Australia’s robust economy and high quality of life make it a prime destination for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency (PR). The country’s Skilled Migration Program targets individuals with expertise in high-demand occupations, particularly in skilled trades, to address labor shortages and fuel economic growth.
For tradespeople eyeing roles with salaries exceeding $80,000 AUD, the pathway to PR is both accessible and rewarding, offering opportunities in industries like construction, healthcare, and technology. This comprehensive guide outlines the steps to secure Australia’s permanent residency through skilled trades, focusing on high-paying jobs, visa options, and actionable strategies to maximize your chances of success.
Australia’s immigration system prioritizes skilled workers who can contribute to its workforce needs. With over 60% of visas issued to professionals in demand, skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and welders are highly sought after due to infrastructure development, housing demands, and an aging population.
These roles often command salaries above $80,000, especially in metropolitan and regional areas where skill shortages are acute. This article delves into eligibility criteria, visa pathways, and practical steps to achieve PR while targeting lucrative trade positions.
Why Skilled Trades Are in Demand in Australia
Australia’s economy thrives on infrastructure projects, renewable energy initiatives, and a growing population, creating a consistent need for skilled tradespeople.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the construction sector alone requires thousands of workers annually to meet housing and infrastructure demands. Roles like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters are critical, with median salaries often exceeding $80,000 due to high demand and specialized skills.
The healthcare sector also seeks trades-related roles, such as medical equipment technicians, while the renewable energy boom fuels demand for electrical trades specializing in solar and wind systems.
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) identify trades in high demand, such as:
- Electricians (ANZSCO 341111): Median salary ~$85,000–$100,000 AUD, driven by residential and commercial projects.
- Plumbers (ANZSCO 334111): Median salary ~$80,000–$95,000 AUD, essential for water and gas infrastructure.
- Carpenters (ANZSCO 331212): Median salary ~$80,000–$90,000 AUD, critical for construction and renovation.
- Welders (ANZSCO 322313): Median salary ~$80,000–$100,000 AUD, vital in manufacturing and infrastructure.
These occupations align with Australia’s economic priorities, offering clear PR pathways through visas like Subclass 189, 190, and 491. Regional areas, in particular, provide incentives like additional points and faster visa processing, making them attractive for tradespeople seeking high-paying roles.
Step 1: Confirm Your Occupation Is on the Skilled Occupation List
The first step toward PR is ensuring your trade is listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), maintained by the Department of Home Affairs. These lists, updated regularly, reflect Australia’s labor market needs and include trades like electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and metal fabricators. To verify eligibility:
- Check the SOL/CSOL: Visit the Department of Home Affairs website or Jobs and Skills Australia to confirm your occupation’s ANZSCO code and visa eligibility. For example, electricians (ANZSCO 341111) are on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), qualifying for Subclass 189 and 190 visas.
- Understand State-Specific Lists: Each state, such as Queensland or South Australia, maintains its own occupation list. For instance, Queensland’s 2024-25 list includes over 300 eligible occupations, with trades like plumbers prioritized for state nomination.
- Assess Demand: High-paying trades ($80,000+) are often in regional areas or sectors like renewable energy. Research job boards like SEEK or Regional Development Australia for listings.
If your occupation isn’t listed, consider related trades or upskilling through Australian-recognized courses to align with the SOL.
Step 2: Obtain a Skills Assessment
A positive skills assessment is mandatory for most skilled migration visas. This process verifies that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. Here’s how to proceed:
- Identify the Assessing Authority: Each trade has a designated authority. For example:
- Electricians and Plumbers: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).
- Carpenters: VETASSESS.
- Welders: TRA or VETASSESS, depending on specialization.
- Gather Documentation: Prepare evidence of your qualifications (e.g., trade certificates), work experience (at least 1–3 years, depending on the visa), and identity documents. Apprenticeships or vocational training must be recognized by the assessing authority.
