Truck Driver Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners in 2025

Truck driver jobs in Australia are in high demand, with numerous opportunities nationwide for skilled drivers. 

With visa sponsorship options available, foreign workers can apply for positions in freight, logistics, and transport sectors. 

Read on to learn about the eligibility for truck driver roles in Australia, discover the best transportation companies offering visa sponsorship, and get access to application links to begin your career today.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for Truck Driver Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship

You must meet the following criteria to qualify for truck driver jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship:

• Relevant Qualifications: You need a valid truck driver’s license from your home country and/or an Australian equivalent, such as a Heavy Vehicle License. Some companies may require a Certificate III in Driving Operations or a similar qualification.
• Experience: Most employers prefer candidates with at least 1-2 years of experience in truck driving, especially for long-haul or specialized roles.
• Visa Sponsorship Eligibility: You must be eligible for a work visa, typically the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa or Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS). To qualify, your occupation must be on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Regional Occupation List (ROL).
• English Proficiency: You must demonstrate English language proficiency, typically through tests like IELTS or PTE, with scores meeting the Australian visa requirements.
• Medical Fitness: A medical examination is required to ensure you are physically fit for the demands of truck driving, particularly for long hours and heavy-duty tasks.
• Age Requirements: While there is no strict age limit, applicants should generally be between 21 and 45 to meet visa and insurance requirements.
• Criminal Record Check: A police clearance from your home country or Australia is typically required to ensure a clean criminal record.

How to Find and Apply for Truck Driver Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship as a Foreigner

Here are the steps to find and apply for truck driving jobs in Australia as a foreigner:

Step 1: Assess Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the basic requirements for truck driving jobs in Australia. This includes having a valid truck driving license, relevant experience, and the ability to meet visa and medical fitness requirements. 

Check if your occupation is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for visa eligibility.

Step 2: Research Visa Options

The most common visa options for truck drivers are the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186). 

Review the requirements for each visa type and consult the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or a migration agent for guidance on which visa best suits your situation.

Step 3: Update Your Resume and Cover Letter

Tailor your resume to highlight your truck driving experience, qualifications, and any relevant certifications, such as the Certificate III in Driving Operations. Include details about the types of trucks you’ve driven, the cargo types, and any safety or logistical training. 

Write a cover letter that explains why you are a great fit for Australian employers and your motivation for relocating.

Step 4: Search for Job Openings

Use popular job boards like Seek, Indeed, or Jora to search for truck driver jobs in Australia. Look for roles that mention visa sponsorship or are listed under the “skilled migration” category. 

You can check company websites of top logistics and transportation companies that commonly offer visa sponsorship, such as Linfox, Toll Group, or Qube Logistics.

Step 5: Apply for Jobs

Once you’ve found suitable job openings, apply directly through the employer’s website or via the job board. Attach your updated resume and cover letter. Be clear about your visa status and the need for sponsorship in your application. 

Some companies might ask for additional documents, such as your driving license, medical clearance, or police background check.

Step 6: Prepare for Interviews

If shortlisted, prepare for interviews by familiarizing yourself with Australian truck driving regulations and road safety standards. 

Be ready to discuss your previous driving experience, your understanding of the job requirements in Australia, and your willingness to relocate. Research the company and understand the type of cargo they transport.

Step 7: Secure Visa Sponsorship

If you are successful in obtaining a job offer, your employer will initiate the visa sponsorship process. They will submit a nomination to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Once your visa is approved, you can finalize your relocation plans.

Step 8: Relocate and Start Work

After receiving your visa, you can start making arrangements to move to Australia. Ensure you have accommodation lined up, understand your rights as a worker in Australia, and familiarize yourself with local regulations and driving routes. 

Upon arrival, complete any required orientation or training before starting work.

Top Transportation Companies Offering Truck Driver Jobs In Australia With Visa Sponsorship

Here are the top transportation and logistics companies for foreigners seeking truck driving jobs in Australia:

Linfox

Linfox is one of Australia’s largest logistics and transportation companies, providing integrated supply chain solutions across many industries, including retail, automotive, and resources. 

They often offer visa sponsorship for skilled truck drivers from overseas, particularly for long-haul drivers and those with experience in specific sectors. 

To apply for a truck driver job with visa sponsorship, visit the official Linfox Careers page.

Toll Group

Toll Group is a global logistics leader with a strong presence in Australia. They offer a wide range of transportation services, including road, rail, and air freight, and frequently recruit skilled truck drivers from abroad. 

