Mechanical fitter and machinist recruitment for regional employers

Metal fitters and machinists fit and assemble fabricated metal parts into products, set up machining tools and production machines, and shape metal stock and castings on machining tools. The work includes reading drawings, checking parts for fit with precision instruments, installing hydraulic and pneumatic lines, diagnosing faults and overhauling mechanical parts and fluid power equipment.⁵

This guide focuses on Fitter (General), Fitter and Turner, Fitter-Welder and Metal Machinist (First Class). The wider metal fitters and machinists group used for earnings, employment and job ads also includes textile, clothing and footwear mechanics and other metal fitters and machinists.⁵ Fitter (General) specialisations include maintenance fitter, stationary plant mechanic and mechanic for diesel and heavy earthmoving equipment.⁵ The usual level of skill is a Certificate III with at least two years of on-the-job training, or a Certificate IV, and at least three years of relevant experience may stand in for the formal qualification.⁵

The national trade qualification is MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade, which covers fitting, assembly, installation, testing, fault finding and maintenance of mechanical equipment and the use of machine tools.⁶

Where the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 covers the role, a qualified fitter or machinist at C10, engineering/manufacturing tradesperson level I, must be paid at least $1,119.10 a week, or $29.45 an hour, from 1 July 2026.²² The award covers employers in manufacturing and associated industries and occupations whose employees fall within its classifications.²³

Market pay sits far above that floor. Metal fitters and machinists had median full-time earnings of $2,606 a week, or $60 an hour, in May 2025, nationally.⁴ We agree the full package with you, including any roster, shutdown, site allowance and accommodation terms, before we approach anyone.

Start with the plant: fixed processing plant, mobile equipment, rotating equipment, hydraulics or a machine shop. Say whether the job is breakdown and planned maintenance, shutdowns, installation or production machining, and whether the person will weld, turn or program CNC machines.

Then list the tickets the work needs (forklift, EWP, rigging, confined space or a welding qualification) and any site induction. Add whether the role is residential, drive-in drive-out or fly-in fly-out, its point of hire, its roster and the on-call arrangements.

We set out the roster, the point of hire, the camp or town housing and the travel in the first conversation with every candidate, using what you put in the brief.

We start with fitters who already live in your region, then widen the search to those ready to move. Tell us about relocation support or housing, and we will put it in front of candidates.

If the right person needs a visa or sponsorship, our sister business Australian Immigration Agency can advise.

Register with Hire Australia and tell us the equipment you work on, your trade qualification, the tickets you hold and where you would like to work. We will talk with you about regional roles that fit.