Australia has become one of the most attractive destinations for foreign professionals who want strong earning potential, quality living standards, and long-term career stability. With ongoing labour shortages across technology, healthcare, engineering, construction, mining services, education, and skilled trades, many qualified newcomers can realistically secure high paying jobs for foreigners in Australia earning up to AUD $110,000 per year (and often beyond in senior or specialist roles).
What makes Australia especially appealing is the combination of competitive salaries, strong workplace protections, and multiple legal pathways that allow foreigners to live and work in the country. Australia’s immigration system includes both employer-sponsored options and points-tested skilled migration pathways, supported by tools like SkillSelect and official occupation lists that highlight skills the country needs. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
This guide covers the most in-demand roles, salary expectations, top-paying industries, visa routes, best cities for high salaries, job search strategies, common challenges for foreigners, and practical tips to boost your chances of landing high paying jobs for foreigners in Australia up to AUD $110k.
Why Australia is an Attractive Destination for Foreign Job Seekers
Australia remains a top choice for foreigners because the country actively targets skilled workers who can fill gaps in the labour market. Immigration policy and employer demand are closely connected, meaning skilled applicants who match in-demand occupations often have realistic opportunities.
Strong economy and consistent demand for skilled labour
Australia’s economy is supported by sectors that regularly hire skilled professionals, including IT and digital services, healthcare, engineering, energy, construction, logistics, education, and mining-related industries. The demand is not limited to one city; many opportunities exist across states and regional areas.
Clear skills-based migration structure
Australia maintains a Skilled Occupation List that helps applicants understand which occupations are needed. This is useful because it allows you to align your job search with roles that are more likely to be supported through skilled pathways. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Strong worker protections and benefits
Australia is known for regulated working conditions, clear employment standards, and structured benefits. Many skilled roles also provide:
- Paid leave entitlements
- Superannuation (retirement contributions)
- Training and upskilling support
- Overtime structures (depending on job and award agreements)
Multiple visa and work permit options
Foreigners can access Australia through employer-sponsored visas and points-tested skilled migration options. Official pathways include the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and permanent skilled options like Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190). (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Salary Expectations for Foreigners in Australia
Salary in Australia depends on occupation, experience, location, and whether the job is in a high-demand sector. The good news is that many professional roles and skilled occupations have salary ranges that make AUD $110k achievable for mid-level and senior candidates—especially in technology, engineering, project management, healthcare specialties, and some trades.
Average salary signals from job markets
As an example of market-level salary ranges, Seek reports that Software Engineers commonly fall in the AUD $110k–$130k range. (SEEK Australia) Indeed also reports a national average software engineer salary around the AUD $107k mark (with variation by city and experience). (Indeed)
These references show how high-paying roles can realistically sit around or above the AUD $110k target depending on role level.
Salary by experience level (typical pattern)
While exact figures differ by occupation, a general pattern looks like this:
- Entry-level (0–2 years): AUD $55k – $80k
- Mid-level (3–7 years): AUD $80k – $115k
- Senior-level (7+ years): AUD $110k – $160k+
If your goal is high paying jobs for foreigners in Australia up to AUD $110k, mid-level and senior roles are typically the strongest target—unless your field is in a high-premium niche (like cybersecurity, advanced engineering, or high-demand medical specialties).
Top High-Paying Jobs for Foreigners in Australia (Up to AUD $110k)
Australia’s high-paying opportunities are strongest in areas with talent shortages and fast-growing demand. Below are common job categories where foreigners frequently compete for strong compensation.
Information Technology and Digital Jobs
Australia continues to invest heavily in technology, cybersecurity, data, and cloud infrastructure across banking, retail, logistics, healthcare systems, and government services.
In-demand roles often include:
- Software Engineer / Developer
- Data Analyst / Data Scientist
- Cloud Engineer
- Cybersecurity Analyst / Specialist
- DevOps Engineer
- QA Automation Engineer
- Product-focused technical roles (depending on industry)
Because tech salary bands trend high, this sector is one of the most direct routes to high paying jobs for foreigners in Australia near or above AUD $110k. Seek’s salary range for Software Engineers supports this reality. (SEEK Australia)
Engineering and Infrastructure Careers
Engineering remains a major opportunity area in Australia due to ongoing infrastructure development, energy projects, construction activity, and industrial operations.