Toll Group is known for its sponsorship of foreign workers under the TSS visa scheme. They welcome applicants with experience in long-haul driving, and there are often opportunities for both entry-level and experienced drivers. 

To apply for jobs with Toll, visit their careers portal: Toll Careers.

Qube Logistics

Qube Logistics is a leading provider of integrated logistics services in Australia, offering end-to-end supply chain solutions. They are known for hiring skilled truck drivers, especially in the freight and mining sectors. 

Qube often sponsors foreign workers for truck driving roles, particularly in regional areas where skilled drivers are in high demand. 

To explore available positions and apply, visit Qube Logistics Careers.

Lindsay Australia Limited

Lindsay Australia Limited is a prominent Australian logistics company, specializing in bulk transport and supply chain services. 

With a growing demand for experienced truck drivers in their fleet, Lindsay Australia Limited offers visa sponsorship opportunities for foreign drivers, particularly in regional areas. The recruitment process includes a focus on safety and career development for drivers. 

For more information on current job openings, visit their careers page: Lindsay Australia Limited Careers.

The WesTrac Group

WesTrac is a leader in the provision of heavy equipment solutions across Australia. They hire skilled truck drivers for mining, construction, and other industries, offering visa sponsorship to foreign workers with experience in transporting heavy machinery and equipment. 

WesTrac is particularly active in regions like Western Australia and Queensland, where the mining sector creates a strong demand for drivers. 

To apply, visit Westrac Careers.

Northline

Northline is an Australian-based logistics and transport company offering integrated supply chain solutions across the country. Northline frequently sponsors foreign truck drivers for roles that involve long-distance and interstate travel. 

The company looks for drivers with experience in handling freight across diverse regions and environments. 

To find available positions and apply, visit Northline Careers.

McColl’s Transport

McColl’s Transport is one of Australia’s largest and most trusted names in the transport industry, specializing in bulk and heavy haulage across the nation. 

They frequently seek experienced truck drivers for both interstate and regional routes and offer visa sponsorship for foreign workers. McColl’s Transport focuses on high standards of safety and driver wellbeing. 

Check for openings and apply at McColl’s Transport Careers.

The Average Salary for Truck Driver Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship

Truck driving jobs in Australia offer competitive salaries, depending on factors such as experience level, type of employment, industry, and location. 

Below is a breakdown of the average salaries for truck drivers in Australia:

National Average Salary (Hourly and Annually)

The national average salary for truck drivers in Australia typically ranges from $70,000 to $90,000 annually, with an hourly rate between $30 and $45 per hour. 

Entry-level truck drivers generally earn closer to the lower end of the salary range. However, experienced drivers, particularly those in specialized or long-haul positions, can command higher wages, sometimes reaching the top of the salary spectrum. 

Specializations like heavy haulage or long-distance driving tend to offer more lucrative opportunities, as they require additional skills and certifications.

Salaries Based on Location

• New South Wales: Average annual salary for truck drivers is around $75,000 – $85,000, with higher wages in metropolitan areas such as Sydney.
• Victoria: Truck drivers in Victoria can earn between $70,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on the area. Regional drivers might earn slightly less than those working in cities like Melbourne.
• Queensland: Truck drivers in Queensland earn on average between $70,000 and $80,000 annually. Locations like Brisbane offer higher pay compared to rural areas.
• Western Australia: In WA, salaries tend to be higher due to the mining sector, with truck drivers earning an average annual salary of $80,000 – $90,000, particularly for long-haul and heavy haulage positions.
• South Australia: Salaries in South Australia range from $65,000 to $80,000 annually, with more job opportunities available in Adelaide.
• Tasmania: The average salary in Tasmania is slightly lower, ranging from $60,000 to $75,000 annually.

Salaries Based on Employment Types

• Full-time Truck Drivers: Full-time drivers generally earn higher wages, ranging from $75,000 to $90,000 annually. These positions often come with more benefits such as job security, health insurance, and paid leave.
• Casual Truck Drivers: Casual positions might offer slightly lower salaries on an hourly basis but can be flexible. The average hourly wage for casual drivers is typically between $30 and $40 per hour.
• Owner-Operators: For those who own and operate their own trucks, the income potential is higher but more variable. Owner-operators can earn anywhere from $90,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on the number of loads and contracts they secure.

