Australia offers excellent work opportunities for skilled migrants, with many employers willing to sponsor visas for in-demand roles. The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) are popular pathways for foreign workers.
Below are the best sponsorship jobs in Australia in 2024, based on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
1. Healthcare & Medical Jobs
Registered Nurses
- Average Salary: AUD $75,000 – $110,000
- Visa Pathways: 482, 186, 189, 190
- High Demand Areas: Aged care, ICU, mental health
General Practitioners (GPs) & Specialists
- Average Salary: AUD $150,000 – $300,000+
- Visa Pathways: 186, 482
- High Demand: Rural and regional areas
Pharmacists
- Average Salary: AUD $80,000 – $120,000
- Visa Pathways: 482, 186
2. Engineering & Construction
Civil Engineer
- Average Salary: AUD $85,000 – $140,000
- Visa Pathways: 482, 186, 190
Mining Engineer
- Average Salary: AUD $120,000 – $180,000
- High Demand: Western Australia, Queensland
Electrician (Licensed)
- Average Salary: AUD $70,000 – $110,000
- Visa Pathways: 482, 186 (if on MLTSSL)
3. Information Technology (IT) & Tech
Software Developer/Engineer
- Average Salary: AUD $90,000 – $150,000
- Visa Pathways: 482, 186, 189, 190
Cybersecurity Specialist
- Average Salary: AUD $100,000 – $160,000
- High Demand: Banking, government, defense
Data Scientist/Analyst
- Average Salary: AUD $95,000 – $140,000
- Visa Pathways: 482, 186
4. Trades & Skilled Labour
Carpenters & Joiners
- Average Salary: AUD $65,000 – $100,000
- Visa Pathways: 482 (if on STSOL)
Plumbers
- Average Salary: AUD $70,000 – $110,000
- High Demand: Sydney, Melbourne
Chefs (Experienced)
- Average Salary: AUD $60,000 – $90,000
- Visa Pathways: 482 (regional sponsorship common)
5. Accounting & Finance
Accountants (CA/CPA Qualified)
- Average Salary: AUD $75,000 – $120,000
- Visa Pathways: 482, 186
Auditors
- Average Salary: AUD $80,000 – $130,000
- High Demand: Big 4 firms
6. Education & Teaching
Secondary School Teachers (Maths, Science, Special Ed)
- Average Salary: AUD $75,000 – $110,000
- Visa Pathways: 186, 482
University Lecturers
- Average Salary: AUD $100,000 – $150,000
- Visa Pathways: 186, 482
7. Hospitality & Tourism (Regional Sponsorship)
Hotel & Resort Managers
- Average Salary: AUD $65,000 – $100,000
- Visa Pathways: 482 (regional)
How to Secure a Sponsorship Job in Australia
- Check the Skilled Occupation Lists (MLTSSL & STSOL) for eligible roles.
- Apply through job portals (Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn) and specify visa sponsorship.
- Consider regional areas (e.g., WA, QLD, NT) where sponsorship is easier.
- Use a migration agent for visa guidance.
Top Companies Offering Sponsorship
- Healthcare: Ramsay Health, Bupa
- Mining & Engineering: BHP, Rio Tinto
- IT & Finance: Atlassian, Canva, Big 4 accounting firms
- Construction: Lendlease, John Holland
Conclusion
The best sponsorship jobs in Australia are in healthcare, engineering, IT, trades, and accounting. Regional areas often have more opportunities, and some states offer priority visa processing for critical roles.
If you have specific skills in demand, securing employer sponsorship is very achievable. Would you like help with visa pathways or job search strategies?
