Australia is an attractive destination for foreign workers due to its excellent quality of life, diverse culture, and numerous job opportunities. With a strong economy and consistent job growth, Australia offers a wide range of roles for skilled professionals worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 15 jobs in demand for foreign workers in Australia, providing valuable insights into the labor market, qualifications, potential career paths, average salaries, and National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes where applicable.
- Healthcare Professionals
Australia’s healthcare sector is constantly expanding and needs skilled professionals to meet the growing demand. Some of the most sought-after healthcare roles for foreign workers include:
- General Practitioners (NOC: 3112) – Average salary: AUD 150,000 – 250,000 per year
- Registered Nurses (NOC: 3012) – Average salary: AUD 65,000 – 90,000 per year
- Psychiatrists (NOC: 3111) – Average salary: AUD 150,000 – 350,000 per year
- Surgeons (NOC: 3111) – Average salary: AUD 200,000 – 500,000 per year
- Physiotherapists (NOC: 3142) – Average salary: AUD 60,000 – 85,000 per year
To work in healthcare in Australia, foreign workers must obtain the necessary licenses and registrations and demonstrate proficiency in English.
- IT Professionals
The information technology (IT) sector in Australia is booming, creating numerous opportunities for foreign workers with expertise in:
- Software Development (NOC: 2174) – Average salary: AUD 60,000 – 120,000 per year
- Cybersecurity (NOC: 2173) – Average salary: AUD 70,000 – 150,000 per year
- Data Analysis (NOC: 2172) – Average salary: AUD 70,000 – 130,000 per year
- Network Administration (NOC: 2281) – Average salary: AUD 60,000 – 100,000 per year
- Systems Engineering (NOC: 2147) – Average salary: AUD 80,000 – 140,000 per year
IT professionals looking to work in Australia should have relevant qualifications and experience and may be required to obtain certifications in their respective fields.
- Engineers
Australia’s infrastructure projects, mining industry, and technological advancements drive the demand for skilled engineers. Top engineering roles for foreign workers include:
- Civil Engineers (NOC: 2131) – Average salary: AUD 70,000 – 130,000 per year
- Mechanical Engineers (NOC: 2132) – Average salary: AUD 70,000 – 130,000 per year
- Electrical Engineers (NOC: 2133) – Average salary: AUD 70,000 – 130,000 per year
- Mining Engineers (NOC: 2143) – Average salary: AUD 80,000 – 180,000 per year
- Environmental Engineers (NOC: 2148) – Average salary: AUD 70,000 – 130,000 per year
Engineers must hold accredited degrees and may be required to obtain professional certifications or licenses to work in Australia.
- Construction Managers
With ongoing construction projects throughout the country, Australia needs experienced construction managers to oversee the following:
- Residential Building Projects (NOC: 0711) – Average salary: AUD 80,000 – 160,000 per year
- Commercial Construction (NOC: 0711) – Average salary: AUD 80,000 – 160,000 per year
- Infrastructure Development (NOC: 0711) – Average salary: AUD 80,000 – 160,000 per year
- Project Management (NOC: 0711) – Average salary: AUD 80,000 – 160,000 per year
Construction managers typically hold degrees in construction management, engineering, or related fields and have extensive experience in the industry.
- Accountants
Accounting professionals are consistently in demand in Australia, particularly in roles such as:
- Financial Accountants (NOC: 1111) – Average salary: AUD 60,000 – 90,000 per year
- Management Accountants (NOC: 1111) – Average salary: AUD 60,000 – 90,000 per year
- Tax Accountants (NOC: 1111) – Average salary: AUD 60,000 – 90,000 per year
- Auditors (NOC: 1111) – Average salary: AUD 60,000 – 90,000 per year
Foreign workers looking to work as accountants in Australia must have relevant degrees and professional certifications, such as CPA or CA.
- Teachers
Australia always looks for qualified teachers to work in primary and secondary schools, particularly in regional and rural areas. In-demand teaching roles include:
- Primary School Teachers (NOC: 4031) – Average salary: AUD 60,000 – 90,000 per year
- Secondary School Teachers (NOC: 4031) – Average salary: AUD 60,000 – 90,000 per year
- Special Education Teachers (NOC: 4033) – Average salary: AUD 60,000 – 90,000 per year
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers (NOC: 4021) – Average salary: AUD 50,000 – 80,000 per year
Teachers must hold recognized teaching qualifications and may need additional certifications or licenses depending on the state or territory in which they plan to work.
- Marketing Professionals
As Australia’s economy grows, so does the need for skilled marketing professionals. Top marketing roles for foreign workers include:
- Marketing Managers (NOC: 0124) – Average salary: AUD 70,000 – 120,000 per year
- Digital Marketing Specialists (NOC: 1123) – Average salary: AUD 50,000 – 90,000 per year
- Content Creators (NOC: 1121) – Average salary: AUD 45,000 – 80,000 per year
- Public Relations Specialists (NOC: 1123) – Average salary: AUD 50,000 – 90,000 per year
- Social Media Managers (NOC: 1123) – Average salary: AUD 50,000 – 90,000 per year
Marketing professionals should hold relevant degrees, have experience in their respective fields, and a strong understanding of the Australian market.
- Tradespeople
Australia has a strong demand for skilled tradespeople in various industries, such as:
- Electricians (NOC: 7241) – Average salary: AUD 60,000 – 100,000 per year
- Plumbers (NOC: 7251) – Average salary: AUD 50,000 – 90,000 per year
- Carpenters (NOC: 7271) – Average salary: AUD 50,000 – 80,000 per year
- Welders (NOC: 7237) – Average salary: AUD 50,000 – 85,000 per year
- Automotive Mechanics (NOC: 7321) – Average salary: AUD 45,000 – 70,000 per year
Automotive Mechanics (NOC: 7321) – Average salary: AUD 45,000 – 70,000 per year
- Architects
With ongoing construction and urban development, Australia needs skilled architects for roles such as:
- Residential Architects (NOC: 2151) – Average salary: AUD 60,000 – 100,000 per year
- Commercial Architects (NOC: 2151) – Average salary: AUD 60,000 – 100,000 per year
- Urban Planners (NOC: 2153) – Average salary: AUD 60,000 – 100,000 per year
- Landscape Architects (NOC: 2152) – Average salary: AUD 55,000 – 90,000 per year
Architects must hold accredited degrees and may be required to obtain professional certifications or licenses to work in Australia.
- Chefs and Cooks
Australia’s thriving hospitality industry is always in need of talented chefs and cooks to work in various establishments such as:
- Executive Chefs (NOC: 6321) – Average salary: AUD 70,000 – 120,000 per year
- Sous Chefs (NOC: 6321) – Average salary: AUD 50,000 – 80,000 per year
- Pastry Chefs (NOC: 6321) – Average salary: AUD 45,000 – 75,000 per year
- Line Cooks (NOC: 6322) – Average salary: AUD 40,000 – 60,000 per year
Chefs and cooks must hold relevant qualifications, such as culinary diplomas or certificates, and have substantial experience in the industry.