Australia’s thriving economy, high quality of life, and robust labor market make it a top destination for skilled professionals seeking high-paying jobs with visa sponsorship.
With salaries exceeding $89,000 AUD, opportunities in sectors like healthcare, engineering, information technology, and skilled trades offer lucrative career prospects and pathways to permanent residency (PR).
The Australian government’s Skilled Migration Program, including visas like the Subclass 482, 186, and 494, facilitates employer-sponsored opportunities for international workers to address critical skill shortages.
This comprehensive guide outlines the steps to secure high-paying employment in Australia with visa sponsorship, focusing on eligibility, visa options, and practical strategies to maximize success, supported by authoritative references.
Australia’s demand for skilled workers is driven by infrastructure projects, technological advancements, and an aging population.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, high-paying roles in healthcare, IT, and engineering are among the most sought-after, with median salaries for professionals like software engineers, registered nurses, and civil engineers often exceeding $90,000.
Visa sponsorship enhances access to these opportunities, particularly through the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186).
Why High-Paying Jobs with Visa Sponsorship Are in Demand
Australia’s economy relies on skilled migration to fill labor gaps in high-demand sectors. The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) identify roles critical to economic growth, many offering salaries above $89,000. Key industries include:
- Healthcare: Registered nurses (ANZSCO 254418) and medical specialists earn $90,000–$150,000, driven by an aging population and healthcare expansion.
- Information Technology: Software engineers (ANZSCO 261313) and IT project managers earn $95,000–$130,000, fueled by digital transformation.
- Engineering: Civil engineers (ANZSCO 233211) and electrical engineers earn $90,000–$120,000, supporting infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
- Skilled Trades: Electricians (ANZSCO 341111) and plumbers earn $89,000–$100,000, particularly in construction and mining regions.
These sectors align with visa sponsorship programs, as employers with sponsor licenses actively recruit international talent. Job boards like SEEK and Indeed list thousands of sponsored roles, with 1,689 visa sponsorship jobs noted on SEEK as of 2025, many in high-paying fields.
Step 1: Confirm Your Occupation Is Eligible for Sponsorship
To secure a $89,000+ job with visa sponsorship, ensure your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), maintained by the Department of Home Affairs. Key steps include:
- Check the SOL/CSOL: Verify your occupation’s ANZSCO code on the Department of Home Affairs website. For example, software engineers (ANZSCO 261313) are on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), eligible for Subclass 186 and 482 visas. High-paying roles like medical practitioners (ANZSCO 253111, $100,000+) are also prioritized.
- Review State-Specific Lists: States like Queensland and Western Australia maintain their own lists, prioritizing roles like civil engineers or registered nurses for regional sponsorship, often with salaries exceeding $90,000.
- Assess Salary Thresholds: The Subclass 482 visa requires a minimum salary of $73,150 (as of 2025) or the market rate for the role, whichever is higher. For $89,000+ roles, most exceed this threshold, ensuring compliance.
If your occupation isn’t listed, consider upskilling or transitioning to a related role, such as moving from general IT to cybersecurity, which offers salaries above $100,000.
Step 2: Obtain a Skills Assessment
A positive skills assessment is mandatory for most sponsored visas, verifying that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. Here’s how to proceed:
- Identify the Assessing Authority: Each occupation has a designated authority:
- Prepare Documentation: Provide degree certificates, trade qualifications, and evidence of 3–5 years of relevant work experience. For example, a software engineer applying for a $95,000 role needs to demonstrate expertise in Python or Java.
- Submit the Assessment: Apply via the authority’s online portal. Fees range from $300–$1,500, with processing times of 8–12 weeks. For trades, TRA’s Job Ready Program supports recent graduates with limited experience.
- Address Gaps: If qualifications aren’t recognized, enroll in Australian bridging courses, such as a Certificate III in Electrotechnology for electricians, to meet standards and enhance employability for $89,000+ roles.
A positive skills assessment is critical for visa applications and employer confidence in high-paying positions.
Step 3: Meet English Language Requirements
English proficiency is essential for sponsored visas and high-paying roles requiring communication or compliance. Requirements include:
- Minimum Score: Achieve at least “competent” English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50 in each band) for Subclass 482 and 186 visas. Higher scores (e.g., IELTS 7.0, “proficient”) add points for PR pathways like Subclass 189.
- Accepted Tests: The Department of Home Affairs accepts IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT. Prepare using online platforms like British Council or Pearson PTE.
- Exemptions: Nationals of English-speaking countries (e.g., UK, USA) or those with Australian qualifications may be exempt.
- Relevance to High Salaries: Strong English skills are vital for roles like IT project managers or medical specialists, where salaries exceed $100,000 due to client-facing or regulatory demands.
Step 4: Secure a Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor
A job offer from an approved sponsor is the cornerstone of visa sponsorship. Employers must hold a Standard Business Sponsor license and issue a nomination. Steps include:
- Identify Licensed Sponsors: Use the Department of Home Affairs’ Register of Sponsors or job boards like SEEK, which lists 1,020 visa sponsorship jobs, including roles like registered nurses ($75,000–$82,000) and IT professionals ($100,000+).
