In Demand Occupations in Australia

Australia's strong economy and immigration system that focuses on skills are opening doors for workers from abroad. There's lots of demand in fields like healthcare, construction, engineering, and IT. Skilled workers are needed to fill gaps and help the country grow.

Occupation

Annual salary in AUD

IT

$81,000 – $149,023

Marketing & Sales

$70,879 – $165,000

Engineering

$87,392 – $180,000

Hospitality

$58,500 – $114,356

Healthcare

$73,219 – $160,000

Accounting & Finance

$89,295 – $162,651

Human Resources

$82,559 – $130,925

Teaching

$75,284 – $160,000

Professional and Scientific Services

$90,569 – $108,544

 

Why Work in Australia?

Australia is a great place to live, with good salaries and solid worker rights, making it a popular choice for skilled migrants. Right now, there are over 400,000 job openings across the country, especially in healthcare, IT, and construction.

  • More than 400,000 job vacancies in various sectors.
  • Average full-time salary is about AUD 98,000 a year
  • Top 10 safest countries and offers good labor protections and work-life balance.
  • Access Medicare for healthcare and superannuation for retirement savings.
  • There are pathways for skilled workers to apply for permanent residency through visas like subclasses 189 and 190.

Why Work in Australia

Australia Work Permit

A work permit for Australia lets foreign workers live and work there legally for a set time. These permits come under different visa types depending on things like skills, job offers, and sponsorship. Some common ones are the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, Skilled Independent visa, and the Employer Nomination Scheme. Getting a work permit is the primary step for skilled workers who want to find a job and possibly settle down in Australia for good.

*Want to apply for an Australia work visa? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process.

 

Types of Australia work visa

Australia has different work visas aimed at attracting skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and temporary staff to fill job gaps. Each visa fits various job needs, lengths of stay, and eligibility rules.

Here are the main types of Australia Work Visas:

  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): This lets skilled workers work for a designated employer in Australia for up to 4 years.
  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This is a points-based visa for skilled workers who aren’t sponsored by an employer, state, or family member.
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): This is for skilled workers who get a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
  • Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186: A permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer.
  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa – (Subclass 187): Was designed for skilled workers nominated by employers in regional areas of Australia.
  • Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): This is for international students who recently graduated from an Australian school, allowing them to live and work temporarily.
  • Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 / 462): This is for young people (18-30 or 35, depending on the country) to explore and work in Australia for up to a year.
  • Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188): For business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs who want to run a business in Australia.

Note: Each visa has specific eligibility requirements, including skill checks, language skills, job offers, and sponsorship details.

 

List of High-Demand Jobs in Australia

Australia has plenty of job options that pay well across different fields. Whether you're coming from abroad or just finishing your studies, the job market here offers solid chances for career growth.

Here’s a look at some of the top-paying jobs in Australia along with average salaries and insights.

  1. IT & Software Jobs in Australia

The tech scene in Australia is booming, with jobs in software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, and IT project management.

Average Salary: AUD 100,000/year

Salary Range: AUD 80,000 to AUD 140,000/year

  1. Engineering Jobs in Australia

Engineers are needed in civil, electrical, mechanical, and mining sectors, particularly in areas focused on construction and infrastructure.

Average Salary: AUD 105,000/year

Salary Range: AUD 70,000 to AUD 150,000/year

  1. Accounting & Finance Jobs in Australia

Roles like accountants, financial planners, and analysts are essential for businesses and typically come with good pay.

Average Salary: AUD 90,000/year

Salary Range: AUD 65,000 to AUD 150,000/year

  1. Human Resources Jobs in Australia

HR professionals are vital for planning the workforce, ensuring compliance, and recruitment processes within companies.

Average Salary: AUD 95,000/year

Salary Range: AUD 75,000 to AUD 140,000/year

  1. Hospitality Jobs in Australia

With tourism picking up, positions for chefs, hotel managers, and hospitality supervisors are on the rise.

