Work in Australia Requirements & Procedures for Over $50,000 Jobs in 2025/2026

by

Australia’s thriving economy, high quality of life, and robust job market make it a prime destination for skilled professionals seeking high-paying jobs with salaries exceeding AUD $50,000 annually.

With over 344,000 job vacancies reported in November 2024 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and a projected employment growth of 950,000 jobs by 2030, opportunities abound in sectors like healthcare, technology, construction, and education.

The Australian government’s 2024–2025 migration program, allocating 185,000 permanent places with a focus on skilled migration, further facilitates access for foreign workers.

This comprehensive guide details the requirements, visa procedures, and strategies for securing high-paying jobs in Australia in 2025/2026, leveraging data from government sources, industry reports, and immigration trends as of May 2025.

Why Work in Australia in 2025/2026?

Australia’s appeal lies in its competitive salaries, strong worker protections, and vibrant lifestyle. The median annual salary is approximately AUD $65,000, but roles in high-demand sectors often exceed $50,000, with many offering $70,000–$100,000 for skilled professionals.

The Fair Work Commission’s 2025 minimum wage is AUD $24.10/hour (approximately $47,000/year for full-time work), ensuring even entry-level skilled roles surpass $50,000. Industries like healthcare, IT, and construction face persistent skill shortages, driving demand for foreign talent.

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), updated annually, identifies over 456 in-demand occupations, streamlining visa pathways for skilled migrants.

Benefits include access to Medicare, a world-class healthcare system, and pathways to permanent residency (PR) through visas like the Subclass 189, 190, and 186. With a low unemployment rate of 3.7% in New South Wales and record employment in Western Australia, Australia is a hotspot for career growth.

High-Paying Jobs Over $50,000 in 2025/2026

Below are top high-paying jobs for foreigners with salaries above $50,000, based on SEEK, Jobs and Skills Australia, and industry data. Each includes the ANZSCO code, median salary, requirements, and key locations.

1. Registered Nurse (ANZSCO 254418)

  • Median Salary: $79,000–$86,000/year
  • Description: Provides patient care in hospitals, aged care, or community settings, specializing in areas like mental health or critical care.
  • Requirements:
    • Bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalent.
    • Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
    • 2+ years of experience for senior roles.
    • IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) in each band for non-native English speakers.
  • Top Employers: Ramsay Health Care, Healthscope, Te Whatu Ora.
  • Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane.
  • Visa Eligibility: Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186).

2. Software Developer (ANZSCO 261312)

  • Median Salary: $80,000–$111,899/year
  • Description: Designs and develops software applications, specializing in cybersecurity, AI, or data science.
  • Requirements:
    • Bachelor’s degree in computer science or IT.
    • Skills in JavaScript, Python, or cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
    • 3+ years of experience.
    • IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
  • Top Employers: Atlassian, Canva, Xero.
  • Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra.
  • Visa Eligibility: TSS Visa, Skills in Demand (SID) Visa, Subclass 189.

3. Electrician (ANZSCO 341111)

  • Median Salary: $70,000–$100,000/year
  • Description: Installs and maintains electrical systems in residential, commercial, or industrial settings.
  • Requirements:
    • Certificate III in Electrotechnology or equivalent.
    • Skills assessment by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).
    • 3+ years of experience.
    • Australian trade license post-arrival.
    • IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
  • Top Employers: Downer Group, Service Stream, UGL.
  • Locations: Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide.
  • Visa Eligibility: TSS Visa, Subclass 190, Subclass 491.

4. Secondary School Teacher (ANZSCO 241411)

  • Median Salary: $71,000–$80,000/year
  • Description: Teaches subjects like mathematics, science, or English to students aged 13–18.
  • Requirements:
    • Bachelor’s degree in education or subject-specific degree plus Graduate Diploma of Teaching.
    • Registration with state authorities (e.g., NSW Education Standards Authority).
    • IELTS 7.0.
  • Top Employers: NSW Department of Education, Catholic Education, independent schools.
  • Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth.
  • Visa Eligibility: TSS Visa, Subclass 190.

