Australia Jobs for Skilled Immigrants – Work In Australia

Australia, with its vibrant economy, stunning landscapes, and high quality of life, continues to be a top destination for skilled immigrants seeking rewarding career opportunities. As of 2025, the country faces ongoing labor shortages in key sectors, driven by population growth, technological advancements, and ambitious infrastructure projects. The Australian government has streamlined its migration policies to attract talented professionals from around the world, making it easier for qualified individuals to secure jobs and pathways to permanent residency.

The Skilled Migration Program plays a central role in this process, targeting occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which replaced the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List in late 2024. This list identifies roles critical to Australia’s workforce needs, spanning industries like healthcare, engineering, IT, and construction. With investments such as $146.1 billion in healthcare alone for 2024-2025, opportunities abound for immigrants who can fill these gaps. Skilled migrants not only contribute to economic growth but also enjoy competitive salaries, work-life balance, and family-friendly policies.

Whether you’re an engineer innovating in renewable energy or a nurse supporting busy hospitals, Australia’s job market in 2025 offers stability and progression. This guide explores in-demand jobs, visa options, and essential steps to get started, helping you navigate the path to working Down Under.

In-Demand Jobs for Skilled Immigrants

Australia’s job landscape prioritizes skills that align with national priorities like sustainability, digital transformation, and healthcare expansion. Below are some of the most sought-after roles in 2025, drawn from the CSOL and state-specific lists. These positions often qualify for employer sponsorship or points-tested visas, with average salaries reflecting strong demand.

1. Healthcare Professionals

The healthcare sector is booming due to an aging population and post-pandemic recovery. Roles like registered nurses and general practitioners are in high demand nationwide, particularly in regional areas.

• Registered Nurse: Average salary AUD 85,000. Responsibilities include patient care in hospitals and clinics. High need in states like New South Wales and Queensland.
• General Practitioner: Average salary AUD 200,000+. Focus on primary care; opportunities in rural clinics with incentives for relocation.
• Aged and Disabled Carer: Average salary AUD 55,000. Essential for community services, with pathways for upskilling.

2. Engineering and Construction

Major infrastructure projects, including renewable energy hubs and urban developments, create thousands of jobs. Engineers and tradespeople are key to these initiatives.

• Civil Engineer: Average salary AUD 81,000. Involved in road, bridge, and smart city projects. Strong demand in Western Australia for mining-related work.
• Electrician: Average salary AUD 90,000. Critical for electrical installations in construction and renewables. Shortages noted in Victoria and South Australia.
• Construction Project Manager: Average salary AUD 120,000. Oversees large-scale builds; booming in Queensland’s tourism and housing sectors.

3. Information Technology

Australia’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, with a focus on cybersecurity and AI. IT professionals can find roles in Sydney’s tech hubs or remote setups.

• Software Engineer: Average salary AUD 110,000. Develops applications and systems; high demand for cloud computing expertise.
• ICT Business Analyst: Average salary AUD 95,000. Bridges tech and business needs; opportunities in finance and government.
• Cyber Security Specialist: Average salary AUD 130,000. Protects data amid rising threats; prioritized on the CSOL.

4. Education and Trades

Teachers and skilled trades fill essential gaps in schools and industries.

• Secondary School Teacher: Average salary AUD 85,000. Specializing in STEM subjects; regional incentives in Tasmania.
• Chef: Average salary AUD 65,000. Hospitality surge post-tourism recovery; visas for experienced culinary professionals.
• Carpenter: Average salary AUD 75,000. Housing boom drives need; employer-sponsored roles common.

These jobs are featured on the national Skilled Occupation List and state variants, such as South Australia’s list updated in September 2025, which emphasizes outer regional employment. Salaries vary by experience and location, with regional roles often offering bonuses.

Visa Pathways for Skilled Workers

Securing a job often ties into the right visa. Australia’s system favors skilled immigrants through points-based and sponsored options.

The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa, introduced in 2024, replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage visa and includes pathways for core skills. It offers temporary work leading to permanency.

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Points-tested for high-scorers (minimum 65 points based on age, skills, English proficiency). No sponsor needed; leads to PR.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): State/territory nomination boosts points; ideal for targeted occupations.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): For regional jobs; five-year pathway to PR after three years.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): Direct PR for sponsored roles; common in mining and healthcare.

To apply, get a skills assessment from bodies like Engineers Australia or ANMAC, prove English via tests like IELTS, and submit an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect. Processing times average 3-6 months, with 2025-26 allocations including 165 spots for the Australian Capital Territory.

How to Find and Apply for Jobs

Start by assessing eligibility using free online tools for points calculation and occupation matching. Update your resume to Australian standards concise, achievement-focused.

Job search platforms like SEEK list hundreds of roles for skilled migrants, including visa-sponsored positions in automotive trades and IT. Network via LinkedIn, attend virtual job fairs, or connect with recruitment agencies specializing in migration.

For regional opportunities, check state sites: Western Australia for mining, Queensland for renewables. Tailor applications to highlight how your skills address shortages. Once offered a job, your employer can nominate you, streamlining the visa process.

READ ALSO: Highly Rewarding Unskilled Worker Jobs in Germany with Visa Sponsorship

FAQs

How do I get my qualifications assessed?

Contact the relevant authority (e.g., VETASSESS for trades) for a skills assessment, a prerequisite for most visas.

Are there age limits for skilled migration?

Yes, under 45 for most visas, but exceptions apply for high earners or certain nominations.

What English level is required?

Competent English (IELTS 6.0 overall) minimum; higher scores earn more points.

Can family members join me?

Yes, spouses and dependent children can be included on most skilled visas, with work/study rights.