High-demand roles include:
- Civil Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Mining-related engineering support roles (varies by state)
Engineering salaries can scale strongly with experience, especially when combined with project delivery exposure or specialist accreditation.
Healthcare Jobs
Healthcare is consistently one of the highest-demand sectors. Some health roles are regulated and may require registration, bridging, or local assessment, but the demand remains strong across states.
In-demand roles include:
- Registered Nurses (especially certain specialties)
- Allied health professionals (depending on registration rules)
- Medical laboratory roles
- Aged care clinical roles (varies by employer)
Foreign healthcare professionals should plan for credential recognition early. When the pathway is completed, the career stability is often strong.
Finance, Risk, and Compliance
Australia has a large financial sector and strong demand in compliance and risk management, particularly as regulatory environments grow more complex.
In-demand roles include:
- Financial Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Compliance Specialist
- Management Accountant
- Internal Auditor
Finance roles can be competitive in major cities, but strong experience and certification help unlock higher salary bands.
Skilled Trades and Technical Work
Australia’s skilled trades can be surprisingly high-paying, especially in roles linked to mining regions, large infrastructure projects, or roles with overtime and on-call components.
As one real-world signal of trade earnings, Australian media coverage has highlighted high incomes for certain trade roles (like refrigeration mechanics), with Seek reporting typical ranges for refrigeration mechanics around AUD $85k–$100k and potentially much higher in mining regions. (News.com.au)
High-demand skilled roles often include:
- Electricians
- HVAC / refrigeration mechanics
- Heavy diesel mechanics
- Welders (specialised)
- Industrial technicians
- Fitters / maintenance roles
Trade licensing and skills recognition can apply, depending on the occupation and state.
Skills & Qualifications Needed to Get High Paying Jobs in Australia
Securing high paying jobs for foreigners in Australia takes more than experience alone. Employers want proof that you can operate within Australian standards—especially for safety, compliance, and communication.
Language and communication confidence
Many roles require strong workplace communication for safety, documentation, and team coordination. Even in technical jobs, communication is often a key performance factor.
Recognised qualifications and skills assessment
Some skilled migration routes require formal assessment of your skills and qualifications. This is particularly important in regulated professions and many trades.
Certifications that boost salary potential
Certifications can help foreigners compete at higher salary levels. Examples:
- IT: AWS, Azure, Cisco, cybersecurity certifications
- Project roles: PMP, PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum
- Finance: CPA/CA pathways, CFA (role-dependent)
- Safety and compliance: industry-specific certifications where relevant
Experience with measurable outcomes
Employers respond well to evidence. Instead of just listing duties, show:
- Performance improvements
- Safety records
- Project delivery achievements
- Downtime reduction
- Efficiency gains
This approach increases your chance of landing high paying jobs for foreigners in Australia rather than being filtered out as a generic applicant.
Visa & Work Permit Options for Foreigners in Australia
Australia has multiple routes. The right one depends on whether you have a job offer, whether your occupation is listed as needed, and whether you qualify for points-tested migration.
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
This is an employer-sponsored temporary visa pathway designed for employers who need skilled workers when they can’t fill roles locally. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Official details:
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
A points-tested visa for invited skilled workers. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Official details:
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
A permanent visa for nominated skilled workers. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Official details:
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
A permanent employer-nominated pathway. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Official details:
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494)
A regional employer-sponsored pathway designed to address labour shortages in regional Australia. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Official details:
Points-tested system and SkillSelect
Australia uses SkillSelect for points-tested skilled migration expressions of interest, and you generally need an invitation to apply. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Official details:
- SkillSelect overview (Immigration and citizenship Website)
- Expression of Interest (Immigration and citizenship Website)
National Innovation visa (subclass 858)
For exceptional, internationally recognised talent, Australia introduced the National Innovation visa which replaced the Global Talent visa for new applications (not a general skilled worker route, but important for elite applicants). (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Official details:
Best Cities in Australia for High Paying Jobs
Choosing location can influence salary, job availability, and cost of living. A smart strategy is to compare salary against housing and lifestyle costs.
Sydney
Strong for finance, banking, tech, consulting, and corporate roles. Salaries can be high, but living costs are also high.
Melbourne
A major hub for technology, education, healthcare, and professional services. Strong job variety and large employer presence.
