Work in Australia Requirements & Procedures for Over $60,000 Jobs in 2025/2026

Australia continues to attract skilled professionals from around the globe with its high-paying job opportunities, stable economy, and enviable lifestyle. If you’re aiming for a job in Australia that pays over $60,000 per year, there are specific requirements and visa procedures you must follow to legally live and work in the country.

This guide explores everything you need to know about working in Australia in 2025 and 2026, including eligibility, visa pathways, in-demand jobs, the application process, and tips to maximize your chances of success.

Why Work in Australia?

Australia offers a strong labor market with competitive wages, comprehensive worker protections, and a multicultural society. In 2025/2026, industries such as healthcare, engineering, information technology, education, and skilled trades are projected to remain in high demand, with many roles offering annual salaries well above the $60,000 mark.

Besides the financial incentives, working in Australia provides you with access to public healthcare, a clean and safe environment, and the possibility of becoming a permanent resident. The work culture is generally balanced, emphasizing personal well-being and professional growth.

Who Is Eligible to Work in Australia?

To work legally in Australia, especially in high-paying roles, applicants must meet a set of eligibility criteria. These generally include:

• Being between 18 and 45 years old
  
• Demonstrating proficiency in the English language (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or equivalent)
  
• Holding qualifications or experience in an occupation listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List
  
• Undergoing health and character checks
  
• Meeting the specific requirements of the visa subclass you are applying for
  

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs updates its Skilled Occupation List regularly to match current labor shortages. If your profession is on that list, you’re already a step ahead in qualifying for a skilled work visa.

What Jobs Pay Over $60,000 in Australia?

Many professional roles in Australia offer salaries that exceed the $60,000 threshold. These include:

• Registered Nurses, who often earn between $75,000 and $95,000 per year depending on experience and location.
  
• Software Developers and IT professionals, particularly in cybersecurity and systems analysis, with average salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000.
  
• Civil and Mechanical Engineers are also in high demand, with pay often starting around $85,000.
  
• Licensed Electricians and Construction Project Managers frequently earn between $70,000 and $130,000.
  
• Accountants, Auditors, and Finance Analysts can expect to earn anywhere from $65,000 to over $90,000 annually.
  
• Teachers, particularly in secondary education for subjects like science and mathematics, also fall into this earning bracket.
  

Your actual salary may vary depending on your level of experience, the state or territory where you work, and the company you join.

Visa Options to Work in Australia in 2025/2026

To work in Australia and earn a salary above $60,000, you’ll likely need to apply for one of several work visa options. The most common include:

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

This visa allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for up to four years. To be eligible, you must have your occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List and meet the experience and qualifications required.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

This points-tested visa does not require employer or state sponsorship. It’s ideal for professionals whose occupations are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. The visa grants permanent residency upon approval.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Similar to the 189 visa, but requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. This also offers permanent residency and targets applicants with skills in demand at the state level.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

A permanent visa sponsored by an Australian employer. This is suitable for those who already have a job offer from an approved business and have at least three years of relevant work experience.

Steps to Apply for a Work Visa in Australia

The process of applying for a work visa in Australia involves several key steps:

Step 1: Identify Your Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List

Before you can proceed, confirm that your profession is listed on either the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

Step 2: Undergo Skills Assessment

You will need to submit your qualifications and work experience to an authorized skills assessment body for your profession. Each occupation has a specific assessing authority.

For instance, engineers are assessed by Engineers Australia, IT professionals by the Australian Computer Society, and nurses by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This assessment ensures your skills meet Australian standards.

Step 3: Demonstrate English Language Proficiency

Most visa categories require proof of English proficiency through recognized tests. Minimum scores typically require an overall band of 6.0 in IELTS or equivalent scores in PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT. Higher scores may be needed for certain occupations or visa classes.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Through the SkillSelect system, you must submit an Expression of Interest detailing your qualifications, work experience, and other personal information. Based on a points system, the higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a visa.

Step 5: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your profile meets the criteria and ranks highly, you will receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the appropriate visa.

Step 6: Lodge Your Visa Application

Once invited, complete your visa application online. You must submit documents such as:

• A valid passport
• Academic and work-related certificates
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical examination results
• English test results
• Proof of financial capacity (for some visa types)

Step 7: Wait for Decision

Visa processing times vary. Some temporary work visas may be processed within a few months, while skilled migration visas might take longer. Keep track of updates via your ImmiAccount.

Taxation and Salary Deductions in Australia

While salaries are high in Australia, employees are required to pay income tax based on a progressive tax system. As of the 2025/2026 tax year:

• Income up to AUD 18,200 is tax-free.
• Income between AUD 18,201 and AUD 45,000 is taxed at 19%.
• From AUD 45,001 to AUD 120,000, the rate is 32.5%.
• Higher incomes are taxed at even higher rates.

A Medicare levy of 2% may also apply if you’re a resident for tax purposes. These deductions are automatically calculated and withheld from your salary by your employer.

Cost of Living Considerations

Living in Australia can be expensive, particularly in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. However, salaries above $60,000 are generally sufficient to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

Major living expenses include rent, transportation, groceries, and health insurance (especially for temporary residents). It’s advisable to research living costs in your intended city and budget accordingly before relocating.

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting Hired

To increase your odds of landing a high-paying job in Australia:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to Australian standards. Focus on achievements and outcomes, and keep your CV clear and concise.
• Apply on trusted job portals such as Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, and official government job boards.
• Obtain an Australian-recognized certification, if needed, to make your qualifications more appealing to local employers.
• Network with professionals in your field using LinkedIn, virtual events, and industry-specific forums. Some job offers come through personal recommendations.
• Consider regional areas where skill shortages are more severe. Jobs in these areas often come with additional benefits, such as bonus points for visa applications.

Can Work Visas Lead to Permanent Residency?

Yes. Many temporary and skilled work visas serve as a pathway to permanent residency (PR) in Australia. For instance, if you’re on a Subclass 482 visa and have worked for the same employer for a set period, you may become eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa.

Likewise, those who receive a Subclass 189 or 190 visa are granted permanent residency immediately. Permanent residents can later apply for Australian citizenship, provided they meet residency and character requirements.

Sectors With Strong Demand in 2025/2026

While many industries offer attractive opportunities, certain sectors stand out due to increasing demand:

• Healthcare: Nurses, medical technicians, aged care workers, and mental health specialists continue to be sought after.
• Technology: Developers, analysts, cybersecurity experts, and system engineers are in high demand across states.
• Construction and Trades: Carpenters, electricians, welders, plumbers, and project managers are essential for infrastructure development.
• Education: Secondary school teachers, particularly in mathematics and sciences, are needed in regional and urban centers.
• Agriculture and Logistics: Farm supervisors, machine operators, and transport workers are also part of ongoing regional recruitment drives.

If you have expertise in any of these areas, now is the time to explore your options in Australia.

Conclusion

Securing a job in Australia with an annual salary exceeding $60,000 is achievable with the right skills, preparation, and understanding of the visa process. The opportunities in 2025 and 2026 remain strong across healthcare, tech, education, construction, and more.

By aligning your qualifications with in-demand occupations, preparing the necessary documentation, and following the correct visa pathway, you can build a successful future in one of the world’s most welcoming and economically stable countries.

Take the first step by checking if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and begin preparing your Expression of Interest today. Your Australian journey could be closer than you think.