Miners, farmers, surgeons, and even politicians are among the occupations that clock Australia’s longest work hours, according to a recent analysis of census data. Assistant drillers, a common position on mine sites, top the list with an average of 70.3 hours per week. This is followed closely by drillers at 68 hours and shot firers, who handle explosives for mining and construction, at 67.4 hours.
The data highlights that jobs with the most extended hours are predominantly in regional and remote areas, particularly in mining and agriculture. However, neurosurgeons and members of parliament also feature on the list, working 58.1 and 58.5 hours per week, respectively.
Inside the Grueling Work of Mining
Queenslander Skye Jackat experienced the demanding nature of mining firsthand during her nine-month stint at an iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Her role as a driller’s assistant involved long, exhausting days, often starting at 4 a.m. and ending around 8:30 p.m.
“It was insane, like 40 to 50 degrees most days during summer, doing 12 hours a day,” Jackat recounted. “It was a lot on the body.” Over her tenure, she lost 12 kilograms, underscoring the physical toll of the job.
Jackat’s experience is mirrored by Sophie Kelly, a trainee driller from New Zealand, who has been working in the industry for over two years. Despite the challenges, Kelly believes the hard work pays off financially, though she acknowledges the emotional difficulty of being away from family.
Gender Disparities in Work Hours
While the mining sector offers lucrative opportunities, it remains male-dominated. The census indicates that 97% of driller’s assistants are men. Nationwide, the average full-time workweek is 43.7 hours, but only about 7% of occupations exceed 50 hours weekly.
Professor John Buchanan from Sydney University Business School highlights a significant gap between standard full-time hours and actual hours worked. “Employers have really benefited from the commitment of workers to get the job done,” he said, noting that many employees work unpaid overtime.
“The national average for full-time hours is more than 5½ hours longer than prescribed by the Fair Work Commission’s national employment standards.”
Historical Shifts and Current Trends
Since the national standard workweek was reduced from 40 to 38 hours in 1983, average work hours have remained relatively stable. Census director Caroline Deans notes that full-timers in urban areas generally work fewer hours compared to those in regional settings.
According to KPMG urban economist Terry Rawnsley, industry needs significantly influence work hours. “Mines are running 24 hours a day, and mine workers are always busy when they are living on site,” he explained, contrasting this with the traditional eight-hour shifts common in urban jobs.
Implications for the Workforce
The census also reveals that the number of full-time workers in Australia surpassed 10 million for the first time last year, with women making up an increasing share of the workforce. By July 2025, women accounted for 40% of full-time employees, up from 33% in 2015.
While men tend to work longer full-time hours, women contribute significantly more to unpaid work, such as housework and childcare. This division of labor highlights ongoing gender disparities in the workforce.
As the Australian labor market continues to evolve, the data underscores the need for policies that address work-life balance and equitable compensation for overtime. The census provides a critical snapshot of the nation’s work habits, informing future discussions on employment standards and worker rights.
