Santos is one of Australia’s leading energy companies and a major player in LNG, oil, and gas production across Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. With over 70 years of history, Santos is a cornerstone of Australia’s resources sector and one of the country’s largest employers of FIFO and offshore personnel.
This 2026 guide gives a full overview of working FIFO or offshore for Santos — including operations, job types, rosters, pay, and the lifestyle that comes with one of the most respected names in Australian energy.
1. Overview: Santos and Its Australian Footprint
Santos (South Australia Northern Territory Oil Search) has evolved into a global energy producer with a strong focus on LNG, domestic gas, and emerging low-carbon projects. Its operations span from Darwin to the Pilbara and from Moomba in South Australia to the Surat Basin in Queensland.
Key Operations Relevant to FIFO Workers:
- Darwin LNG (NT): Processing gas from the Bayu-Undan field and future Barossa project.
- Varanus Island (WA): Offshore gas hub supplying the WA domestic market.
- Devil Creek and Macedon (WA): Onshore gas plants near Karratha and Onslow.
- Cooper Basin (SA/Qld border): Long-running onshore gas and oil fields.
- Barossa Gas Project (Timor Sea): Major new offshore development driving future hiring.
Santos integrates energy production, exploration, and decarbonisation initiatives, positioning itself as a future-focused employer with both traditional and renewable energy opportunities.
2. FIFO and Offshore Locations
Darwin LNG (Northern Territory)
- Located at Wickham Point, near Darwin.
- Processes natural gas for export to Asia.
- Workforce includes process operators, electricians, fitters, and instrumentation techs.
- FIFO from most major Australian cities.
Barossa Gas Project (Offshore)
- Offshore field located 300 km north of Darwin.
- FPSO (floating production and storage vessel) and subsea systems.
- Expected to create hundreds of offshore roles in production and maintenance by late 2026.
Varanus Island (Western Australia)
- Offshore gas hub about 130 km west of Karratha.
- Supports the domestic WA gas network.
- Offshore rosters for trades, technicians, and engineers.
Devil Creek and Macedon (Onslow Region)
- Onshore gas plants supporting the Pilbara region.
- FIFO from Perth or DIDO from Onslow.
- Process, maintenance, and support opportunities.
Cooper Basin (South Australia)
- Onshore gas fields with DIDO or short FIFO access.
- Long-term operations focused on drilling and gas compression.
3. Common FIFO and Offshore Job Roles
Operations and Production
- Process Operators and Technicians.
- Control Room Operators and Supervisors.
- Offshore Production and Marine Crew.
- Drilling and Well Services Personnel.
Trades and Maintenance
- Electricians (EEHA certified).
- Mechanical Fitters and Diesel Technicians.
- Instrumentation and Control Technicians.
- Boilermakers and Structural Welders.
- Rope Access Technicians and Inspectors.
Engineering and Technical
- Process, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineers.
- Subsea and Marine Engineers.
- Reliability and Maintenance Planners.
- HSE and Risk Engineers.
Support and Services
- HSE Advisors and Trainers.
- Camp and Catering Staff (Darwin and Varanus).
- Procurement, Logistics, and Administration Staff.
4. Rosters and Rotations
Typical Rosters:
- Offshore (Varanus / Barossa): 2 weeks on / 3 or 4 weeks off.
- Darwin LNG: 8 days on / 6 off, or 14:14 for operations teams.
- Onshore WA (Macedon / Devil Creek): 2:1 roster for trades and technicians.
- Cooper Basin: 2:2 or 15:13 rotations.
Lifestyle Notes:
- Offshore workers live on FPSOs or platforms with shared cabins and full catering.
- Onshore LNG camps (Darwin and Onslow) provide single ensuite rooms, gyms, dining halls, and recreation facilities.
- Strict fatigue management, 12-hour shifts, and mandatory rest periods.
5. Pay and Benefits (2026)
Santos offers competitive pay across all operations, generally aligned with Woodside and Chevron.
