Australia’s strong economy, high quality of life, and multicultural atmosphere make it an attractive destination for professionals looking for career opportunities. A thriving job market, coupled with ongoing shortages of skills in different sectors, makes 2025/2026 a promising time for professionals looking for jobs that pay more than $40,000 per year.
Understanding Australia’s job market in 2025/2026
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia’s employment market is still dynamic. In November 2024 there were over 344,000 vacancies, an increase of 4.2% from August 2024. The demand for workers in sectors such as construction, engineering, healthcare, IT, and education is high, largely due to the aging of the population, digitalization, and infrastructure developments.
Average annual wages in Australia are around AUD 75,000. However, many skilled positions offer salaries above AUD 40,000. This is equivalent to approximately AUD 20 an hour for full-time jobs.
Registered nurses (AUD 80-120,000), software designers (AUD 90-000-160,000), engineering (AUD 80-140,000), and educators (AUD 70-120,000) are all in high demand.
The salaries of skilled trades such as electricians and plumbers are also competitive, ranging between AUD 60,000 and 110,000 per year. These positions are aligned with Australia’s Core Skills Occupation List and regional migration programs that prioritize occupations that address labor shortages.
Work in Australia: Visa requirements
For foreigners to work legally in Australia they must have a work permit. The Australian Government offers several visa options for skilled workers. For high-paying positions, the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS Visa) (Subclass 482) or the Independent Skilled Visa (Subclass 189 are the best. The following are the main visa types, along with their requirements.
1. Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS), Visa (subclass 482)
This visa is sponsored by an employer and allows skilled workers to stay in Australia up to four-years. This visa is perfect for professionals who are listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List or Short-Term Skilled Occupation List.
- Eligibility :
- An approved Australian employer will offer you a job.
- The occupation must appear on the list of skilled occupations.
- Two years relevant experience is required.
- English proficiency (e.g. IELTS score 5.0 or equivalent).
- Depending on the occupation, relevant qualifications or skill assessments are required.
- Checks on health and character.
- The Procedure :
- The employer must apply for approval of sponsorship from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Employers nominate candidates for specific roles.
- The applicant submits documents, such as their qualifications, experience at work, and English-test results, to apply for the visa.
- Pay the visa fee (starting from AUD 1,330 per short-term stream; subject to change).
- Wait for processing to be completed, which can take 2-6 months.
- Cost Visa fees vary from AUD 1,330 up to AUD 2,770 depending on the stream. Health checks and skill assessments are additional costs.
2. Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)
The points-based visa allows highly qualified workers to obtain permanent residency without the need for an employer’s sponsorship. This visa targets occupations listed on the MLTSSL.
- Eligibility :
- Age under 45.
- Occupation at the MLTSSL.
- A skills assessment by a relevant assessing body (e.g. Engineers Australia for Engineers).
- Minimum 65 points, based on age and education, experience in the workplace, English language proficiency, among other factors.
- English proficiency (e.g. IELTS score 6.0 or above).
- Checks on health and character.
- The Procedure :
- SkillSelect allows you to submit an Expression of interest (EOI) online.
- You will receive an invitation based on your points ranking.
- All documents required to support the application must be submitted within 60 days.
- Pay the visa fees (approximately AUD 4.240 for the main applicant).
- Wait for processing to be completed, which can take between 6-12 months.
- Cost : Base fee AUD 4,240 plus additional fees for English tests, skills assessments and health checks.
3. Regional Visas (Subclasses 491, 494)
These visas are designed to encourage migrants to migrate to regions with a shortage of skilled workers, and offer pathways to permanent residence.
- Eligibility is similar to the TSS Visa but with an emphasis on regional occupations, employers and businesses.
- Process: Includes employer sponsorship or nomination by state/territory, followed visa application.
- Cost : Prices range from AUD 4240 to AUD 4770.
Consult the Department of Home Affairs’ website to find out about current requirements and fees for all visas.
The Key Requirements of High-Paying Jobs
To get a job with a salary over AUD 40,000 in Australia, you must meet certain professional and regulatory requirements. Here are the essential requirements:
1. Assessment of Relevant Skills and Qualifications
The majority of high-paying jobs require tertiary education (e.g. bachelor’s degrees) or certifications in a trade. You can, for example:
- Health Care Professionals Must register with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Nurses must have a nursing degree that is recognized and may need to complete a bridge program.
