High-Paying Welder Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship 2025/2026

If you work as a welder and you’ve been thinking about moving abroad for better pay and career growth, Australia should be one of the first countries on your list. Welders are in high demand across multiple Australian states, and many employers are not only offering competitive wages but also visa sponsorship for qualified overseas workers.

But how do you get one of these jobs? Which type of welding is in demand? What kind of visa do you need? And how do you even begin the process if you’re still living outside of Australia?

This guide will give you clear answers—no complicated terms, no confusing steps, just straightforward information to help you understand what’s available and how to move forward.

Why Australia Needs Skilled Welders

Australia has been experiencing labour shortages across many skilled trades, especially in industries like mining, construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and infrastructure. Welding plays a key role in all of these sectors. As projects increase and local supply struggles to meet the demand, employers are turning to overseas talent.

Because welding is listed on Australia’s official Skilled Occupation List, qualified foreign workers can apply under different visa pathways, including those with employer sponsorship. This means Australian companies are allowed to officially support your visa application so you can live and work legally in the country.

What Type of Welder Jobs Are in Demand?

Australian employers are hiring welders with experience in:

• MIG, TIG, and Stick welding

• Pipe and structural welding

• Heavy steel fabrication

• Welding in mining and construction equipment

• Welding for shipbuilding and defence contracts

• Welding in oil, gas, and energy sectors

If you have a formal trade qualification, hands-on experience, and can read technical drawings, your chances of getting hired are strong. Some employers may require you to pass a weld test or complete a skills assessment, especially if you’re applying for permanent residency later.

How Much Can You Earn as a Welder in Australia?

Welding jobs in Australia are known for offering high hourly wages, especially in remote locations or on specialised projects.

Here’s what you can expect:

• General welders earn between AUD $35 to $45 per hour

• Experienced or certified welders in specialised fields (like pipe welding) earn AUD $50–$70 per hour

• Welders in mining or offshore roles can earn AUD $120,000–$160,000+ per year, including overtime

Salaries vary by location, experience level, and project type. Jobs in Western Australia, Queensland, and South Australia often pay more due to high demand and remote project sites.

What Visa Do You Need?

If you’re applying for welder jobs with visa sponsorship in Australia, the most common pathways are:

1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

   • Allows you to work in Australia for up to 4 years

   • Requires employer sponsorship

   • Your job must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

   • Welders are included on this list

2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

   • For jobs located in regional areas

   • Leads to permanent residency after 3 years

   • Employer must be a registered sponsor

3. Permanent Residency (Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme)

   • For welders who’ve already worked in Australia and meet all criteria

   • Employer sponsorship required

4. General Skilled Migration (Subclass 189 or 190)

   • Requires you to apply independently based on points

   • No employer needed, but you must get a positive skills assessment

For most employer-sponsored routes, you don’t need to apply for the visa yourself right away. The employer begins the process after they offer you a job and confirm sponsorship. They will usually guide you or assign a migration agent to help with your visa.

Requirements for Foreign Welders

To be eligible for high-paying welder jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship, you need to:

• Have a formal trade qualification in welding (example: Certificate III in Engineering or international equivalent)

• Show at least 3 years of recent, full-time welding experience

• Be able to read and follow technical engineering drawings

• Pass a weld test, either locally or in Australia (depending on employer)

• Meet English language requirements (usually IELTS 5.0 overall or equivalent)

• Be in good physical health, with no major medical conditions

Some employers may accept overseas candidates without Australian certifications, but you’ll need to complete a skills assessment through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) if you plan to apply for permanent residency later.

Where to Find These Jobs

Here are reliable places where you can search for welding jobs with sponsorship:

• Seek.com.au – One of the largest job portals in Australia. Use search terms like “welder visa sponsorship” or “457/482 sponsor welder”.

• Indeed Australia – Many verified employers post welding roles with clear mention of sponsorship.

• JobActive.gov.au – Australia’s official job board. Filter by location and occupation.

• Direct company websites – Many large contractors advertise sponsorship roles directly. Look at:

  • BAE Systems Australia (shipbuilding)

  • Monadelphous (mining and construction)

  • BHP and Rio Tinto (resource sector)

  • Civmec and UGL (engineering)

Tips to Increase Your Chances

If you’re applying from overseas, keep these points in mind:

• Tailor your CV for the Australian format – clear layout, detailed work history, and job responsibilities

• Mention your willingness to relocate and accept sponsorship

• Highlight specific skills like working with stainless steel, aluminium, or high-pressure pipes

• Attach trade qualifications and certificates with your application

• If you have additional safety training (like confined space or working at heights), mention it

• Show proof of good English skills even if it’s not yet certified—most employers want strong communication

Final Thoughts

Skilled welders are highly valued in Australia, especially those with hands-on experience, trade qualifications, and a strong work ethic. Visa sponsorship is not just possible—it’s available right now, especially in sectors that are struggling to find local workers.

If you’re serious about making the move, focus on applying for jobs through the right channels, tailor your documents professionally, and make it easy for employers to understand your skills and readiness. Welders who take these steps are already working in Australia and earning great salaries—with clear pathways to permanent residence.