Looking to move to Australia and work in a high-paying job with visa sponsorship? You’re not alone. Thousands of skilled workers across the world are turning to Australia for better career opportunities and a higher standard of living. With a strong economy, high wages, and growing skill shortages in several industries, Australia remains one of the top destinations for international professionals.
In this post, you’ll find a clear and practical guide to high paying jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship, what qualifications are required, and how to apply.
Why Australia Needs Skilled Foreign Workers
Australia has a small population and a large economy, which means it often relies on skilled migrants to fill key job gaps.
The Australian government works closely with businesses to sponsor foreign talent in sectors where local supply is limited. As a result, many employers are willing to offer visa sponsorship to qualified professionals from overseas, especially in industries like healthcare, engineering, information technology, construction, and education.
In addition to supporting economic growth, skilled migration helps regional areas remain productive and competitive. Many regional employers are particularly open to sponsoring international candidates to fill urgent vacancies. The government also updates its skilled occupation list regularly to reflect current labor demands.
READ: Navigating Temporary Work Permits: What You Need to Know
Best Visa Options for Sponsored Jobs
If you’re looking to work in Australia under employer sponsorship, here are the most common and important visa pathways to consider:
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482
This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers when they can’t find suitable candidates locally. It permits you to work in Australia for up to four years and can lead to permanent residency depending on your role and employer.
To be eligible, you need to be nominated for an occupation listed on the Short-Term or Medium-Term Skilled Occupation List, meet work experience requirements (usually two years minimum), and pass health and character checks.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
This is a permanent residency visa that lets employers sponsor skilled workers for long-term roles. It is ideal for candidates with more experience or those already working in Australia under another visa. It requires skills assessment, job nomination, and at least three years of relevant work experience.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – Subclass 494
This visa is for workers who want to live and work in regional parts of Australia for up to five years. It’s a pathway to permanent residency and typically comes with fewer competition and faster processing due to high demand in non-metropolitan areas.
High Paying Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship
Here are the top high-paying, in-demand professions in Australia where employers are more likely to offer visa sponsorship.
1. Healthcare Professionals
Australia’s growing and aging population has created constant demand for qualified medical staff, especially in rural and remote areas.
Top roles and average salaries:
- General Practitioners: AUD 200,000 to AUD 300,000+
- Specialists (Surgeons, Anaesthetists, Psychiatrists): AUD 250,000+
- Registered Nurses: AUD 75,000 to AUD 120,000
- Midwives: AUD 70,000 to AUD 110,000
- Radiologists and Medical Imaging Experts: AUD 120,000+
Requirements: Valid medical degree, registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), proof of English language proficiency, and relevant clinical experience. Overseas credentials may need to be assessed and converted depending on the role.
2. IT and Software Professionals
Australia’s digital economy continues to grow rapidly. Skilled tech workers are in short supply, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, data, and cloud computing.
Top roles and average salaries:
- Software Developers and Engineers: AUD 100,000 to AUD 150,000
- Cybersecurity Experts: AUD 110,000 to AUD 160,000
- Cloud Engineers: AUD 120,000 to AUD 170,000
- Data Analysts and Scientists: AUD 100,000 to AUD 140,000
- IT Project Managers: AUD 110,000 to AUD 160,000
Requirements: Degree in computer science or related field, minimum of two years’ experience, and successful skills assessment by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). Proficiency in English and industry certifications (e.g. AWS, Azure, Cisco) are often preferred.
3. Engineering Professionals
With ongoing investments in construction, infrastructure, and mining, engineering roles are in strong demand across all states.
Top roles and average salaries:
- Civil Engineers: AUD 95,000 to AUD 140,000
- Mechanical Engineers: AUD 90,000 to AUD 130,000
- Electrical Engineers: AUD 90,000 to AUD 135,000
- Structural Engineers: AUD 95,000 to AUD 140,000
- Environmental Engineers: AUD 85,000 to AUD 125,000
Requirements: Accredited engineering degree, relevant work experience, and a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia. Licensing may be required for some specializations depending on the state.
4. Trades and Construction Workers
Australia has a long-standing shortage of qualified tradespeople, especially in fast-growing suburbs and remote construction sites.
Top roles and average salaries:
- Electricians: AUD 80,000 to AUD 120,000
- Plumbers: AUD 75,000 to AUD 110,000
- Carpenters and Joiners: AUD 70,000 to AUD 100,000
- Welders and Metal Fabricators: AUD 65,000 to AUD 95,000
Requirements: Vocational qualifications, work experience, and licensing through a skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). English language proficiency is also essential for visa approval.
5. Finance and Accounting Professionals
Demand for qualified finance professionals continues to grow, particularly in large firms and financial hubs like Sydney and Melbourne.
Top roles and average salaries:
- Accountants: AUD 75,000 to AUD 110,000
- Financial Analysts: AUD 90,000 to AUD 130,000
- Auditors: AUD 80,000 to AUD 120,000
- Compliance Managers: AUD 100,000+
Requirements: A degree in accounting or finance, professional certifications (CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants ANZ), and successful skills assessment. Employers may prefer candidates with multinational experience or sector-specific knowledge.
6. Education and Teaching
There’s a high need for qualified teachers, especially in remote regions and for subjects like science, mathematics, and special education.
Top roles and average salaries:
- Secondary School Teachers: AUD 75,000 to AUD 110,000
- Early Childhood Educators: AUD 65,000 to AUD 95,000
- Special Needs Teachers: AUD 80,000 to AUD 115,000
Requirements: Accredited teaching qualifications, registration with a state teaching board, and English language test results (IELTS or PTE). International qualifications may need further recognition before employment.
How to Get a Sponsored Job in Australia
Getting a sponsored job in Australia takes the right approach. This section shows you the steps to find employers who are open to hiring foreign workers and how to secure a job with visa support.
Tailor Your Resume for the Australian Job Market
Use a clear, concise format and include your professional summary, skills, achievements, and qualifications in an order familiar to Australian employers. Avoid overly complex wording and be honest about your visa needs.
Apply Through Trusted Job Platforms
Focus on job sites that allow you to filter by visa sponsorship or mention it in listings:
- Seek Australia
- Workforce Australia
- JobSearch.gov.au
- Indeed Australia
- LinkedIn Jobs (Australia)
Set alerts for “visa sponsorship” keywords and actively apply to relevant positions.
Research and Target Sponsoring Employers
Many employers regularly sponsor international professionals. These include:
- Hospitals and health networks (e.g. Ramsay Health, Bupa)
- Tech companies (e.g. Atlassian, Canva, IBM)
- Construction and mining firms (e.g. BHP, Rio Tinto)
- Education providers and childcare groups
Visit their career pages and apply directly when opportunities are listed.
Get Required Skills Assessments
Most skilled visa applications need a positive skills assessment from an official body related to your profession. This confirms that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.
Examples include:
- Engineers Australia
- Australian Computer Society (ACS)
- Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
- AHPRA (for medical fields)
Prepare English Language Test Results
Visas generally require proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Higher scores may be needed for permanent visas or specific occupations.
Consider Using a Registered Migration Agent
If you’re confused about your options or requirements, a registered migration agent can guide you. They can help with paperwork, skills assessments, and understanding changes in visa policies.
Australia offers excellent career opportunities for skilled professionals looking for high-paying roles and employer-sponsored visas. With proper preparation, relevant experience, and a strong application strategy, you can find a role that not only pays well but also sets you on a path to long-term settlement.
Focus on sectors that match your qualifications, be proactive in your job search, and stay informed about visa updates. The sooner you begin your application journey, the better your chances of securing a sponsored role and starting your new life in Australia.