Approximate Annual Earnings:
- Camp Utility / Support: $90,000 – $110,000
- Process Operator (Onshore): $150,000 – $190,000
- Offshore Technician: $180,000 – $250,000
- Electrician / Instrument Tech: $170,000 – $220,000
- Mechanical Fitter: $160,000 – $210,000
- Control Room Supervisor: $200,000 – $280,000
- Engineer (Process, Electrical, Subsea): $190,000 – $300,000+
Benefits:
- Flights, accommodation, meals, and transfers included.
- Safety and performance bonuses.
- Health, life, and income protection insurance.
- Global career mobility across Asia-Pacific.
- Education assistance and professional development programs.
6. Training and Safety Requirements
Mandatory Certifications:
- White Card.
- BOSIET / FOET (Offshore Safety and Survival Training).
- Working at Heights.
- Confined Space Entry.
- Gas Test Atmospheres.
- Permit to Work and Isolation Procedures.
- First Aid and CPR.
- EEHA (Hazardous Areas) for electrical roles.
- OGUK Medical and MSIC (for offshore access).
Preferred Skills:
- Offshore or LNG experience.
- Instrumentation, PLC, and DCS systems (Yokogawa, Emerson, Honeywell).
- Subsea or FPSO exposure.
- Rope access and inspection certifications.
- H2S awareness and emergency response training.
Santos conducts detailed site-specific inductions focusing on safety leadership, environmental responsibility, and cultural heritage.
7. Life on Site or Offshore
Darwin LNG:
- Large camp-style village with private rooms and full catering.
- Gym, pool, tavern, and recreation areas.
- Strong social atmosphere with focus on safety and wellbeing.
Offshore (Varanus, Barossa):
- Shared cabins with high-quality meals and entertainment rooms.
- 24-hour catering, gym facilities, and Wi-Fi (limited).
- Crew changes by helicopter or marine transfer.
- Strict daily safety routines and toolbox meetings.
Onslow Camps:
- Resort-style camps similar to MinRes and Chevron standards.
- Modern ensuite rooms, barista coffee, and tavern access.
8. Advantages and Challenges
Advantages:
- Excellent pay and roster flexibility.
- Long-term employment and strong safety record.
- Global exposure and training pathways.
- High-quality accommodation and lifestyle facilities.
- Expanding projects providing consistent job openings.
Challenges:
- Long offshore swings and strict compliance.
- Physically and mentally demanding work environment.
- Limited entry-level openings for unqualified workers.
- Weather interruptions, particularly for offshore transport.
9. Career Progression and Development
Career Pathways:
- Operator → Control Room Technician → Supervisor → Superintendent.
- Electrician / Fitter → Maintenance Planner → Reliability Engineer.
- Graduate Engineer → Senior Engineer → Technical Manager.
- HSE Advisor → Site Lead → Regional HSE Manager.
Training Programs:
- Apprenticeships and graduate entry schemes.
- Supervisor and leadership programs.
- Subsea and offshore specialist training.
- Cross-site secondments between LNG, drilling, and renewables.
Santos also partners with Australian universities and RTOs to support ongoing technical education and certification upgrades.
10. The Future of Santos (2026–2030)
- Barossa Gas Project: Expected to begin full production by 2027, adding hundreds of offshore and onshore jobs.
- Darwin LNG Life Extension: Facility expansion and upgrades for 10+ years of continued operations.
- Renewables and Hydrogen Projects: Pilbara and NT-based low-carbon hydrogen developments.
- Automation and AI Integration: Remote monitoring of pipelines, LNG operations, and maintenance systems.
With global gas demand projected to remain strong through 2035, Santos will continue to be one of the country’s largest and most secure FIFO employers.
11. Final Thoughts
Working FIFO or offshore for Santos offers a combination of technical challenge, global opportunity, and financial reward. The company’s culture emphasises professionalism, teamwork, and long-term stability — making it one of the top-tier destinations for electricians, process operators, mechanical fitters, and engineers.
If you’re looking for a well-paid, future-focused FIFO career in Australia’s energy sector, Santos is one of the best-balanced employers in 2026 — blending high safety standards, advanced projects, and ongoing investment in clean energy.
