Australia remains one of the top global destinations for skilled migrants seeking high-paying jobs, long-term stability, and a high quality of life.
With ongoing skills shortages, an ageing workforce, and major infrastructure and healthcare investments, Australia continues to actively recruit foreign workers across multiple sectors—many with salaries exceeding AUD 70,000 per year and visa sponsorship opportunities.
Why Australia Is Offering Visa Sponsorship Jobs in 2026
Australia’s demand for overseas workers is not accidental—it is strategic.
Key Reasons Behind Australia’s Skilled Migration Push
- Severe skills shortages in healthcare, IT, engineering, and trades
- Major infrastructure and energy projects across states
- Regional population shortages requiring skilled migrants
- Strong post-pandemic economic growth
- Government-backed migration quotas under the Skilled Migration Program
According to labor projections, over 60% of sponsored roles in 2026 will pay above AUD 70,000, especially for applicants with in-demand skills and experience.
What Is Visa Sponsorship in Australia?
Visa sponsorship means an Australian employer legally supports your work visa application, allowing you to live and work in Australia.
Common Employer-Sponsored Visas
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – Subclass 494
Many of these visas can lead to permanent residency, making them highly attractive to international applicants.
High-Paying Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship (AUD 70,000+)
Below are top-paying jobs in Australia in 2026 that commonly offer visa sponsorship.
Healthcare & Medical Jobs (AUD 70,000 – AUD 200,000+)
Healthcare remains Australia’s most visa-friendly sector, with priority processing for overseas workers.
In-Demand Healthcare Roles
1. Registered Nurses
Salary: AUD 75,000 – AUD 110,000
Specialties in demand:
- Aged Care
- ICU & Emergency
- Mental Health
- Disability Support
Australia’s ageing population ensures long-term job security for nurses.
2. Medical Doctors & General Practitioners
Salary: AUD 150,000 – AUD 300,000+
Doctors receive fast-tracked visa processing, relocation bonuses, and settlement support.
3. Medical Laboratory Scientists
Salary: AUD 80,000 – AUD 120,000
High demand in pathology labs and hospitals.
4. Physiotherapists & Occupational Therapists
Salary: AUD 75,000 – AUD 110,000
Commonly sponsored under regional healthcare programs.
Information Technology (IT) & Tech Jobs (AUD 80,000 – AUD 180,000)
Australia’s digital economy continues to grow, creating high-paying tech jobs with sponsorship.
Top IT Jobs for Visa Sponsorship
5. Software Developers & Engineers
Salary: AUD 85,000 – AUD 160,000
Skills in Python, Java, React, Node.js, and cloud computing are highly valued.
6. Data Analysts & Data Scientists
Salary: AUD 90,000 – AUD 170,000
Employers pay premium salaries for professionals with SQL, Power BI, Python, and AI skills.
7. Cybersecurity Specialists
Salary: AUD 100,000 – AUD 180,000
8. Cloud Engineers & DevOps Specialists
Salary: AUD 110,000 – AUD 180,000
AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud certifications increase sponsorship chances.
Engineering & Construction Jobs (AUD 75,000 – AUD 200,000)
Australia’s infrastructure boom makes engineering one of the best sectors for skilled migrants.
In-Demand Engineering Roles
9. Civil Engineers
Salary: AUD 85,000 – AUD 150,000
10. Mechanical Engineers
Salary: AUD 80,000 – AUD 140,000
11. Electrical Engineers
Salary: AUD 90,000 – AUD 160,000
12. Mining Engineers
Salary: AUD 120,000 – AUD 200,000+
Especially in Western Australia and Queensland.
Skilled Trades Jobs with High Salaries (AUD 70,000 – AUD 140,000)
Skilled trades are one of the easiest pathways to visa sponsorship.
High-Paying Trade Jobs
13. Electricians
Salary: AUD 75,000 – AUD 120,000
14. Plumbers & Pipefitters
Salary: AUD 70,000 – AUD 110,000
15. Welders & Fabricators
Salary: AUD 80,000 – AUD 130,000
16. Automotive Mechanics (Diesel & Heavy Vehicles)
Salary: AUD 70,000 – AUD 110,000
Many trade roles qualify for regional visa sponsorship with lower competition.
Education & Teaching Jobs (AUD 70,000 – AUD 120,000)
Australia actively sponsors qualified educators, especially in regional areas.
Teaching Roles in Demand
17. Secondary School Teachers (Maths, Science, STEM)
Salary: AUD 75,000 – AUD 115,000
18. Early Childhood Teachers
Salary: AUD 70,000 – AUD 100,000
Teaching visas often come with relocation allowances and PR pathways.
Finance, Accounting & Business Roles (AUD 75,000 – AUD 150,000)
Professional services continue to attract skilled migrants.
High-Paying Business Jobs
19. Accountants & Auditors
Salary: AUD 75,000 – AUD 130,000
20. Financial Analysts
Salary: AUD 90,000 – AUD 150,000
21. Project Managers
Salary: AUD 100,000 – AUD 160,000
Regional Jobs: Easier Visa Sponsorship & Higher Approval Rates
Australia strongly encourages migrants to work in regional and rural areas.
Benefits of Regional Sponsorship
- Lower competition
- Faster visa processing
- Extra migration points
- Higher employer willingness to sponsor
States like South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and regional Queensland offer some of the best sponsorship opportunities in 2026.
How to Secure a Visa Sponsorship Job in Australia
Step-by-Step Strategy
Step 1: Choose an Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
Ensure your profession appears on MLTSSL or STSOL lists.
Step 2: Get Skills Assessment
Many roles require assessment by recognized bodies (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, ANMAC).
Step 3: Apply to Approved Sponsors
Target employers registered as Standard Business Sponsors.
Step 4: Tailor Your CV to Australian Standards
Use:
- Clear job titles
- Measurable achievements
- ATS-friendly formatting
Step 5: Focus on Regional Employers
They are more open to international hires.
Salary Expectations & Cost of Living in Australia
While AUD 70,000+ is considered a strong starting salary, actual purchasing power depends on location.
- Sydney & Melbourne: Higher salaries, higher rent
- Regional Australia: Lower living costs, similar salaries
Many sponsored workers report better savings potential in regional areas.
Benefits of Working in Australia as a Sponsored Worker
- Competitive salaries paid in AUD
- Employer-paid visa costs (often)
- Access to Medicare
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Family sponsorship options
- Strong labor protections
Conclusion
Absolutely, Australia remains one of the best countries globally for skilled migrants.
With jobs paying AUD 70,000+, employer-sponsored visas, and clear PR pathways, Australia offers:
- Financial stability
- Career growth
- Global work experience
- Long-term settlement opportunities
If you have in-demand skills, the right qualifications, and a targeted job search strategy, 2026 could be your breakthrough year.