FIFO guide
FIFO roster patterns explained
A FIFO roster pattern defines how your time is split between site and home. Each pattern has a fixed swing length (days on site) and a fixed R&R length (days at home), repeating continuously. This guide explains every major Australian FIFO pattern, compares them side-by-side, and helps you understand which one suits your situation.
Each pattern in detail
Mining, oil & gas, civil construction, healthcare
The most common FIFO pattern in Australia. Used across virtually every industry. Provides regular 7-day breaks and strong earning potential.
Full guide →Large-scale open-cut mining, LNG processing
Same on-site ratio as the 2/1 but with longer swings and longer breaks. Popular in WA Pilbara iron ore and QLD coal operations.
Full guide →Mid-size mining, remote construction, offshore support
Short 14-day cycle aligns with fortnightly payroll. More site days than 7/7 but shorter swings than 2/1. Good balance of income and time home.
Full guide →Civil construction, road & rail, remote healthcare
True equal-time rotation. 50% of the year at home. The most family-friendly standard FIFO pattern. Common in infrastructure and healthcare.
Full guide →Oil & gas exploration, remote nursing, extended mining
28-day cycle aligns with calendar months. Highest on-site ratio of standard patterns. Used where travel frequency needs to be minimised.
Full guide →How to choose the right FIFO roster
In most cases, your roster is determined by your employer — you take the job at the pattern they offer. But when you have a choice (e.g. negotiating with a labour hire company or comparing job offers), these factors matter:
- Family situation — Partners with young children or caring responsibilities often do better on shorter swings (7/7 or 8/6). Single workers may prefer the higher earnings of longer rotations.
- Mental health — Research consistently shows that longer uninterrupted swings (21–28 days) increase rates of depression, anxiety, and relationship breakdown. Know your limits.
- Travel time — The further the site from your home city, the more time travel eats into your R&R. A 4/2 may be preferable if your flight is 3+ hours each way.
- Income needs — Longer swings (3/1, 4/2) provide more site days and potentially higher allowances. But the 2/1 has the widest job availability and competitive pay rates.
Custom FIFO roster patterns
Some operations use non-standard patterns — 9/5, 4/4, 14/14 (fortnight on/off), or seasonal variations like 28/14 during construction phases. FIFO Planner supports fully custom on/off cycles in addition to the 6 standard templates. Set any swing and R&R length and the planner handles the calculation.