- Target High-Paying Sectors:
- Healthcare: Registered nurses and specialists in aged care or hospitals earn $90,000–$150,000, with sponsorship common (e.g., Anglicare SQ offers Subclass 482 sponsorship).
- IT: Software engineers and data scientists in Sydney or Melbourne earn $95,000–$130,000, with companies like Atlassian offering sponsorship.
- Engineering: Civil engineers in infrastructure projects earn $90,000–$120,000, with firms like BHP sponsoring visas.
- Trades: Electricians and plumbers in regional areas like Queensland earn $89,000–$100,000, with sponsorship for roles like maintenance electricians.
- Network and Apply: Use LinkedIn, au.indeed.com (65 sponsorship jobs listed), and visasponsor.jobs to connect with employers. Tailor your CV to highlight 5+ years of experience and skills matching the ANZSCO code.
- Secure a Nomination: Once offered a job, the employer submits a nomination, specifying your role and salary (minimum $73,150 or market rate). For $89,000+ roles, the salary typically exceeds the market rate, ensuring compliance.
A job offer strengthens your visa application and positions you in a high-paying role, often with career progression opportunities.
Step 5: Apply for the Sponsored Visa
With a job offer and nomination, apply for the appropriate visa. The most relevant options for $89,000+ roles include:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482):
- Overview: Allows work for 2–4 years, with pathways to PR via Subclass 186. Suitable for roles like software engineers ($100,000+) or nurses ($90,000+).
- Eligibility: Job offer, skills assessment, English proficiency, minimum salary of $73,150 or market rate.
- Processing Time: 4–8 weeks; fees ~$1,455–$3,035.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186):
- Overview: Grants PR directly, ideal for long-term roles like civil engineers ($90,000+) or medical specialists ($100,000+).
- Eligibility: Job offer, 3 years of experience, skills assessment, English proficiency, salary at least equal to market rate ($89,000+ roles typically qualify).
- Processing Time: 6–12 months; fees ~$4,115.
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494):
- Overview: Provisional visa for regional areas, leading to PR after 3 years. Suits roles like agricultural consultants ($100,000–$120,000) or trades in mining regions ($89,000+).
- Eligibility: Job offer, skills assessment, English proficiency, regional employment.
- Processing Time: 10–16 months; fees ~$4,115.
Application Process:
- Submit Documents: Provide nomination details, skills assessment, English test results, qualifications, health checks, and police clearances.
- Lodge Application: Apply via ImmiAccount, paying fees and ensuring all documents are complete.
- Health and Character Checks: Complete medical exams at approved clinics and provide police clearances from countries resided in for 12+ months.
- Await Decision: Monitor ImmiAccount for updates. Engage a MARA-registered migration agent for complex cases.
Step 6: Transition to Permanent Residency
Most sponsored visas offer pathways to PR, enhancing long-term career prospects in $89,000+ roles. Requirements include:
- Subclass 482 to 186: Work for 2–3 years with your sponsor, then apply for Subclass 186. Maintain employment in a high-paying role (e.g., software engineer, $100,000+).
- Subclass 494 to 191: Live and work in a regional area for 3 years, earning at least $53,900 annually. Apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).
- Eligibility: Meet residency, employment, and income requirements. For Subclass 186, ensure your salary aligns with the market rate (e.g., $89,000+ for engineers).
- Benefits: PR allows unrestricted work and access to benefits like Medicare, with citizenship possible after 4 years.
Maximizing Your Chances for $89,000+ Roles
To secure high-paying jobs with visa sponsorship, consider these strategies:
- Upskill: Obtain Australian-recognized certifications (e.g., AWS for IT, AHPRA for nurses) to meet employer and visa requirements.
- Target Regional Areas: Roles in Queensland, Western Australia, or South Australia offer higher salaries (e.g., electricians in mining, $90,000+) and visa incentives.
- Network: Join industry groups (e.g., Engineers Australia) or attend expos. LinkedIn and SEEK are effective for connecting with sponsors.
- Leverage Job Boards: Use SEEK (1,689 sponsorship jobs), Indeed (65 jobs), or visas Jora (5,913 jobs) to find high-paying roles with sponsorship.
- Highlight Experience: Emphasize 5–7 years of relevant experience to appeal to employers offering $89,000+ salaries.
Challenges and Solutions
- Challenge: Qualifications not recognized.
- Challenge: Limited sponsorship opportunities.
- Challenge: High competition for $89,000+ roles.
- Solution: Enhance your CV with certifications, strong English scores, and regional job applications.
Conclusion
Securing a $89,000+ job in Australia with visa sponsorship is achievable through strategic planning and alignment with the Skilled Migration Program.
By confirming your occupation’s eligibility, obtaining a skills assessment, meeting English requirements, securing a job offer from a licensed sponsor, and applying for the appropriate visa, you can build a rewarding career in high-demand sectors like healthcare, IT, engineering, and trades.
Regional opportunities and employer sponsorship enhance your prospects, offering both financial rewards and PR pathways.
Start by researching the SOL/CSOL, upskilling as needed, and leveraging platforms like SEEK and Indeed. For personalized guidance, consult a MARA-registered migration agent. With Australia’s demand for skilled professionals growing in 2025, now is the time to pursue these opportunities.