Australia is a beautiful country known for its outstanding beaches, rich indigenous heritage, stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, which attracts millions of tourists every year.
However, Australia is also a nation that welcomes a significant number of immigrants from all four corners of the world to its diverse landscapes. Many of them come here to start a new life, bringing much sought after job skills to a country where they are low in supply.
Blessed with a relatively low unemployment rate and a robust economy, the lucky country is an appealing destination for skilled migrants under a strong migration program.
Both in major cities and especially in regional areas, skilled workers can find fantastic job opportunities across a wide range of industries. Moreover, these opportunities are set to rise in the next decade thanks to a post Covid-19 resurgence that has led to an increase in overall business confidence.
This means that skilled migrants have the potential to develop and properly utilise their knowledge base and skillset whilst making a real contribution to Australia’s evolving and dynamic workforce. But what jobs can they do?
For those planning on moving to Australia, here are 10 career options that are high in demand, along with the average salary range that workers earn in those roles.
1. Chef
Australia is a nation that loves its food, so much so that around 54% of its population orders takeaway or eats out at least once a week. Subsequently, highly skilled chefs are a much sought after commodity Down Under, especially if you specialise in making cuisine from an Asian, African or South American country.
Working as a chef in Australia will allow you to translate your own culinary passion into a fast-paced and exciting career, which could see you working in a restaurant, catering company, takeaway joint or hotel.
Once employed, you could find yourself running a kitchen, creating a menu that showcases your signature dishes and plating up masterpieces to widespread appreciation. Don’t forget to use social media to showcase your talents and raise your profile.
Average salary: $60,000 per year
2. Early Childhood Teacher
According to the Australian Government Department of Education, around 1.4 million children in Australia attend a childcare service.
This means there are plenty of job opportunities in this sector for skilled migrants who are qualified and experienced in early childhood teaching – particularly in more regional areas of the country where the labour supply is severely lacking.
Early childhood teachers are responsible for planning and presiding over activities that are designed to foster a child’s education, emotional and social development. Essentially, you will be helping them to develop their fundamental skills via a mix of play and learning. It is an important role, which is usually reflected in an effective remuneration package.
You may need to top up your own qualifications before applying – you can learn about obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Education online here. But as a foreign national, if you can speak another language other than English, you will give your application a competitive advantage. After all, you will be able to easily communicate with others who are well-versed in that dialect.
Average salary: $70,000 per year
3. Childcare Worker
As well as early childhood teachers, Australia has a shortage of well qualified and experienced childcare workers.
Throughout the country – and again, particularly in rural areas – there are a myriad of roles available in various community services, education programmes and childcare centres. In addition, you may also find opportunities at private residences across Australia.
Typically, childcare workers take on responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day activities of children. At the same time, they also support their behavioural and social development and prepare learning materials. All things considered, it is a career that can be very fulfilling and rewarding.
Average salary: $60,000 per year
4. Aged and Disabled Care Worker
Although Australia has a relatively young population (the median age in the country is 36) it also has a sizable elderly population too. Approximately, 22% of the nation is aged 65 of over and the average life expectancy is over 83 years old. In addition, over 4.4 million people suffer from some form of disability. Subsequently, aged and disabled care workers are high in demand.
The healthcare system in Australia is good. However, they are always looking for compassionate and highly skilled professionals who can make a difference to the lives of Australians who are older or physically or mentally impaired.
If you fit the bill, you can find plenty of opportunities for work in healthcare, residential and community settings across the country. Again, this career can be incredibly rewarding, as it can make a genuine difference to the likes of those who need assistance in their day-to-day lives.
Average salary: $60,000 per year
5. Construction Manager
In Australia, construction is an industry that is booming. In any given city or region, at any given time, you’ll find plenty of houses, hotels, resorts, shopping malls, petrol stations and business centres being built. Moreover, with Brisbane being selected to host the 2032 Olympic Games, there is major infrastructure work planned there over the next eight years.
For those who want to work in construction, there are plenty of job opportunities available. However, if you are a construction manager by trade, the talent pool is a bit more limited.
Construction Managers are responsible for planning, implementing and managing every sphere of the building process to make sure it is completed safely, successfully and as quickly as is feasible. Typically, they also possess strong leadership, time-management skills and a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management.
Given the level of responsibility they have over their workers and the nature of the projects they do, construction managers are paid very handsomely.
Average salary: $170,000 per year
6. Civil Engineering Professional
Civil Engineers in Australia are responsible for supervising the construction of public projects and enhancing the existing infrastructure. These professionals play an active role in everything from planning and designing to the building and maintenance of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railways.
If you have a strong aptitude for science and maths and also enjoy managing projects, you are well-suited for this profession. There are several roles available in government authorities or private enterprise. However, to secure one, you will need a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering), or a relevant qualification.
Once you are established in Australia, you can even run your own civil engineering practice.
Average salary: $103,000 per year
7. ICT Business and Systems Analyst
If you are adept at crunching numbers, businesses throughout Australia are always looking for ICT Business and Systems Analysts. These people analyse data to solve complex issues that are driven by information and technology, which can make companies more efficient, profitable and sustainable.
This role can be challenging, although it pays well. Moreover, you can find yourself working across several industries and organisations, which can also provide you with excellent networking opportunities.
Average salary: $110,000 per year
8. University Lecturer
There are 41 universities in Australia, of which 37 are public and four are private. Between them, over 1.4 million Aussie and international students are taking various degree courses that range from Medical Studies and Commerce to Circus Arts and Brewing.
Overall, a university lecturer is a highly regarded and respected profession, as they are seen as experts in their field. If you fancy imparting your knowledge and helping others achieve excellence in academia, most universities are always on the hunt for new recruits.
Average salary: $108,000 per year
9. Software and Applications Programmer
If you are a software and application programmer, you are likely to pique the interest of several businesses in Australia.
This skill is highly prized and there are lots of job opportunities for experienced and intermediate coders, thanks to the country experiencing significant growth within the digitalisation sector – especially in New South, Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland.
Average salary: $90,000 – $110,000 per year
10. Registered Nurse
At present, there are around 303,000 registered nurses in Australia, who play a vital role in the country’s healthcare industry. However, this is not enough to meet the health and wellness needs of the nation’s population.
As a result, highly skilled, compassionate and experienced registered nurses are still required to ensure everyone who needs emergency, aged, mental health, paediatric and general practice care can receive it.
While nursing can be challenging and involve working unconventional hours, it can also be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling to provide emotional support, guidance and health care to patients.
Average salary: $80,000 per year
Migrant Application Process
There are several types of skilled visa applications you can make to the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Once you have submitted yours, they will conduct a skills assessment review to ascertain if you are eligible to move to Australia and whether you can make a positive contribution to the country’s economy.
Should you meet all the requirements, you will be granted approval for an Australian skilled visa and could be working in your chosen field, in the lucky country, in no time at all!
Final Thoughts
Australia is a land of huge employment opportunities across many different sectors for immigrants. The jobs outlined above represent the ten most in-demand roles, however, there are plenty more industries that require skilled workers.
At the end of the day, if you want to come and work in Australia, you will need to demonstrate that you have the skills, educational qualifications and commitment to make a real contribution to the economy.
If you can do this, you should have little problem securing employment and starting a new life in this wonderful country.