- Engineers : Engineers Australia requires accreditation, which often involves a report on the demonstration of competency.
- Teachers Must be registered with state-based authority, such as The Victorian Institute of Teaching and have a recognized teaching qualification.
- Tradespeople Electricians and plumbers may need to be licensed by state agencies like the Victorian Building Authority.
The relevant authorities conduct skills assessments to verify that qualifications and experience are in line with Australian standards. The fees range between AUD 500 and AUD 2,000 depending on the profession.
2. Work Experience
For most skilled visas, and for most jobs, you need at least 2 years of relevant experience. In senior positions such as IT managers or doctors, five to ten years of work experience may be required. It is important to provide evidence such as pay slips and reference letters when applying for a visa or a job.
3. English Proficiency
Most visas and professional registrations require that you have a good command of English. Common tests include the following:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
For the TSS Visa, a minimum IELTS (functional English score) of 5.0 is required. The Skilled Independent visa often requires a score higher than 6.0. These tests cost between AUD 300 and AUD $400.
4. Licenses and Certifications
Some occupations require Australian licenses or certifications. You can, for example:
- Medical Practitioners must register with the Medical Board of Australia.
- Accountants : You need to be certified by CPA Australia (Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand) or CA ANZ.
- Trades Electricians and plumbers are required to obtain state licenses. This often requires additional training or examinations.
5. Health and Character Checks
To ensure that they meet Australia’s standards, all visa applicants are required to undergo a health check-up. Character checks require police clearance certificates for countries where the visa applicant has resided for at least 12 months in the last 10 years. Health checks cost between AUD 300 and 500, while police clearances are priced between AUD 50 and 200 per country.
Applying for Jobs and Visas
Step 1: Researching and Job Search
- Platforms like SEEK or Indeed can help you find jobs that pay more than AUD 40,000. SEEK had 159,780 jobs listed in March 2025. Many of these were in highly-paid sectors.
- Focus on industries that are in need, like healthcare, IT and construction.
- Verify that the visa is compatible with the occupation by checking the CSOL.
Step 2: Tailoring
- Create resumes and cover letter that are tailored to Australian standards and highlight relevant skills and experiences.
- Include Australian-recognized qualifications and certifications.
Step 3 – Secure an Offer of Employment
- To apply for a visa sponsored by an employer, you must have a job offer in writing from a sponsor that has been approved.
- A job offer does not need to be made for independent visas but it will increase the EOI score.
Step 4: Skills Assessment & English Testing
- If required by the occupation, complete a skills evaluation.
- Test your English language proficiency and send the results.
Step 5: Visa Application
- You can submit your visa application via the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal.
- Please submit all documents required, including your qualifications, experience, English test scores, and character/health checks.
- You can pay the visa fee now and wait for processing.
Step 6 – Relocation and licensing
- After visa approval, book travel and accommodations.
- To begin work, you must obtain any licenses or registrations required.
Additional Considerations
1. Regional Opportunities
Incentives are offered in regional areas such as Queensland and Tasmania, like the AUD 10,000 bonus for Queensland construction apprentices. Regional areas can also offer lower competition for jobs and quicker visa processing.
2. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Australia varies from city to city. Sydney and Melbourne have high rents, with an average of AUD 2,000 to 3,000 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment. Rents in regional areas range from AUD 1,200 to 2,000. Include these costs in your salary expectations.
3. Workplace Regulations
The Fair Work Act in Australia guarantees employee rights. This includes a minimum wage of AUD 24,10 per hour by July 2024, and contributions to superannuation (11,5%, rising to 12% from July 2025). Be sure to familiarize yourself with your rights in order to receive fair treatment.
4. Professional Networking and Development
Attend job fairs and join industry associations to improve your job prospects. Continuously upgrading your skills in fields like AI, renewable energy, and cloud computing can improve your employability.
The conclusion of the article is:
In 2025/2026, Australia will offer a wealth of opportunities to professionals who are looking for jobs that pay more than AUD 40,000. Understanding visa requirements, securing the relevant qualifications and navigating application processes will help you join Australia’s growing workforce.
Consult the Department of Home Affairs to get visa advice. Your Australian career can become a realisation with careful planning.