Young worker reveals the insane amount of money he makes in a week for his entry level role

A young fly-in fly-out worker in an entry level position has revealed he makes a staggering $4,800 a week. 

Rocco Sawka, 18 revealed his impressive earnings working as a trades assistant, which is someone who looks after the maintenance of equipment and worksites. 

Mr Sawka said he is making 'free money' because he is a FIFO worker, with food and accommodation costs covered by his employer. 

FIFO is a term used to describe residents who fly to a worksite to complete the job over a period of time, such a week or a month, before they fly back home. 

These jobs are very common in the mining industry as worksites and mining operations are often in very remote areas. 

Mr Sawka uploaded a video to Tiktok to explain the incredible financial benefits of working in the construction sector. 

'The fact is, it's literally free money. You are making three times the amount of money than you would be if you were working in the city,' he said. 

'Food's free, rent's free, flights are free.'

He urged Aussies to get into the industry while they are young to maximise the amount of money they earn. 

'Honestly, if you're young, start. I'm not saying and please don't do it for the rest of your life and be stuck here for 30, 40, 50 years,' he said.

'If you are smart, you'll get in here when you are young, you'll make your money, you'll invest and you won't have to worry about money for the rest of your life.'  

Mr Sawka said he makes a $2,556.40 working 11 hour days for fives days in a row from Monday to Friday. 

He earns an hourly wage of $46.48 and makes $70.47 an hour on Saturdays for due to time-and-a-half. 

On Sundays, he is paid $117.45 an hour at double time-and-a-half with his take home pay before tax a staggering $4,623.52. 

'I see people out here making 10 times the amount of money that I am but this is just to educate people on what you can be making as a T/A (trades assistant) entry level position in the mines,' he said.  

The average annual salary for trades assistants in Australia is between $60,000 to $75,000, according to leading employment website Seek. 

There are currently 532 jobs being advertised on the website in the mining, resources and energy sector. 

The starting annual salary for entry level trades assistant jobs starts at $55,000.

Australia is experiencing a significant workforce shortage across the mining industry with more drilliers, drivers, and mining engineers needed, according to the Minerals Council of Australia. 

The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA), estimates that the mining industry needs 24,000 new workers over the next five years to complete major projects. 

he Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA) released a report  stating the mining industry would need 24,000 new workers over the next five years, to support new projects taking place across the country.  

A 2022 report by the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources found that there are 81 critical minerals projects worth up to $42billion.