Top 20 High-Demand Jobs in Australia for Foreign Workers – Earn AUD $55,000 to $140,000 in 2025

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Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for foreign workers due to its strong economy, high standard of living, excellent salaries, and clear work visa pathways. In 2025, the Australian government continues to address worker shortages by opening thousands of job opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled foreign applicants.

From healthcare and construction to agriculture, mining, transportation, and IT, the demand for labor is at an all-time high. Salaries range from AUD $55,000 to AUD $140,000+, depending on experience, role, and location. Many jobs come with visa sponsorship under the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS – Subclass 482) and other migration schemes.

This guide explores the top 20 high-demand jobs in Australia, salary expectations, visa options, requirements, and how foreigners can apply successfully in 2025.

1. Why Australia Is Hiring Foreign Workers in 2025

1.1. Severe skill shortages

Australia faces shortages across healthcare, trades, transport, engineering, mining, agriculture, and IT.

1.2. Aging population

High retirement rates are creating labor gaps.

1.3. Economic expansion

Major investments in construction, mining, and renewable energy require more workers.

1.4. Increased migration targets

Australia plans to welcome hundreds of thousands of new workers annually.

1.5. Remote regions lack workers

Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia rely heavily on migrant labor.

2. Top 20 High-Demand Jobs in Australia for Foreign Workers (2025)

2.1. Registered Nurses

Salary: AUD $70,000 – $120,000**
One of Australia’s most critically understaffed professions.

Visa Options

  • Skilled Independent Visa

  • TSS 482 Visa

2.2. Aged Care Workers / Caregivers

Salary: AUD $55,000 – $75,000**

Huge demand due to an aging population.

2.3. Software Developers & IT Professionals

Salary: AUD $80,000 – $140,000**

Specialties needed

  • Full-stack developers

  • Cloud engineers

  • Cybersecurity analysts

  • DevOps engineers

2.4. Electricians

Salary: AUD $70,000 – $110,000**

Australian construction sites are hiring foreign electricians.

2.5. Plumbers

Salary: AUD $65,000 – $95,000**

Trade workers have excellent job security.

2.6. Carpenters

Salary: AUD $60,000 – $90,000**

Strong demand across residential and commercial construction.

2.7. Mechanical & Civil Engineers

Salary: AUD $85,000 – $140,000**

Needed for infrastructure, mining, and transport projects.

2.8. Truck Drivers

Salary: AUD $65,000 – $100,000**

Australia’s logistics sector depends heavily on foreign drivers.

2.9. Mining & Extraction Workers

Salary: AUD $80,000 – $150,000**

High-paying roles in:

  • Western Australia

  • Queensland

  • Northern Territory

2.10. Chefs & Cooks

Salary: AUD $55,000 – $85,000**

Australia’s hospitality industry faces major shortages.

2.11. Welders / Fabricators

Salary: AUD $60,000 – $90,000**

Skilled welders are in high demand across multiple industries.

2.12. Early Childhood Teachers

Salary: AUD $65,000 – $90,000**

Childcare education roles receive strong visa support.

2.13. Accountants

Salary: AUD $65,000 – $100,000**

Australia’s finance sector continues to expand.

2.14. Warehouse & Logistics Officers

Salary: AUD $55,000 – $75,000**

Includes forklift operators, pickers, and inventory staff.

2.15. Construction Labourers

Salary: AUD $55,000 – $70,000**

Entry-level roles with visa sponsorship opportunities.

2.16. Healthcare Technicians

Salary: AUD $60,000 – $95,000**

Includes:

  • Radiology technicians

  • Lab technicians

  • Medical assistants

2.17. Farm Workers (Seasonal & Full-Time)

Salary: AUD $50,000 – $70,000**

Fruit picking, packing, and harvesting.

2.18. Hospitality & Hotel Staff

Salary: AUD $50,000 – $70,000**

Includes:

  • Supervisors

  • Baristas

  • Housekeeping staff

2.19. Cleaners & Maintenance Workers

Salary: AUD $45,000 – $65,000**

Easy-entry jobs suitable for semi-skilled workers.

2.20. Retail Supervisors

Salary: AUD $55,000 – $75,000**

Australia’s retail sector is rapidly growing.

3. Best Australian Cities & Regions Hiring Foreign Workers

✔ Melbourne

✔ Sydney

✔ Brisbane

✔ Perth

✔ Adelaide

✔ Canberra

✔ Darwin

✔ Gold Coast

Western Australia and Queensland offer some of the highest-paying mining and construction roles.

4. Visa Pathways for Foreign Workers in Australia (2025)

4.1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Points-based system for skilled workers.

4.2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

For workers nominated by a state or territory.

4.3. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS 482)

Employer-sponsored visa.

Streams

  • Short-term

  • Medium-term

  • Labor agreement

4.4. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (491/494)

For applicants moving to regional Australia.

4.5. Working Holiday Visa

For young applicants from eligible countries.

5. Required Documents to Apply

✔ Passport

✔ Australian-style CV

✔ Skills assessment (where applicable)

✔ English test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)

✔ Police check

✔ Medical exam

✔ Work reference letters

6. Salary Overview by Industry

Mining: AUD $90,000 – $150,000

Construction: AUD $60,000 – $110,000

IT & Tech: AUD $80,000 – $140,000

Healthcare: AUD $55,000 – $120,000

Agriculture: AUD $50,000 – $70,000

7. Where to Find Australia Jobs in 2025

Top Job Sites

  • SEEK

  • Indeed Australia

  • LinkedIn Australia

  • Workforce Australia

  • JobActive

Skilled Worker Portals

  • SkillSelect

  • Migration WA

  • NSW Skilled Occupation List

8. How to Apply Successfully (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare an Australian-format Resume

Clean, direct, and achievement-focused.

Step 2: Apply to Verified Employers

Avoid companies requesting upfront payments.

Step 3: Attend Online Interviews

Expect:

  • Technical questions

  • Scenario-based questions

Step 4: Employer Lodges Nomination (If Sponsored)

Employer applies through Australia’s immigration system.

Step 5: Submit Visa Application

Attach supporting documents and biometrics.

Step 6: Receive Visa Approval & Travel

Begin work in the assigned state or territory.

Conclusion

Australia continues to offer some of the best career opportunities in the world for foreign workers—thanks to its strong salaries, worker-friendly environment, and multiple visa sponsorship options. Whether you’re a skilled tradesperson, healthcare worker, engineer, IT specialist, or entry-level applicant, there is a pathway for you to secure a stable job in Australia.

With the right documentation and application strategy, you can successfully relocate and start a high-paying career in one of the world’s most advanced and welcoming countries.

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