Australia opens doors for skilled workers from other countries to meet needs in its job market. Many positions offer salaries near $65,000 each year. This pay level fits entry or mid-level jobs in areas such as engineering, health care, trades, and technology. By 2026, demand for these roles should increase because of economic shifts, population changes, and updated visa policies. This guide gives clear facts on available jobs, expected pay, visa options, and application steps. All details draw from official government sources, job market reports, and industry data.

What Are Skilled Worker Jobs in Australia?

Skilled worker jobs need specific training, degrees, or experience. Australia runs a points system to select migrants who can boost the economy. The government keeps lists of needed occupations. These include the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which replaced older lists in late 2024, and sector-specific priorities.

Jobs on the CSOL cover fields like construction, nursing, and software development. Workers apply for visas such as the Skills in Demand Visa (SID), set to launch in stages through 2026. This visa has three paths: core skills, specialist skills, and labour agreement. To start, applicants get a skills check from groups like Trades Recognition Australia or the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council. The check confirms if overseas training matches local rules.

In 2025, skilled migrants earn from AUD 60,000 to over AUD 150,000, with many new arrivals near $65,000. The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) sits at AUD 73,150 for the core path, but some roles below this still qualify under state nomination or regional programs. By 2026, the SID visa will fully replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, making entry smoother for mid-pay jobs.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports over 400,000 skilled visa holders in the workforce as of mid-2025. Growth in key sectors adds more spots. New rules in 2026 cut processing times for invited applicants to under 21 days in some cases.

Salary Details for Skilled Jobs Around $65,000

Salaries near $65,000 suit workers with diplomas, certificates, or early career degrees. Entry mechanical engineers earn AUD 65,000 to AUD 78,000 in most states. Health support roles, like disability services workers, range from AUD 55,000 to AUD 68,000. Information technology help desk staff start at AUD 62,000 to AUD 70,000.

National average full-time earnings reached AUD 100,000 in 2025, up 4.2% from the prior year. Skilled roles at $65,000 fall below this but offer solid starts. Inflation pushes wages up 3% to 4% yearly, so a $65,000 job in 2026 may reach AUD 67,000 to AUD 68,000.

Location changes pay. Sydney adds 10% to 15% over regional towns. Perth mining areas pay more for trades. Taxes on $65,000 income take AUD 12,000 to AUD 13,000, leaving take-home pay near AUD 52,000. Employers add 11.5% superannuation from July 2025.

Industry	Example Job	Salary Range (AUD)	Notes
Engineering	Civil Engineering Technician	62,000 – 72,000	Diploma level
Health Care	Enrolled Nurse	65,000 – 75,000	Certificate IV
IT	Network Support Officer	60,000 – 70,000	CompTIA cert
Trades	Bricklayer	65,000 – 85,000	Trade cert
Education	Child Care Worker	58,000 – 68,000	Certificate III

Data from Job Outlook and Fair Work Ombudsman. Overtime in trades adds AUD 5,000 to AUD 10,000 yearly.

Job Market Outlook for 2026

Australia’s job market stays strong into 2026. The National Skills Priority List shows over 300 occupations in shortage. Technology leads with 15% growth forecast. Health care follows at 12%, driven by aged care needs. Construction rises 10% due to housing targets of 1.2 million new homes by 2029.

Unemployment holds at 4.1% in late 2025. Skilled vacancies hit record highs. The Jobs and Skills Australia agency predicts 1.5 million openings by 2028, with half needing migrants. The 2026-27 migration program caps permanent skilled intake at 132,200 places.

Regional areas gain focus. States like Queensland and South Australia offer extra points for workers who settle outside cities. This helps $65,000 jobs stretch further with lower rent and bonuses up to AUD 5,000.

Wage growth stays steady. The Wage Price Index rose 3.8% in the year to June 2025. Public sector agreements set floors that lift private pay. Roles at $65,000 today should see small bumps by 2026.

Popular Industries and Occupations

Demand spreads across sectors. Below are main areas with job examples, duties, and pay facts.