- Submit the Assessment: Apply through the relevant authority’s online portal. Fees range from $300–$1,000 AUD, and processing can take 8–12 weeks. For instance, TRA’s Job Ready Program may apply for recent graduates with less work experience.
- Address Gaps: If your qualifications aren’t recognized, consider bridging courses or a Certificate III/IV in Australia. For example, a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician can align your skills with Australian standards.
A positive skills assessment is critical for visa applications and boosts your credibility with employers offering high-paying roles.
Step 3: Meet English Language Requirements
Strong English proficiency is essential for skilled migration, as it impacts your points score and employability in high-paying trades. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent tests like PTE Academic are widely accepted. Requirements include:
- Minimum Score: Most visas require a “competent” level (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or PTE 50). Higher scores (e.g., IELTS 7.0 or PTE 65, “proficient” level) add 10–20 points to your visa application.
- Preparation: Enroll in language courses or use online platforms like Duolingo or IELTS practice apps. Tradespeople often need strong communication skills for safety and compliance in roles paying over $80,000.
- Exemptions: Citizens of English-speaking countries (e.g., UK, USA) may be exempt but must provide proof.
English proficiency enhances your job prospects, especially in client-facing roles like plumbing or electrical services, where salaries often exceed $80,000.
Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
Australia’s SkillSelect platform manages skilled migration applications. Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) is a key step:
- Create an EOI: Register on SkillSelect and provide details about your skills, qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency. Specify your target visa (e.g., Subclass 189, 190, or 491).
- Points System: Your EOI is scored based on factors like:
- Age (25–32 years = 30 points; 33–39 = 25 points)
- English proficiency (proficient = 10 points; superior = 20 points)
- Work experience (3–5 years = 10 points; 5–8 years = 15 points)
- Qualifications (trade certificate = 10 points; degree = 15 points)
- Regional work/study (5–15 points for regional areas)
- Target High Points: Aim for 80+ points to compete for high-paying trade roles. For example, a 30-year-old electrician with 5 years of experience, proficient English, and a state nomination can score 85–90 points.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): High-scoring EOIs are invited to apply for a visa. Invitations are issued monthly, with cutoffs varying (typically 65–85 points).
Highlighting regional work experience or a job offer in a high-demand trade can boost your EOI score, increasing your chances for roles paying over $80,000.
Step 5: Choose the Right Visa Pathway
Several visa options support PR for skilled tradespeople. The most relevant for high-paying roles include:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189):
- Overview: Permanent residency without employer sponsorship, allowing you to live and work anywhere in Australia.
- Eligibility: Occupation on MLTSSL, positive skills assessment, 65+ points, under 45 years old.
- Salary Impact: Ideal for trades like electricians or plumbers in metropolitan areas, where salaries often exceed $90,000.
- Processing Time: 6–12 months.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190):
- Overview: Requires state/territory nomination, adding 5 points to your EOI. You must live in the nominating state for 2 years.
- Eligibility: Occupation on MLTSSL or state list, positive skills assessment, 65+ points.
- Salary Impact: Suits trades in states like Queensland or South Australia, where roles like carpenters earn $80,000–$95,000.
- Processing Time: 8–14 months.
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491):
- Overview: Provisional visa for regional areas, leading to PR after 3 years. Adds 15 points for regional nomination.
- Eligibility: Occupation on Regional Occupation List (ROL), positive skills assessment, 65+ points.
- Salary Impact: Regional trades roles (e.g., welders in mining areas) can pay $85,000–$100,000 due to shortages.
- Processing Time: 10–16 months.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186):
- Overview: Permanent residency via employer sponsorship, ideal for those with a job offer.
- Eligibility: Job offer in an SOL occupation, 3 years of experience, positive skills assessment.
- Salary Impact: High-paying roles (e.g., electrical engineers in renewables, $90,000+) often come with sponsorship.
- Processing Time: 6–12 months.
For tradespeople targeting salaries over $80,000, Subclass 189 and 186 are ideal for metropolitan roles, while Subclass 491 suits regional opportunities with added PR incentives.
