Jobs in Australia Paying AUD $75,000–$120,000 with Visa Sponsorship (2026 Guide)

Australia remains one of the highest-paying destinations in the world for foreign workers seeking strong annual salaries, legal work visas, and long-term financial security. With persistent skills shortages across construction, healthcare, engineering, mining, IT, and logistics, Australian employers continue to sponsor overseas workers for roles that pay between AUD $75,000 and $120,000 per year, even under tighter immigration controls introduced in recent years.

For many international job seekers, the biggest questions are not whether Australia is hiring, but which jobs actually qualify for visa sponsorship, how much foreigners really earn after tax, and whether salaries are high enough to justify Australia’s cost of living. Misinformation often leads to unrealistic expectations or missed opportunities, especially as visa rules and occupation lists have evolved.

This guide explains visa sponsorship jobs in Australia paying AUD $75,000–$120,000 in 2026, focusing on roles that remain eligible under current migration settings, real earning potential by sector, and how Australia’s work visa system affects salary outcomes. If your goal is to work legally in Australia and earn a high, sustainable income, this article provides clarity grounded in current rules.

How Visa Sponsorship Works in Australia Under the New Rules

Australia does not operate a single “sponsored job” pathway. Instead, visa sponsorship is structured through multiple employer-sponsored and skilled migration visas, most notably the Temporary Skill Shortage visa, the Employer Nomination Scheme, and state-nominated skilled visas.

Under the updated framework:

• Employers must be approved sponsors
• Job roles must appear on eligible occupation lists
• Salaries must meet market salary rates
• Employers must prove genuine skill shortages

Because salary compliance is strictly enforced, sponsored roles in Australia typically fall into mid- to high-income brackets, particularly for skilled occupations.

Minimum Salary Requirements for Sponsored Jobs in Australia (2026)

Australia enforces minimum salary thresholds to prevent underpayment of foreign workers. These thresholds have been progressively increased.

As of the latest updates:

• Sponsored roles must generally pay at least AUD $73,150 per year
• Many professional roles exceed this baseline significantly
• High-demand sectors often start at AUD $85,000–$95,000+

As a result, most legitimate sponsored jobs naturally fall within the AUD $75,000–$120,000 range, especially for skilled workers.

Why Many Sponsored Jobs Pay Over AUD $100,000

Australia’s labour market is shaped by geography, skills shortages, and high productivity expectations. Employers often pay premium salaries to attract and retain overseas talent.

Jobs pay well because:

• Local skill shortages are severe
• Remote and regional work attracts higher pay
• Overtime and penalty rates are legally enforced
• Union and award systems protect wages

In sectors like mining, construction, healthcare, and IT, six-figure salaries are common for experienced workers.

Key Industries Offering AUD $75,000–$120,000 with Visa Sponsorship

Certain industries dominate Australia’s visa sponsorship landscape due to chronic shortages and high demand.

Construction and Skilled Trades

Australia’s infrastructure boom has created strong demand for skilled trades.

Roles include:

• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Carpenters
• Construction Supervisors

Annual salaries commonly range from AUD $80,000 to $120,000, with overtime and site allowances pushing earnings higher.

Healthcare and Medical Professions

Healthcare remains a priority sector under Australia’s migration program.

Roles include:

• Registered Nurses
• Aged Care Nurses
• Allied Health Professionals
• Medical Specialists

Annual earnings often range from AUD $75,000 to $115,000, depending on experience and location.

Engineering and Technical Roles

Engineering roles are critical to Australia’s economy, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and mining.

Common roles include:

• Civil Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Mining Engineers
• Electrical Engineers

Annual salaries typically fall between AUD $90,000 and $120,000+.

Mining and Resources Sector

Mining offers some of the highest salaries for sponsored foreign workers.

Roles include:

• Mining Engineers
• Heavy Equipment Operators
• Geologists

Annual pay often exceeds AUD $100,000, particularly for fly-in fly-out roles.

Information Technology and Digital Roles

Australia’s tech sector continues to grow, with many roles eligible for sponsorship.

Roles include:

• Software Developers
• Systems Analysts
• Cybersecurity Specialists

Annual salaries commonly range from AUD $85,000 to $120,000+.

Gross vs Net Pay in Australia

Australia operates a progressive tax system. While gross salaries are high, net income depends on tax brackets, superannuation, and deductions.

As a rough guide:

• AUD $80,000 salary → AUD $5,200–$5,400 net per month
• AUD $100,000 salary → AUD $6,200–$6,500 net per month
• AUD $120,000 salary → AUD $7,200–$7,500 net per month

Superannuation is typically paid on top of salary, adding long-term value.