5. Accountant (ANZSCO 221111)

  • Median Salary: $80,000–$120,000/year
  • Description: Manages financial records, audits, and tax compliance for organizations.
  • Requirements:
    • Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
    • Eligibility letter from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) or CPA Australia.
    • 3+ years of experience.
    • IELTS 7.0.
  • Top Employers: PwC, Deloitte, EY, BDO.
  • Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane.
  • Visa Eligibility: TSS Visa, Subclass 186, Subclass 189.

6. Civil Engineer (ANZSCO 233211)

  • Median Salary: $75,000–$90,000/year
  • Description: Designs and manages infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, or buildings.
  • Requirements:
    • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
    • Skills assessment by Engineers Australia.
    • 3+ years of experience.
    • IELTS 6.5.
  • Top Employers: Fulton Hogan, WSP, AECOM.
  • Locations: Sydney, Perth, Brisbane.
  • Visa Eligibility: TSS Visa, Subclass 186, Subclass 190.

7. Construction Manager (ANZSCO 133111)

  • Median Salary: $90,000–$150,000/year
  • Description: Oversees construction projects, managing budgets and timelines.
  • Requirements:
    • Diploma of Building and Construction or bachelor’s degree.
    • 5+ years of experience.
    • White Card for construction safety.
    • IELTS 6.5.
  • Top Employers: Lendlease, Multiplex, CPB Contractors.
  • Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth.
  • Visa Eligibility: TSS Visa, Subclass 186.

8. Chef (Sous/Head Chef, ANZSCO 351311)

  • Median Salary: $60,000–$80,000/year
  • Description: Prepares high-quality meals in restaurants, hotels, or resorts.
  • Requirements:
    • Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent.
    • 3–5 years of experience.
    • IELTS 5.0.
  • Top Employers: Accor Hotels, Crown Resorts, Merivale.
  • Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast.
  • Visa Eligibility: TSS Visa, Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187).

9. Data Analyst (ANZSCO 224111)

  • Median Salary: $70,000–$90,000/year
  • Description: Interprets complex datasets to provide business insights.
  • Requirements:
    • Bachelor’s degree in statistics, mathematics, or IT.
    • Skills in SQL, Python, or Tableau.
    • 2+ years of experience.
    • IELTS 6.5.
  • Top Employers: Commonwealth Bank, Telstra, Qantas.
  • Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane.
  • Visa Eligibility: TSS Visa, Subclass 189.

10. Aged Care Worker (ANZSCO 423312)

  • Median Salary: $50,000–$65,000/year
  • Description: Provides care and support to elderly individuals in residential facilities.
  • Requirements:
    • Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) or equivalent.
    • 1–2 years of experience.
    • IELTS 5.0.
  • Top Employers: Bupa, Opal HealthCare, Anglicare.
  • Locations: Sydney, Adelaide, Perth.
  • Visa Eligibility: TSS Visa, Subclass 494.

Key Visa Options for High-Paying Jobs

Foreigners targeting jobs over $50,000 can access several work visas under Australia’s skilled migration programs. Below are the primary options for 2025/2026.

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

  • Overview: Allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for up to 4 years to address labor shortages.
  • Eligibility:
    • Job offer from an approved sponsor on the CSOL.
    • Minimum salary of $70,000 (as of 2024, subject to updates).
    • Relevant qualifications and 2+ years of experience.
    • English proficiency (IELTS 5.0 overall, or equivalent).
    • Health and character checks.
  • Cost: AUD $1,455–$3,035 (employer-paid sponsorship fees additional).
  • Processing Time: 1–3 months.
  • Pathway: Leads to PR via Subclass 186 or 187 after 2–3 years.

2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

  • Overview: Employer-sponsored permanent residency visa for skilled workers.
  • Eligibility:
    • Job offer in a CSOL occupation.
    • 3+ years of experience.
    • Skills assessment (e.g., TRA, Engineers Australia).
    • IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
    • Under 45 years (exceptions apply).
  • Cost: AUD $4,770.
  • Processing Time: 6–12 months.
  • Advantage: Direct PR, no points test required.

3. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

  • Overview: Points-based PR visa for skilled workers without employer sponsorship.
  • Eligibility:
    • Occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
    • Positive skills assessment.
    • Minimum 65 points (age, experience, education, English).
    • IELTS 6.0 (higher for more points).
    • Under 45 years.
  • Cost: AUD $4,770.
  • Processing Time: 6–12 months.
  • Advantage: Freedom to work anywhere in Australia.

4. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

  • Overview: PR visa requiring state/territory nomination, adding 5 points.
  • Eligibility: Same as Subclass 189, plus state nomination.
  • Cost: AUD $4,770.
  • Processing Time: 7–14 months.
  • Advantage: Access to state-specific incentives.

5. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

  • Overview: Provisional visa for regional areas, leading to PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years.
  • Eligibility: Occupation on MLTSSL or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), 65+ points, state nomination.
  • Cost: AUD $4,770.
  • Processing Time: 8–15 months.
  • Advantage: 15 extra points for regional work.

6. Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

  • Overview: A new 4-year temporary visa replacing the TSS Visa in late 2025, offering faster processing and PR pathways after 2 years.
  • Eligibility:
    • Job offer in a CSOL occupation.
    • Salary above $70,000.
    • Relevant qualifications and experience.
    • IELTS 5.0–6.0.
  • Cost: TBD (likely similar to TSS).
  • Processing Time: Expected 21 days or less.
  • Advantage: Flexible job changes within the same sector.

Requirements for Working in Australia

To secure a job over $50,000 and obtain a work visa, foreigners must meet specific criteria.

1. Occupation on Skilled Occupation Lists

  • The job must be listed on the CSOL, MLTSSL, or STSOL, verified via ANZSCO codes.
  • Examples: Nurses (MLTSSL), Accountants (MLTSSL), Chefs (STSOL).
  • Check the Jobs and Skills Australia website for updates.

2. Skills Assessment

  • Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority:
    • TRA: Trades like electricians, chefs.
    • AHPRA: Nurses, doctors.
    • Engineers Australia: Engineers.
    • VETASSESS: General occupations like accountants.
  • Requirements include qualifications, work experience (2–5 years), and sometimes technical interviews.
  • Cost: AUD $300–$2,000; processing takes 2–4 months.

3. English Language Proficiency

  • Achieve the required score on an approved test:
    • IELTS: 5.0–7.0 depending on the visa/role.
    • PTE Academic: 36–65.
    • TOEFL iBT or OET for healthcare roles.
  • Exemptions apply for citizens of English-speaking countries (e.g., UK, USA).

4. Work Experience

  • Most roles require 2–5 years of relevant, post-qualification experience, verified via employer references, payslips, or contracts.

5. Age

  • Skilled migration visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491) require applicants to be under 45 at the time of invitation, though employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 186, 482) have no strict age limit.

6. Health and Character

  • Pass a medical examination by a Home Affairs-approved physician.
  • Provide police clearance certificates from countries resided in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.

7. Job Offer (For Sponsored Visas)

  • A formal offer from an approved sponsor, meeting the minimum salary of $70,000 for TSS/SID visas.
  • Employers must prove they couldn’t hire locally (Labor Market Testing), except for MLTSSL roles.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Work in Australia

Step 1: Identify Eligible Occupations

  • Review the CSOL or MLTSSL/STSOL on the Department of Home Affairs or Jobs and Skills Australia websites.
  • Match your qualifications and experience to an ANZSCO code (e.g., 254418 for Registered Nurse).

Step 2: Obtain a Skills Assessment

  • Contact the relevant assessing authority (e.g., AHPRA, TRA) and submit:
    • Academic transcripts and qualifications.
    • Employment references detailing job duties and hours.
    • Proof of professional registration (if applicable).
  • Pay fees and complete any required interviews or practical assessments.

Step 3: Demonstrate English Proficiency

  • Book an IELTS, PTE, or OET test and aim for scores that maximize visa points (e.g., IELTS 7.0 for 10 points, 8.0 for 20 points).
  • Tests are valid for 3 years.

Step 4: Secure a Job Offer (For Sponsored Visas)

  • Use job boards like SEEK, Jora, TradeJobsAustralia, or LinkedIn to find roles.
  • Contact recruiters like Hays, Robert Walters, or Programmed Skilled Workforce.
  • Attend industry events (e.g., Sydney Tech Expo) or network via professional bodies (e.g., Engineers Australia).
  • Ensure the job meets the $70,000 salary threshold.

Step 5: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) (For Subclass 189/190/491)

  • Create a SkillSelect account and submit an EOI, detailing:
    • Occupation and ANZSCO code.
    • Skills assessment outcome.
    • English test results.
    • Work experience and education.
  • Score at least 65 points; higher scores (80–95) improve invitation chances.