Health Care Sector

Health jobs top shortage lists. Enrolled nurses give basic care in hospitals and clinics. They earn AUD 65,000 to AUD 75,000 with shift work. Aged care workers help seniors with daily tasks. Pay sits at AUD 58,000 to AUD 68,000 full-time. Demand grows 14% by 2026. Search open roles on Seek Health Care Jobs.

Information Technology Sector

IT support officers fix hardware and software issues. Starting pay is AUD 62,000. Web developers build sites and earn AUD 65,000 to AUD 85,000 early on. Cyber security analysts protect data, with entry at AUD 68,000. Growth hits 20% in three years. Check listings at Indeed IT Jobs in Australia.

Engineering and Technical Roles

Civil engineering technicians help with plans and site work. They make AUD 62,000 to AUD 72,000. Electrical engineering technicians test systems and earn similar amounts. Infrastructure projects drive 11% growth. Find positions on LinkedIn Engineering Jobs.

Trade Occupations

Bricklayers build walls and structures. Pay ranges AUD 65,000 to AUD 85,000. Motor mechanics repair vehicles and start at AUD 65,000. Plumbers install pipes, earning AUD 70,000 average. Shortages affect all states. Look for work via Seek Trades Jobs.

Education and Child Care

Child care workers plan activities for kids. Certificate III holders earn AUD 58,000 to AUD 68,000. Early childhood teachers with diplomas reach AUD 65,000 to AUD 75,000. Enrolments rise 9%. Use Australian Government Job Search for education openings.

Construction and Building

Carpenters frame houses and earn AUD 65,000 to AUD 80,000. Construction project coordinators manage sites at AUD 68,000 start. Housing goals create 100,000 jobs by 2026.

Hospitality Management

Chefs in restaurants make AUD 60,000 to AUD 70,000. Hotel supervisors earn near AUD 65,000. Tourism recovery adds roles.

Transport and Logistics

Truck drivers with heavy licenses get AUD 65,000 to AUD 75,000. Supply chain coordinators start at AUD 62,000. E-commerce boosts demand 8%.

Steps to Apply for Skilled Worker Jobs

Follow these clear steps to move to Australia for work.

1. Check Occupation List Visit the Department of Home Affairs site. Confirm your job is on the CSOL.
2. Get Skills Assessment Contact the right body. Submit degrees, work proof, and references. Fees range AUD 500 to AUD 1,200. Results take 8 to 12 weeks.
3. Prove English Skills Take IELTS, PTE Academic, or similar. Aim for 6 in each band for most visas. Higher scores add points.
4. Submit Expression of Interest Use SkillSelect online. Enter age, work years, education, and English results. System gives points out of 65 minimum.
5. Wait for Invitation High scorers get invites monthly. State nomination adds 5 to 15 points.
6. Lodge Visa Application Pay fees: AUD 4,640 for SID core path. Include health checks and police clearance.
7. Find Employer Sponsor (if needed) For labour agreement path, secure a job offer first. Use job boards or agents.
8. Arrive and Start Work Visa grants work rights. Register for tax file number. Open bank account.

New 2026 rules allow pathway to permanent residency after two years on SID visa for core skills roles.

Regional Opportunities and Benefits

Regional jobs pay similar to cities but cost less to live. Towns in Victoria or Western Australia offer AUD 3,000 to AUD 7,000 relocation aid. States nominate faster. Examples:

• Welders in Whyalla, South Australia – AUD 65,000.
• Nurses in Townsville, Queensland – AUD 68,000.

Regional visas require three years stay before permanent options.

Costs of Moving and Living

Budget for these items:

• Skills assessment: AUD 800 average.
• English test: AUD 350.
• Visa fee: AUD 4,640 main applicant.
• Health exams: AUD 500.
• Flights: AUD 1,500 one way.

In Sydney, rent for one-bedroom is AUD 2,500 monthly. Groceries cost AUD 500. Regional rent drops to AUD 1,500. A $65,000 salary covers needs with savings possible outside big cities.