Why Australia Remains Attractive for High Earners

Despite higher living costs, Australia offers:

• High wage floors
• Strong worker protections
• Overtime and penalty rates
• Clear permanent residency pathways

For many foreign workers, high earnings combined with quality of life make Australia a top destination.

 

High-Paying Australian Job Titles With Visa Sponsorship (AUD $75,000–$120,000+)

Foreign workers targeting Australia want specific job titles, realistic salary ranges, and clarity on visa eligibility. This section breaks down visa-eligible job titles that consistently pay between AUD $75,000 and $120,000+ per year under Australia’s current migration framework.

Construction & Skilled Trade Jobs With High Salaries

Australia’s construction and infrastructure sector continues to experience severe labour shortages, making it one of the most reliable pathways to high earnings with visa sponsorship.

Common sponsored job titles include:

• Electrician
• Plumber
• Carpenter
• Construction Supervisor
• Civil Construction Foreman
• Site Manager

Typical annual salaries:

• Skilled tradespeople: AUD $80,000–$100,000
• Supervisory roles: AUD $95,000–$120,000+

Overtime, penalty rates, and site allowances often add AUD $10,000–$30,000 per year, especially on large infrastructure projects.

Healthcare & Medical Jobs With Strong Pay

Healthcare remains a priority sector under Australia’s migration program, particularly for roles serving regional and aged-care populations.

High-paying sponsored healthcare roles include:

• Registered Nurse
• Mental Health Nurse
• Aged Care Nurse
• Physiotherapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Medical Practitioner

Typical salary ranges:

• Registered nurses: AUD $75,000–$95,000
• Allied health professionals: AUD $85,000–$105,000
• Specialist medical roles: AUD $100,000–$120,000+

Shift penalties, night duty, and weekend rates significantly increase total earnings.

Engineering & Technical Professions

Engineering roles are central to Australia’s economy and frequently exceed six-figure salaries, especially in energy, infrastructure, and resources.

Common sponsored engineering job titles include:

• Civil Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Electrical Engineer
• Mining Engineer
• Project Engineer

Annual salary ranges:

• Mid-level engineers: AUD $90,000–$110,000
• Senior engineers: AUD $110,000–$130,000+

Many engineering roles qualify for permanent residency pathways, increasing long-term earning potential.

Mining & Resources Sector Jobs

Australia’s mining industry offers some of the highest salaries available to foreign workers, particularly for fly-in fly-out roles.

Sponsored mining roles include:

• Mining Engineer
• Heavy Equipment Operator
• Drill Supervisor
• Geologist
• Mine Site Technician

Typical salaries:

• Operational roles: AUD $95,000–$120,000
• Specialist roles: AUD $120,000–$150,000+

Remote location allowances and roster-based overtime significantly boost income.

Information Technology & Digital Roles

Australia’s digital economy continues to expand, with many tech roles qualifying for sponsorship due to talent shortages.

High-paying IT roles include:

• Software Developer
• Systems Analyst
• Cloud Engineer
• Cybersecurity Specialist
• Data Engineer

Annual salary ranges:

• Mid-level IT professionals: AUD $85,000–$105,000
• Senior specialists: AUD $110,000–$130,000+

Many tech roles operate in English-only environments, reducing language barriers for foreign professionals.

Regional Salary Differences Across Australia

Where you work in Australia significantly affects both salary and savings potential.

Higher-pay regions:

• Western Australia (especially mining regions)
• Northern Territory
• Queensland mining and construction hubs

Moderate-pay but high-quality-of-life regions:

• Victoria (outside central Melbourne)
• New South Wales (regional areas)
• South Australia

Regional and remote roles often pay 10–30% more than metropolitan jobs and offer faster visa pathways.

Overtime, Penalty Rates, and Allowances

Australia’s wage system strongly protects workers through awards and enterprise agreements.

Common income boosters include:

• Overtime rates
• Night and weekend penalties
• Remote area allowances
• On-call payments

For many sponsored workers, these extras increase annual income by AUD $15,000–$40,000, especially in construction, healthcare, and mining.

Jobs Most Likely to Exceed AUD $120,000

Roles that most consistently exceed the upper range include:

• Senior engineers
• Mining specialists
• Construction project managers
• Cybersecurity experts
• Medical specialists

These positions usually combine experience, licensing, and placement in high-demand regions.