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

  • Top-scoring EOIs receive ITAs during monthly rounds (1,000–3,000 invitations).
  • ITAs are valid for 60 days.

Step 7: Apply for the Visa

  • Submit the visa application via ImmiAccount, including:
    • CoS (for TSS/186) or EOI details (for 189/190/491).
    • Skills assessment, English results, and qualifications.
    • Passport, police clearances, and medical reports.
    • Visa fee (AUD $1,455–$4,770).
  • Processing times vary: TSS (1–3 months), Subclass 186 (6–12 months), Subclass 189/190 (6–14 months).

Step 8: Relocate and Settle

  • Upon approval, arrive in Australia and obtain necessary licenses (e.g., White Card for construction, electrical license).
  • Access settlement services like Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) or JobActive for job support.
  • Enroll in Medicare and apply for a Tax File Number (TFN).

Strategies to Secure High-Paying Jobs

1. Target CSOL and Green List Roles

  • Focus on MLTSSL occupations (e.g., nurses, software developers) for faster visa processing and PR pathways.
  • Construction and healthcare roles benefit from regional incentives, including $10,000 for apprentices in Queensland.

2. Enhance Qualifications

  • Obtain certifications like CISCO, AWS, or CPA to boost employability.
  • Complete short courses (e.g., Certificate IV in Ageing Support) for faster entry into aged care.

3. Leverage Regional Opportunities

  • Regional areas like Perth, Adelaide, or Tasmania offer higher salaries and less competition.
  • Subclass 491 and 494 visas provide 15 extra points for regional work.

4. Work with Recruiters

  • Agencies like Hays, Randstad, or Canstaff specialize in placing foreigners in high-demand roles ($2,000–$5,000 fees).
  • Use Y-Axis Job Search Services for tailored job matching.

5. Optimize Your Application

  • Create an ATS-friendly CV highlighting ANZSCO-relevant skills and achievements.
  • Tailor cover letters to emphasize your fit for Australia’s market.

6. Engage a Migration Agent

  • Hire a MARA-registered agent (e.g., True Blue Migration, VisaEnvoy) to navigate skills assessments and visa applications ($2,000–$5,000).

Challenges and Considerations

  1. Labor Market Testing:
    • Employers must prove they couldn’t hire locally for TSS/SID visas, except for MLTSSL roles.
  2. Visa Costs:
    • Total expenses include skills assessment ($300–$2,000), visa fees ($1,455–$4,770), English tests ($300), and medicals ($500). Budget for dependants.
  3. Licensing Requirements:
    • Trades like electricians require Australian licenses (e.g., via SafeWork NSW), obtained post-arrival.
  4. Points Threshold:
    • Subclass 189 requires 85–95 points due to competition. Subclass 190/491 is more accessible with state nomination.
  5. Cost of Living:
    • Monthly costs average AUD $3,000–$4,500 in Sydney, lower in regional areas ($2,500–$3,500). Salaries over $50,000 support a comfortable lifestyle.

Salary and Lifestyle Benefits

Jobs over $50,000 provide financial stability and access to Australia’s enviable lifestyle. Benefits include:

  • Competitive wages, often with overtime or regional allowances.
  • Four weeks of paid annual leave and strong worker protections.
  • Vibrant cities (Sydney, Melbourne) and regional hubs (Perth, Cairns) with diverse communities.
  • Pathways to PR and citizenship after 4 years.

Conclusion

Working in Australia in 2025/2026 offers foreigners unparalleled opportunities to secure high-paying jobs over $50,000 in high-demand sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction.

By leveraging the CSOL, obtaining skills assessments, meeting English requirements, and navigating visas like the TSS, SID, or Subclass 189, skilled professionals can build rewarding careers.

Despite challenges like visa costs and licensing, strategic preparation—using job boards, recruiters, and migration agents—ensures success. Start your journey by checking the CSOL, booking an English test, or contacting a recruiter like Hays to unlock a prosperous future Down Under.

Ready to work in Australia? Explore SEEK for job listings, apply for a skills assessment with TRA or AHPRA, or consult a MARA-registered agent to begin your visa journey. Your high-paying career in Australia awaits!

Leave a Comment