Step 6: Secure a High-Paying Job Offer
Landing a job offer in a skilled trade significantly boosts your PR chances, especially for Subclass 186 or to strengthen your EOI points. Strategies include:
- Research High-Paying Roles: Use job boards like SEEK, Indeed, or Regional Development Australia to find trade positions. Focus on sectors like:
- Construction: Carpenters and plumbers in Sydney or Melbourne earn $80,000–$100,000.
- Renewable Energy: Electricians specializing in solar installations can earn $90,000+.
- Mining: Welders in Western Australia often exceed $100,000 due to regional demand.
- Network: Join industry groups (e.g., Master Builders Australia) or attend trade expos. LinkedIn is effective for connecting with Australian employers.
- Highlight Experience: Emphasize 3–5 years of relevant experience, as employers value practical skills for high-paying roles.
- Consider Regional Jobs: Regional areas like Western Australia or Queensland offer higher salaries and visa incentives. For example, plumbers in regional Queensland can earn $90,000+.
A job offer not only secures income but also adds credibility to your visa application, especially for employer-sponsored pathways.
Step 7: Apply for the Visa
Once you receive an ITA or job offer, submit your visa application:
- Gather Documents: Include skills assessment, English test results, work experience letters, qualifications, and health/police checks.
- Lodge Application: Submit via ImmiAccount, paying fees (e.g., $4,115 AUD for Subclass 189/190, as of 2025). Include dependents if applicable.
- Health and Character Checks: Complete medical exams at approved clinics and provide police clearances from all countries resided in for 12+ months.
- Await Decision: Processing times vary (6–16 months). Monitor your ImmiAccount for updates.
Engaging a registered migration agent, certified by the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), can streamline this process, especially for complex cases.
Step 8: Transition to Permanent Residency
For provisional visas like Subclass 491, transition to PR requires:
- Live and Work in Regional Areas: Reside in a designated regional area for 3 years and maintain employment in your trade.
- Income Threshold: Earn a minimum taxable income (e.g., $53,900 AUD annually, as of 2025) for 3 years.
- Apply for Subclass 191: After meeting requirements, apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.
For Subclass 189, 190, or 186, PR is granted immediately, allowing you to live and work anywhere in Australia (or the nominating state for Subclass 190).
Maximizing Your Chances for High-Paying Roles
To secure PR and a trade job over $80,000, consider these tips:
- Upskill: Obtain Australian-recognized certifications (e.g., Certificate III in Plumbing) to meet skills assessment standards and employer expectations.
- Target Regional Areas: Roles in regional Queensland, Western Australia, or South Australia often pay more and offer PR incentives.
- Leverage State Nomination: States like South Australia prioritize trades on their 2025 lists, offering faster processing.
- Build Australian Experience: Internships or temporary roles (e.g., via Subclass 482) can lead to employer sponsorship and higher salaries.
- Stay Updated: Monitor SOL/CSOL updates and labor market trends via Jobs and Skills Australia to align your skills with demand.
Challenges and Solutions
- Challenge: Qualifications not recognized.
- Solution: Enroll in Australian bridging courses or gain local work experience.
- Challenge: High EOI points cutoff.
- Solution: Boost points with superior English scores, state nomination, or regional work.
- Challenge: Limited job offers in high-paying trades.
- Solution: Network aggressively and target regional employers with skill shortages.
Conclusion
Securing Australia’s permanent residency through skilled trades is a viable pathway for professionals targeting high-paying jobs over $80,000. By confirming your occupation on the SOL, obtaining a skills assessment, meeting English requirements, submitting a strong EOI, choosing the right visa, and securing a job offer, you can build a rewarding career in Australia.
Regional opportunities and employer sponsorship further enhance your prospects, offering both financial and immigration benefits. Start your journey by researching the SOL, upskilling as needed, and consulting a MARA-registered agent for personalized guidance. With Australia’s demand for tradespeople growing, 2025 is an ideal time to take the leap.