Net Take-Home Pay in Australia After Taxes (What Foreign Workers Really Earn)

High Australian salaries look impressive on paper, but net take-home pay is what determines lifestyle, savings, and long-term financial outcomes. Australia operates a progressive income tax system, and most sponsored foreign workers are taxed the same way as citizens. In addition to income tax, employers are required to pay superannuation, which adds long-term value beyond take-home pay.

Typical deductions include:

• Income tax based on annual earnings
• Medicare levy (some visa holders may be exempt initially)
• Salary packaging deductions in healthcare roles (where applicable)

Superannuation is usually paid on top of salary at a minimum rate set by law, meaning it does not reduce take-home pay but builds retirement savings.

Approximate net monthly income after tax:

• AUD $75,000 salary → AUD $4,700–$4,900 net per month
• AUD $90,000 salary → AUD $5,500–$5,800 net per month
• AUD $100,000 salary → AUD $6,200–$6,500 net per month
• AUD $120,000 salary → AUD $7,200–$7,500 net per month

Workers in sectors with overtime and penalties often take home significantly more than these averages, particularly in construction, healthcare, and mining.

Cost of Living vs Salaries in Australia

Australia’s cost of living varies widely by location, and choosing the right region can dramatically affect how far your salary goes. Housing is the largest expense, followed by transport, utilities, and food.

Higher-cost cities:

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Brisbane (inner city)

More affordable regions with strong wages:

• Western Australia (Perth and mining regions)
• Regional Queensland
• South Australia
• Northern Territory

In regional areas, a foreign worker earning AUD $5,500–$6,500 net per month can often save AUD $1,500–$3,000 monthly, especially when employer-provided accommodation or housing allowances are available.

Common Mistakes Foreign Workers Make in Australia

Despite high earning potential, many foreign workers reduce their income or delay visa progress due to avoidable errors.

Common mistakes include:

• Accepting salaries below market rates
• Not confirming award or enterprise agreement coverage
• Ignoring overtime and penalty entitlements
• Underestimating regional salary advantages
• Failing to align job roles with long-term residency pathways

Another frequent issue is focusing only on base salary instead of total compensation, including overtime, allowances, and superannuation.

Best Practices for Maximising Income on an Australian Work Visa

Foreign workers who earn toward the top of the AUD $75,000–$120,000 range usually apply strategic planning rather than relying on base pay alone.

Best practices include:

• Targeting roles on priority occupation lists
• Choosing regional or remote placements for higher pay
• Taking advantage of overtime and penalty shifts
• Understanding award wage structures
• Planning career moves toward permanent residency

Many workers see income growth within the first 12–24 months due to experience recognition and internal promotions.

Long-Term Income Growth and Permanent Residency Benefits

Australia offers some of the clearest pathways from sponsored work to permanent residency, which significantly improves income flexibility.

After gaining permanent residency:

• Job mobility increases
• Salary negotiation power improves
• Access to higher-paying roles expands
• Employer sponsorship restrictions reduce

Many foreign workers experience their largest salary increases after permanent residency, especially in construction, engineering, healthcare, and IT.

FAQs: Jobs in Australia Paying AUD $75,000–$120,000

What jobs in Australia pay over AUD $75,000 with visa sponsorship
Construction trades, engineering, healthcare, IT, and mining roles commonly exceed this range.

Can foreigners earn over AUD $120,000 in Australia
Yes. Senior engineers, mining specialists, project managers, and medical professionals often earn above AUD $120,000.

Are overtime and penalty rates mandatory in Australia
Yes. Many roles are protected by awards and enterprise agreements that enforce overtime and penalties.

Do sponsored workers pay the same tax as Australians
Yes. Most sponsored workers are taxed at the same rates, with some exemptions depending on visa type.

Is superannuation paid to foreign workers
Yes. Employers must pay superannuation for eligible foreign workers.

Does Australia still sponsor foreign workers in 2026
Yes. Australia continues to sponsor foreign workers in priority and shortage occupations.

Conclusion

Jobs in Australia paying AUD $75,000–$120,000 with visa sponsorship remain among the most attractive opportunities for foreign workers in 2026. Strong wage protections, enforced overtime rates, and employer-funded superannuation make Australia a high-income destination despite rising living costs.

For skilled tradespeople, engineers, healthcare professionals, IT specialists, and mining workers, Australia offers a rare combination of high earnings, legal protection, and long-term residency opportunities. The key to success lies in choosing the right sector, understanding total compensation, and positioning your career for permanent residency.

With the right strategy and up-to-date knowledge, working in Australia can deliver not just a high salary today, but long-term financial stability and growth.