Brisbane
Growing tech and infrastructure opportunities, often with slightly lower living costs than Sydney/Melbourne.
Perth
Often linked to mining and energy-related opportunities, with strong earning potential in certain technical and trade roles.
Adelaide and Canberra
Adelaide can offer opportunities in defence-related industries and engineering. Canberra has government and related tech/consulting roles.
Regional areas
Regional Australia can offer strong opportunities through regional employer sponsorship pathways, and some skilled roles can be in shortage outside major cities. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
How Foreigners Can Find High Paying Jobs in Australia
High-paying jobs are rarely won through random applications. A strategy-based approach works better.
Use reputable job platforms
- SEEK (also useful for salary research) (SEEK Australia)
- Indeed Australia (useful salary snapshots and listings) (Indeed)
- LinkedIn Jobs
Apply directly on company career pages
Large employers often prioritise direct applicants and may list roles before they appear widely on job boards.
Work with specialised recruitment agencies
For engineering, mining services, healthcare placements, and enterprise tech roles, agencies can help match candidates—especially if you have a strong profile.
Target employers open to sponsorship
Employer sponsorship is a key pathway (particularly through 482 or 494 routes). Australia’s official employer sponsorship information highlights that employers can sponsor workers for permanent residence via programs like 186 or temporary needs via 482. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Network properly
Many high-paying roles are filled through referrals. Networking is not begging; it’s visibility. Build a strong LinkedIn profile, connect with recruiters, and engage in industry communities.
Challenges Foreigners May Face in Australia
Opportunities exist, but it’s important to prepare for common barriers.
Skills recognition and licensing
Some occupations require licensing or formal skills assessments. This can delay entry into certain roles if you arrive unprepared.
Competition in major cities
Sydney and Melbourne can be competitive. If your occupation is in shortage, considering other cities or regional areas can increase your chance of success.
Cost of living pressure
Even with a high salary, living costs can reduce savings. Always evaluate:
- Rent and transport costs
- Childcare if you have family
- Commute and lifestyle needs
Visa processing variability
Processing times can vary by visa type and application completeness. Australia provides an official processing times guide for estimated timelines. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Official tool:
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Landing a High Paying Job in Australia
If your goal is high paying jobs for foreigners in Australia up to AUD $110k, these steps help you stand out.
1) Tailor your CV to Australian expectations
Use a clean, achievement-based structure:
- What you did
- What result it produced
- What tools/standards you used
2) Match your job titles to Australian market terms
Employers search by local job titles. Align your CV language with Australian listings.
3) Add certifications that employers recognise
Certifications can move you from “maybe” to “shortlisted,” especially in IT, project management, and regulated environments.
4) Show readiness for compliance and safety
Australian workplaces often value safety, reporting, and procedural compliance. Make it visible in your CV and interview answers.
5) Be flexible with location
If you focus only on one city, you may miss strong opportunities elsewhere—especially if regional sponsorship routes fit your profile. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
6) Use official resources to validate your pathway
Always confirm official visa requirements and occupation lists using Home Affairs resources like the Skilled Occupation List and SkillSelect pages. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Conclusion
Australia offers one of the strongest environments for foreigners who want stable careers, strong earnings, and clear legal pathways to work. With the right strategy and a realistic plan, it is possible to secure high paying jobs for foreigners in Australia up to AUD $110,000 per year, especially in technology, engineering, healthcare specialties, finance/compliance, and certain skilled trade roles.
The key is alignment: match your skills to in-demand occupations, use reputable job platforms, build a strong Australian-style application, and follow legal visa pathways through official government sources. Australia rewards preparation, clarity, and professionalism—and for skilled foreigners, the opportunity can become a long-term career and life foundation.
FAQs
1) Can foreigners get jobs in Australia that pay up to AUD $110k without local experience?
Yes—especially in skills-shortage roles. Strong experience, recognised certifications, and an Australian-style CV improve your chances. Salary outcomes depend on the occupation and seniority.
2) What is one of the main employer-sponsored work visas in Australia right now?
Australia’s Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is a key employer-sponsored pathway for temporary skilled work. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
3) Where can I verify official skilled visa and occupation information?
Use Australia’s Department of Home Affairs pages like the Skilled Occupation List and SkillSelect information:
- Skilled Occupation List (Immigration and citizenship Website)
- SkillSelect (Immigration and citizenship Website)