Average Salary: AUD 60,000/year

Salary Range: AUD 45,000 to AUD 90,000/year

  1. Sales & Marketing Jobs in Australia

There is a growing need for experts in digital marketing, brand strategy, and B2B sales, often with good pay.

Average Salary: AUD 85,000/year

Salary Range: AUD 55,000 to AUD 140,000/year

  1. Healthcare Jobs in Australia

Healthcare workers, including doctors and allied health professionals, are highly sought after.

Average Salary: AUD 100,000/year

Salary Range: AUD 70,000 to AUD 180,000/year

  1. Teaching Jobs in Australia

Teachers, especially in STEM and special education, are in demand in primary and secondary schools across the country.

Average Salary: AUD 85,000/year

Salary Range: AUD 65,000 to AUD 115,000/year

  1. Nursing Jobs in Australia

There’s a significant shortage of nurses in Australia, which opens up great job opportunities in hospitals and aged care.

Average Salary: AUD 75,000/year

Salary Range: AUD 60,000 to AUD 110,000/year

List of High-Demand Jobs in Australia

*Want to work in Australia? Sign up with Y-Axis to guide you with the process.

 

Eligibility Criteria for Australia work visa 

If you want to live and work in Australia, you need to meet some specific criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.

The list of general eligibility criteria for a work visa in Australia is as follows:

  • A valid passport from a country that qualifies.
  • A job offer or sponsorship from an approved Australian employer (if you're going for an employer-sponsored visa).
  • Skills and qualifications that match a job on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
  • A positive skills assessment from the right assessing authority.
  • A minimum score in English language tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Health and character checks, which include a police clearance and a medical exam.
  • Proof that you have enough money (if needed).
  • An age limit, usually under 45 for skilled migration.
  • An Expression of Interest (EOI) must be submitted via SkillSelect if you’re applying for points-tested visas.
  • Nomination from a state/territory government or an employer, if it’s required for your visa type.

Eligibility Criteria for Australia work visa

Requirements to Work in Australia

You must fulfill the below requirements to apply for an Australian work visa:

  • Valid Work Visa: You will need a valid work visa.
  • Skills and Qualifications: Your skills should match a job listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Most times, you will need a positive skills assessment from the right authority.
  • English Language Skills: You will have to prove your English skills by taking approved tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or OET, and meet the minimum score for your visa.
  • Health Check: You will need to get a medical exam from an approved doctor to ensure you meet health standards.
  • Character Check: You must provide police clearance certificates from any country where you’ve lived for over a year in the last ten years.
  • Proof of Funds: Some visas require you to show you have enough money for travel, living expenses, and settling in Australia.
  • Job Offer or Sponsorship (if needed): If you are applying for an employer-sponsored visa, you will need a job offer and a contract from an approved Australian employer.
  • Age Limit: Most skilled migration visas require you to be under 45 years old when you apply.
  • Tax File Number (TFN): Once you are in Australia, you will need to register for a TFN so you can work and pay taxes correctly.

 

Immigration Pathways to Move to Australia for Work

Australia offers different options for skilled migration to bring in workers from around the world to fill job gaps.

Here are some of the immigration pathways through which you can move to Australia:

  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
  • Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)
  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187)
  • Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
  • Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)
  • Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

Immigration Pathways to Move to Australia for Work

*Want to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process.

 

How to Apply for Jobs in Australia?

You can follow the below steps to apply for jobs in Australia:

Step 1: Check if your job is on Australia's Skilled Occupation List. 

Step 2: Create a resume and cover letter that fit Australian standards. 

Step 3: Start applying for jobs on sites like SEEK, Indeed, or LinkedIn. 

Step 4: Have your qualifications assessed if needed. 

Step 5: Go to interviews with potential employers. 

Step 6: Get a formal job offer. 

Step 7: Apply for the right work visa for Australia.

 

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the world's No.1 overseas Immigration consultant, providing unbiased and innovative immigration assistance for 25+ years.