Salaries Based on Experience Levels

• Entry-level Drivers: New truck drivers or those with less than 1-2 years of experience typically earn between $60,000 and $70,000 annually.
• Mid-level Drivers: Drivers with 3-5 years of experience can expect to earn between $70,000 and $80,000 annually.
• Experienced Drivers: With 5+ years of experience, drivers can earn $80,000 to $90,000 annually, especially in specialized sectors such as heavy haulage or interstate driving.

Salaries Based on Industry and Specialization

• General Freight Drivers: Drivers in general freight transport can expect to earn between $70,000 and $85,000 annually.
• Heavy Haulage Drivers: Specializing in transporting oversized loads, these drivers often earn more, with salaries ranging from $85,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
• Long-haul Drivers: Long-haul truck drivers typically earn between $80,000 and $95,000 annually, with higher rates for those driving in remote areas or handling difficult terrains.
• Mining and Construction Drivers: Truck drivers working in the mining or construction industries, especially in Western Australia, can earn from $90,000 to $120,000 annually due to the specialized nature of the work.

Benefits of Truck Driver Jobs In Australia With Visa Sponsorship

Here are the benefits:

Job Security and Stability

Truck driving is considered an essential service in Australia, ensuring high demand for skilled drivers across the country. The industry is consistently growing, with opportunities available in various sectors, from local deliveries to long-haul trucking. 

Job stability is significant, especially with the rising need for drivers in remote and regional areas.

Competitive Salary and Benefits

Truck drivers in Australia enjoy competitive pay, with annual salaries ranging from $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience and the type of driving role. 

Many companies offer additional benefits such as overtime pay, allowances, and health insurance packages. Specialized drivers in areas like long-haul or heavy-haulage trucking can earn even more.

Visa Sponsorship Opportunities

Several Australian transportation companies offer visa sponsorships for foreign truck drivers, enabling them to secure work permits and live in Australia. 

Companies often assist with the visa process, ensuring a smooth transition to living and working in the country. The 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is a popular route for foreign drivers.

Career Growth and Advancement

Truck driving in Australia offers excellent opportunities for career progression. Drivers can move into supervisory or management roles, become fleet managers, or specialize in areas such as logistics coordination or health and safety. 

Ongoing training and development are often provided by employers to help drivers enhance their skills and qualifications.

Work-Life Balance

For truck drivers working locally or on short-haul routes, Australia offers great work-life balance with regular home time. 

Even for long-haul drivers, the industry supports flexible schedules, with several companies offering structured breaks, rest time, and the opportunity to explore Australia’s diverse landscapes.

Opportunities to Explore Australia

As a truck driver, you’ll have the unique chance to travel across Australia, experiencing its varied landscapes, from coastal towns to remote outback regions. 

For long-haul drivers, this can be a major perk, allowing you to explore Australia’s scenic beauty while earning a good income.

Community and Support

Australia’s trucking industry has a strong sense of community, with professional organizations and driver associations offering support, networking opportunities, and resources to enhance the profession.

As a foreign worker, these organizations can provide helpful guidance, ensuring you integrate smoothly into the workplace and Australian culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to be a truck driver in Australia?

To become a truck driver in Australia, you need a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle you intend to drive (usually a heavy vehicle license). Additionally, you may need to complete specific vocational education and training (VET) qualifications, such as a Certificate III in Driving Operations.

Which state has the highest demand for truck drivers in Australia?

New South Wales and Queensland generally have the highest demand for truck drivers, as these states have large urban areas and extensive transportation networks. However, demand is also strong in other states like Western Australia, especially for those willing to work in regional and remote locations.

Which state pays the highest salary for truck drivers in Australia?

Salaries for truck drivers can vary by state, but Western Australia often offers the highest pay due to the remote nature of many trucking jobs and the demand for drivers in the mining and resource sectors. Pay rates can also be competitive in states like New South Wales and Queensland.

Do truck drivers make good money in Australia?

Yes, truck drivers in Australia can make good money, with annual salaries ranging from $70,000 to $90,000, and higher pay for specialized roles or long-haul drivers. Many companies also offer overtime, allowances, and benefits, further increasing earning potential.

How old do you have to be to drive a truck in Australia?

In Australia, you must be at least 18 years old to obtain a heavy vehicle driver’s license, which is required to drive trucks. You must also meet other requirements, such as passing a medical examination and completing a training course.

How much does a truck owner earn in Australia?

A truck owner in Australia can earn a significant income, depending on the type of business and the number of trucks operated. On average, owner-operators can earn around $100,000 annually, although this can vary widely based on factors such as contract rates, business overheads, and operational costs.