Best entry level jobs available at Bowen Basin mines right now

The cost of living crisis has forced many of us to consider our next career move. Check out some of the entry level jobs in Queensland’s mining industry which pay anywhere from $70,000 to $150,000.

Work at mining sites in the Bowen Basin can be extremely lucrative, facilitate saving and provide countless opportunities and benefits. Photographer: Oliver Bunic/Bloomberg

The cost of living and housing crises have persisted into 2024 and show no sign of stopping soon.

If you’re looking to start a new career or simply save some money by having your food and accommodation paid for once a fortnight, here are 10 jobs or apprenticeships in the mining sector that you should put on your SEEK watchlist.

Health and safety cadet $80,000 – $100,000

Health and safety cadet is a terrific position and new career opportunity.

While experience is desirable, it is not required as companies like Glencore want dedicated new talent to learn the role and industry over the course of a three-year contract, with plenty of room for promotion.

Health and safety cadets can earn up to $100,000 when they finish their cadetship, which typically takes two years.

The role has the added benefits of financial support for further study and upskilling, above average leave entitlement, as well as Coal Mining Industry Long Service Leave, a generous leave program.

Sales representative $87,000

If you’re looking to start in the mining industry without actually relocating to a mine, companies like ATCO Structures and Logistics are looking to hire new sales representatives for their Mackay offices.

Applicants with customer service experience and a business degree may be favoured, but no formal qualifications are required.

Sales representatives can expect to earn in the high $80,000s early in their career and, depending on the workplace, tens of thousands of dollars in end of year bonuses.

Living at a mining camp can be a great way to earn a competitive salary, while saving on accommodation and groceries.

Fire suppression technician $80,000 – $90,000

The call has gone out for the hiring of fire suppression technicians at several mines in Moranbah.

While it is preferred that applicants have a mechanical or maintenance background, these skills are not essential.

Formal and on the job training will be provided to successful applications who will be rostered onto several mine sites, while being based out of Moranbah.

Like many workers in the Bowen Basin, applicants work seven days and seven days off and have onsite accommodation options.

Service attendants $70,000 – $80,000

There are always companies looking for housekeepers and cleaners, and right now Sodexo is one of them.

Service attendants are employees who work to keep mine site accommodation and facilities clean.

The position is entry level, but applicants with industrial cleaning or hospitality experience will be favoured.

Companies like Sodexo often offer benefits to incentivise new applicants.

The mining company states employees will benefit from free meals, free accommodation and access to onsite gyms, pools and other social activities, depending on which site they are based at, for the weeks they are rostered on.

The only hard requirement for applicants is an open drivers license and a car.

Multi skilled operators apprenticeships $127,400 – $150,000

Any mining based apprenticeship should be on your watchlist, but especially keep an eye out for any multi skilled operator opportunities.

These apprenticeships open a pathway to further specialised positions, as well as effectively guaranteeing lucrative employment at any mine.

These positions are almost always entitled to accommodation, on-site gym facilities, free food and travel recompense to support a fly-in, fly-out lifestyle.

Truck operators $53 – $76 an hour

Dump truck or hauling truck operators can expect to earn more than $60 an hour.

These positions generally only require a valid truck driver’s license, but employers will prefer applicants with experience operating heavy machinery.

Truck operators, while compensated at a high casual rate, are not always provided the same benefits, such as access to camp facilities, accommodation or travel recompense.

Many mining positions prefer workers with experience at underground mines, such as underground mine Aquila Mine. Picture: Nat Dixon

Underground drilling assistant $100,000 – $110,000

One of the highest paying entry level positions that doesn’t necessarily require experience is a drilling assistant.

Working long hours underground and generally on a two weeks on and one week off basis, drill assistant roles provide the opportunity to upskill into different positions, while earning a salary in the low six figures.

To qualify for this position you must hold a manual driver’s license, be able to pass a police and medical check and be physically capable of lifting over 30kg weights repetitively.

Despite being labour intensive, the position offers fly-in, fly-out reimbursements among other benefits.

Mechanical fitters $63 an hour

Another pathway to a new career to keep your eye on are mechanical fitter apprenticeships.

Occasionally advertised by companies like Anglo American, apprenticeships in mechanical fitting shape applicants into experts who have learned how to operate and maintain sophisticated machinery from on-site mentors in extreme environments.

The skills learned in this role are highly marketable.

These apprenticeships not only come with all the benefits of living on site at a mine, but also create a pathway for fitters to earn up to $150,000 once their apprenticeship is complete.

Electricians $105,000 to $125,000

Electrical apprenticeships in the Bowen Basin have been advertised in the past by companies like ABM.

Even new-to-industry electricians have a potential earning of $66 per hour and once fully qualified, will have access to more specialised career pathways and greater yearly salaries.

The positions are full time and on a seven/seven roster.

Trade assistants $45 an hour

Another position that doesn’t necessarily require relocation to a mining site, trade assistants typically work jobs for mining companies in industrial districts in areas like Paget.

They will assist in work such as welding and machine repairs and receive on the job training in this areas, qualifying them for better paying jobs in the industrial sector down the line.

Experience in mining and manufacturing is preferred, but not required.