You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO), which can reduce tax by up to $700, but it phases out above $37,500.
Medicare Levy
Most full-time workers pay the full 2% Medicare levy. The latest single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If your taxable income is above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. For a FIFO electrician earning above that, expect $0.02 per dollar of taxable income to go to the levy.
Superannuation
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. Your employer pays this on top of your salary — it's not deducted from your take-home pay unless you salary-sacrifice. When comparing job offers, check whether the advertised "FIFO electrician salary" is inclusive or exclusive of super.
Estimating Your Take-Home Pay
To get a rough idea, start with your annual gross salary. Subtract the tax using the brackets above, then subtract 2% for Medicare. Add back any LITO if applicable. Divide by 26 for fortnightly pay. Remember, this is an estimate — your actual tax may vary due to HELP/HECS, the Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging.
For example, if your FIFO electrician salary is $110,000 per year (plus super), your estimated annual tax is about $23,967 plus $2,200 Medicare levy, leaving around $83,833 take-home, or about $3,224 per fortnight. But this is a rough guide — use the Take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.
Key Takeaways
- The minimum wage for an electrical worker is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week).
- Median electrician earnings are $2,191 per week or $55 per hour.
- FIFO roles often pay more due to allowances and remote work conditions.
- Your fortnightly pay is affected by tax brackets, the Medicare levy, and whether super is included in the advertised salary.
For more details on tax and Medicare, see Tax and Medicare. To understand how salary packaging might affect your take-home, check Salary packaging.
Questions
How does the Medicare levy affect my FIFO electrician take-home pay?
The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. For the 2026–27 tax year, the single-person thresholds are $28,011 (lower) and $35,013 (upper). If your taxable income is below $28,011, you pay no levy; between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay 10 cents per dollar over the lower threshold; above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. Most full-time FIFO electricians will pay the full 2%.
What is the difference between my gross FIFO salary and my take-home pay?
Your gross salary is the amount before deductions. From that, your employer deducts income tax (using the 2026–27 tax brackets: nil up to $18,200, then 15c per $1 up to $45,000, etc.), the 2% Medicare levy, and any other deductions like HELP/HECS or salary sacrifice. Superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on top of your salary by your employer, not deducted from your take-home pay unless you salary-sacrifice. Your actual bank deposit is the gross minus tax and levy, usually paid weekly or fortnightly.
Are FIFO electricians paid above the award rates?
Yes, many FIFO roles pay above the minimum award rates due to remote work, rosters, and site allowances. The Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 sets minimums from $26.44/hour (Grade 1) to $37.24/hour (Grade 10). However, median earnings for all electricians (including FIFO) are $55/hour or $2,191/week, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. Your actual rate depends on the employer, location, and your experience.