$100,000 High-Paying Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship

By user May 16, 2025 Immigration, Jobs 0 Comments

If you’re looking to move to Australia and want a job that pays well up to $100,000, doesn’t always require a university degree, and has real visa sponsorship opportunities, then the construction industry should be on your radar. For skilled tradespeople—whether you’re a carpenter, electrician, welder, or site supervisor—Australia continues to offer real demand, competitive salaries, and a clear path to permanent residency.

This guide is written for skilled workers who want a straightforward way to work and settle in Australia. No vague talk, no empty phrases—just clear answers on which construction jobs pay well, which ones offer sponsorship, and how you can take the first steps.

Why Australia Needs Skilled Construction Workers

Australia has been facing a serious skills shortage in the construction sector for years. With rising demand for housing, commercial buildings, roads, and major infrastructure projects, there simply aren’t enough local workers to keep up. This is especially true in fast-growing states like Queensland, Western Australia, and New South Wales.

As a result, the government continues to include construction jobs on its Skilled Occupation Lists, which means Australian employers can legally sponsor overseas workers for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas (subclass 482) or even Skilled Independent Visas (subclass 189 or 190). This opens real doors for qualified tradespeople.

High-Demand Construction Jobs That Offer Visa Sponsorship

Here are the top construction-related roles that offer strong salaries and a high chance of visa sponsorship in 2025. These roles are all included in the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which makes them eligible for longer-term visas and, in many cases, permanent residency.

1. Electricians

If you’re a licensed electrician with strong work experience and trade qualifications, you’re in high demand across Australia. Salaries range from AUD 85,000 to AUD 120,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
Visa pathway: 482 TSS visa, 189 or 190 skilled visas
Qualification needed: Certificate III in Electrotechnology or equivalent + licensing

2. Plumbers

Plumbing is a licensed trade in Australia, and experienced plumbers are needed for both residential and commercial projects. Salaries often go above AUD 100,000 per year, especially in cities like Sydney and Perth.
Visa pathway: 482 TSS visa, PR routes through 190 or 189 visas
Bonus: Easy to move into self-employment once you’re licensed

3. Carpenters and Joiners

From house frames to interior fittings, carpenters are essential in both residential and infrastructure projects. This is one of the most requested trades among regional employers.
Salary: AUD 75,000 to AUD 110,000 per year
Visa pathway: 482 sponsorship available; 190 PR nomination in regional states

4. Bricklayers and Stonemasons

Demand for bricklayers has been rising, especially in regional areas where local talent is limited. While the work is physically demanding, it pays well, with many earning above AUD 90,000 annually.
Visa pathway: Regional-sponsored 491 and state-nominated 190 visas

5. Construction Project Managers

If you have experience leading teams, managing budgets, and coordinating construction schedules, then this role may offer a faster route to residency.
Salary: AUD 100,000 to AUD 150,000+
Visa pathway: High priority for 482, 186, and 189/190 pathways
Good to know: Managerial roles often receive faster processing and priority invitations

6. Welders and Fabricators

With mining, manufacturing, and heavy construction projects ongoing across the country, welders continue to be in demand.
Salary: AUD 70,000 to AUD 95,000 depending on sector
Visa pathway: 482 TSS visa, especially in Western Australia and Queensland
Tip: Specialised welding skills (TIG, MIG, pressure vessel) get more attention

What You’ll Need to Qualify

Getting a high-paying, sponsored construction job in Australia isn’t about luck. It’s about proving you meet Australian standards. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

Recognised qualifications – Your trade certificate must be equal to Australian standards. In many cases, you’ll need to complete a skills assessment through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).
Work experience – Most visas require at least 2 to 3 years of full-time experience in your trade. Having project references, work history, and photos of your work can help.
English test – You must take a government-approved English test like IELTS or PTE, even if you’ve worked in English-speaking countries before. Minimum requirement is usually IELTS 5.0 in each band for trade roles.
Health and character checks – Police clearance and medical exams are mandatory for all work visa applicants.

Where to Find Sponsored Construction Jobs

You don’t need to rely only on big job boards. Here are reliable ways to find employers who are actively offering visa sponsorship:

Seek.com.au – Use search terms like “visa sponsorship carpenter” or “482 visa electrician”
JobActive – Government-run platform that often lists employer-sponsored positions
Regional Development Authorities – Some regions publish their own job lists and connect foreign workers with employers
Industry recruitment firms – Agencies like Core Talent, Hays Construction, and Marble Group work closely with employers who sponsor overseas workers

Once you find a job you’re interested in, don’t apply blindly. Contact the employer or recruiter and ask directly if they’re open to sponsorship. If they say yes, make sure they’re a registered sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs.

Salary Expectations and Living Costs

It’s important to look beyond just the pay. Earning AUD 90,000 in one city is very different than earning the same in another. Here’s a quick overview:

City	Average Skilled Trades Salary	Monthly Rent (1-bed city centre)
Sydney	AUD 90,000 – 120,000	AUD 2,500+
Perth	AUD 85,000 – 110,000	AUD 1,700 – 2,200
Brisbane	AUD 80,000 – 105,000	AUD 1,800 – 2,300
Adelaide	AUD 75,000 – 100,000	AUD 1,500 – 2,000
Darwin / Hobart	AUD 70,000 – 95,000	AUD 1,400 – 1,800

If you’re aiming for long-term savings or family migration, cities like Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane offer a more comfortable balance between salary and cost of living.

Visa Pathways for Construction Workers

You don’t need to figure this out alone—many tradespeople apply through one of these common pathways:

Subclass 482 (TSS) Visa
- Sponsored by an approved employer
- Valid for up to 4 years
- Can lead to permanent residency after 2–3 years
Subclass 190 or 491 (Skilled Nominated Visa)
- Requires a state nomination
- Based on points (age, experience, English, etc.)
- Offers permanent residency (190) or 5-year pathway (491)
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
- No sponsorship needed
- Competitive, but offers direct PR if you have high points
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
- For workers already in Australia
- Sponsored permanent residency after working 3+ years

Final Thoughts

If you have a trade, a strong work ethic, and a real interest in living and working in Australia, now is the time to act. The construction industry is short on skilled workers, and employers are actively looking overseas to fill the gap. The pay is competitive, the sponsorship options are real, and the pathway to permanent residency is clear—especially for workers who plan smart and apply with the right documents.

Start by checking if your trade is on the Skilled Occupation List, then get your qualifications assessed, and prepare your documents. Once you’re ready, look for sponsorship jobs in the cities and regions where demand is high but competition is low. The opportunity is there—you just need to make your move.