Our team of experts will assist you with:

  • Check free eligibility through the Y-Axis Australia Immigration Points Calculator
  • Filling out the application form
  • Assistance to migrate to Australia
  • Assistance to apply for an Australia work visa.
  • Arranging the requirements
  • Looking for jobs in Australia? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services to find the right one!
  • Guidance to obtain Australia PR

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Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs are in demand in Australia?

Australia is currently facing skill shortages in many fields, with a high need for both professional and trade jobs. According to the latest Occupation Shortage List (OSL), these roles are a priority:

  • Registered Nurses
  • Software Engineers / Developers
  • Civil, Electrical & Structural Engineers
  • Electricians
  • Early Childhood Teachers
  • Aged and Disability Carers
  • Physiotherapists
  • Medical Laboratory Scientists / Allied Health Workers
  • Business and Systems Analysts / ICT Specialists
  • Chefs

Note: These jobs are part of Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and are a key focus in regional and national migration programs.

What are the requirements for a work permit in Australia?

Here is a breakdown of the requirements you need to get a work permit in Australia, whether it’s temporary or permanent:

  • Valid Passport
  • Job Offer
  • Skills and Qualifications
  • English Language Skills
  • Skills Assessment
  • Health Checks
  • Character Check
  • Proof of Funds
  • Fulfill the visa conditions
What jobs are in demand in Australia right now?

Some of most in-demand jobs in Australia are as follows:   

  • Registered Nurses 
  • Physiotherapists 
  • Aged care Workers 
  • Software and Applications Programmers 
  • ICT Analysts/Security Specialists 
  • Electricians 
  • Construction Managers 
  • Motor Mechanics 
How do I apply for jobs in Australia?

Step 1: Find your occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. 

Step 2: Get your resume in Australian style. 

Step 3: Apply on sites like SEEK, LinkedIn, or directly on company websites. 

Step 4: If needed, get a skills assessment. 

Step 5: Go to interviews and try to get a job offer. 

Step 6: Apply for the right work visa for Australia.

What types of Australia work visas are available?

The different types of Australian work visas ae as follows:

  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
  • Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
  • Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
  • Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
  • Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)
  • Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)
Who is eligible for an Australia work visa?

Eligibility depends on the visa type, with general criteria including:

  • Skills match to a listed occupation
  • Positive skills assessment
  • Meeting English language requirements
  • Satisfying health and character tests
  • Holding a job offer and sponsorship (if required)
How can I apply for a work permit in Australia?

Step 1: Pick the right visa subclass. 

Step 2: Gather your documents: passport, proof of skills, English test scores, and any nominations. 

Step 3: Submit everything online through ImmiAccount. 

Step 4: Pay the visa fees and go to any health and biometric appointments. 

Step 5: Wait for processing and approval. 

What is the average salary in Australia?

The national average for full-time jobs is about AUD 89,100 to AUD 93,000 a year. 

  • For ICT professionals, it ranges from AUD 100,000 to AUD 140,000. 
  • Registered nurses can expect around AUD 75,000 to AUD 110,000. 
  • Engineers typically earn between AUD 95,000 and AUD 130,000. 
  • Accountants usually make about AUD 85,000 to AUD 120,000. 

 

What unskilled jobs are in demand in Australia?

Some of the non-skilled roles that are in-demand in Australia are as follows: 

  • Agricultural and farm workers 
  • Food processing laborers 
  • Hospitality staff like cooks and kitchen assistants 

Note: These jobs often come with seasonal and working holiday visas, especially in rural areas.

What is the cost of living in Australia?

Well, it really depends on where you are and how you like to live. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are usually pricier than smaller towns. Your biggest expenses will likely be rent, getting around, groceries, and healthcare.

Expense Category

Estimated Monthly Cost

Rent (1-bedroom apartment)

$1,200 – $2,200

Utilities (electricity, water, internet)

$200 – $350

Groceries & Food

$400 – $800

Public Transport

$120 – $200

Health Insurance (if applicable)

$100 – $150

Miscellaneous (leisure, clothing, etc.)

$200 – $400

Total Estimated Cost

$2,200 – $4,100