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Australians can now earn more than $160,000 a year

‚ In Australia, mining wages have risen by more than 25%; ‚ Companies are forced to pay higher wages due to ongoing labor shortages and tight borders; ‚ University graduates might earn up to $160,000 per year in pay; ‚ Head geologists could earn up to $290,000 per year.

Due to labor constraints and a lack of offshore workers, mining wages in Australia have risen by more than 25% in the last 18 months. Due to the pandemic's continued border controls, the profitable business has been hurt hard, with companies opting from a smaller talent pool. Businesses have since turned their attention to university students, with graduates receiving offers of up to $160,000 a year to work in the mines.

Wages for some trades have climbed by 12 to 15% in the previous two and a half years, according to statistics from BDO Australia's Remsmart national survey released in June. As a result, entry-level jobs that used to pay $85,000 are now paying $110,000. Mining jobs are no longer as competitive as they once were because of dwindling interest in the industry and plummeting commodity prices. Companies now need to pay top dollar to attract the best individuals.

On a two-week on, one week off the roster in the mines, heavy-duty fitters, a high-demand skill, might make up to $195,000 per week.

Wages for head geologists have risen from $220,000 to $290,000, the most increase of any discipline. Engineers and land surveyors are in high demand as well. Allan Feinberg, managing director of BDO's pay and reward services, told WA Today that Australian employees were set

to benefit the most from the national labor crisis. 'My parents would not have advised me to become an accountant if they had known a “tradie” could earn $195,000 a year,' he added.

To tempt employees to enter the business, he added, companies have looked to create more employee-friendly rosters, including equal days on and off, which has led to rising earnings. 'Four years ago, we witnessed a move to friendly rosters,' Mr. Feinberg added.

'With lockdowns, a skills scarcity... and employer commitments to provide a better working environment, it's just gotten worse.' According to Mr. Feinberg, the mining sector's compensation bubble will last for at least the next three years, with the residual effect of closed borders compelling significant enterprises to pay for specialized labor.

What it's like to work in a mine

Every shift involves physically tough work ‚ Intense time pressure, with costly consequences for tardiness and blunders, including the possibility of being fired 12-hour shifts - including many nights ‚ Roster rotations are typically 14 days on, 7 days off - for at least six months

Working underground isn't for everyone; some people become claustrophobic and afraid. In comparison to most careers, you'll spend considerably less time with loved ones/family. You must pass drug and alcohol testing on a regular basis.

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