Training and Upskilling Options

Boost chances with local courses. TAFE institutes offer diplomas for AUD 5,000 to AUD 10,000. Online providers like Open Universities give flexible study. Short courses in safety or software add value fast.

Employer Sponsorship Process

Some jobs need sponsors. Employers apply for Standard Business Sponsor status. They pay market rates and prove no local worker fits. Labour agreements suit groups or unique roles.

Family Members on Visas

Partners and children join on the same visa. They get work and study rights. Partners in skilled jobs add points to the main application.

Health and Character Requirements

All applicants need health exams. No serious conditions that cost public funds over AUD 50,000 in five years. Police checks from every country lived in for 12 months since age 16.

Tax and Superannuation Facts

Income tax rates: 0% up to AUD 18,200, 19% to AUD 45,000, then 32.5%. Super goes to funds for retirement. Workers access it at 60.

Job Search Tools and Sites

Use these platforms:

• Seek – Largest site.
• Indeed – Free alerts.
• LinkedIn – Network with recruiters.
• Government JobSearch – Free for migrants.

Set alerts for “$65,000” and your skill.

Common Application Mistakes

Avoid these:

• Wrong assessing body.
• Low English scores.
• Missing work references.
• Old police checks.

Double-check forms.

Future Salary Growth

Workers at $65,000 often reach AUD 80,000 in three years. Promotions, certifications, and location moves help. Annual reviews common in most fields.

Industry Certifications That Help

Get these:

• White Card for construction.
• RSA for hospitality.
• First Aid for care roles.

Cost under AUD 200 each.

State Nomination Programs

Each state runs its own list. Tasmania needs fewer points. Western Australia priorities mining trades. Check state sites monthly for updates.

Labour Market Testing Rules

Sponsors advertise jobs locally for 28 days. Two ads on approved sites required. Exceptions for high-demand roles.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

SID visa leads to Employer Sponsored Permanent Visa after two to three years. Points-tested options open after experience.

Work Rights and Conditions

Full-time work allowed. Minimum wage AUD 23.23 per hour in 2025. Overtime at 1.5 times. Four weeks annual leave.

Housing and Transport Tips

Rent before buying. Public transport cheap in cities. Cars needed in regions. Budget AUD 15,000 for used car.

Banking and Finances

Major banks: Commonwealth, ANZ, Westpac. Open account on arrival with passport and visa. Credit builds with job pay slips.

Education for Children

Public schools free for visa holders’ kids. Quality high across country.

Health Cover

Medicare for permanent visas. Private insurance for temporary, about AUD 150 monthly.

FAQ

What is the main visa for skilled workers in 2026?

Skills in Demand Visa with core, specialist, and agreement paths.

Does $65,000 meet visa salary rules?

Yes for state nomination or regional roles. Core path needs AUD 73,150 minimum.

Which jobs pay around $65,000?

Enrolled nurses, IT support, bricklayers, child care workers, engineering technicians.

How do I start the process?

Check occupation list, then get skills assessment.

What English level is required?

Competent level – IELTS 6 each band or equal.

Can family come with me?

Yes, partner and children included.

How long to get a visa?

7 to 9 months average after invitation.

Are regional jobs easier to get?

Yes, less competition and state support.

What taxes apply to $65,000?

About AUD 12,147 yearly.

Where to search for jobs?

Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn, government sites.

Can I change jobs on the visa?

Yes after starting, with notice to immigration if sponsored.

Is experience needed?

At least one year for most points.

What if my job is not on the list?

Wait for updates or check state lists.

Do I need a job offer first?

No for points-tested, yes for some sponsored.

What health insurance do I need?

Overseas visitor cover until Medicare access.

How much superannuation?

11.5% of salary paid by employer.

Can I study while working?

Yes, part-time on work visas.

What police checks are needed?

From every country lived 12 months since 16.

Are there age limits?

Under 45 for most points visas.

How to increase points?

Higher English, more experience, state nomination.