Immigration has increased in Australia in recent years, creating a robust and diverse population and providing more job opportunities for both immigrants and locals. This influx of foreign workers has bolstered the labor market and helped fill in the gaps in certain sectors, such as IT, hospitality, and healthcare.

The Australian government has also implemented a number of reforms to make it easier for skilled immigrants to enter and work in the country, helping to create more jobs for Australians. Additionally, many immigrants bring their own skills and expertise which can add an extra dimension of value to industries looking to expand in Australia.

Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)

In order to help Australia combat the economic losses caused by COVID-19, the Australian government has put together a Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List. This list is created based on insights provided by the National Skills Commission and consultancy firms from numerous Commonwealth departments that identify which positions are in critical demand, so they can aid in Australia’s recovery.

It encompasses various occupations that are necessary to maintain the country’s progress, as well as provide a supportive environment for those affected by this global pandemic.

Top 10 Occupation List

OccupationANZSCO Code
Mechanical Engineer233512
Electrical Engineer233311
Mining Engineer233611
Petroleum Engineer233612
Software Engineer261313
Geotechnical Engineer233212
Civil Engineer233211
Accountant221111
Social Worker272511
Registered Nurse254415

Visa Subclasses

Priority processing of applications apply to the following employer-sponsored visa subclasses:

  • 482 Visa (TSS) Temporary Skill Shortage
  • 494 Visa (Provisional) Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional
  • 186 Visa (ENS) Employer Nomination Scheme
  • 187 Visa (RSMS) Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

All of these visas are for occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List.

Career Opportunities And Brief Description About The Occupations

1. Mechanical Engineer

More than four thousand engineering jobs have been advertised across Australia. This points to a relatively widespread shortage of engineering occupations in Australia, particularly within the mechanical sector. These shortages have resulted in Mechanical Engineers being in high demand, with some promising prospects in terms of job growth and salary.  Indeed, the average mechanical engineer salary in Australia is valued at $120,000 a year, with entry-level positions starting at $92,300 per annum.

The most experienced workers are earning up to $154,750 per year. This profession can be practised across any Australian location, so finding work should be relatively easy. Writing a CDR report is an essential component of migration skills assessment. CDR Report Writer offers the best CDR services for Mechanical Engineers as well as any engineering discipline providing services unique to each client.

2. Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineering job opportunities are booming in Australia. It is a highly sought-after profession with a wide range of roles. The salary for these positions is competitive, and many employers also offer visa flexibility for international professionals.

As an electrical engineer, you may work in roles such as designing, testing, and installing electrical systems, equipment, and components. In addition, you may be responsible for the maintenance and repair of existing systems, as well as the development of new technology. With the right qualifications, you will have plenty of electrical engineering job opportunities in Australia to choose from.

3. Mining Engineer

The average salary for a Mining Engineer in Australia is around AU$ 85,000 per year. It can vary depending on the experience and location of the job. The highest salaries can be found in the northern state of Western Australia. Career opportunities in mining engineering in Australia are expected to grow over the next few years as the demand for minerals increases.

There are many positions available in the mining industry that involve engineering, including operations and project management roles. Australia is an attractive destination for those looking for a rewarding career in the mining sector. 

If you are a Mining Engineer and want to live in Australia permanently, you may apply for one of the five Australian visas available: the 189 Skilled Independent Visa, the 190 Skilled Nominated Visa, the 491 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa, the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage – Medium Term Stream, and the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa.

The first three visas mentioned above will allow you to work and live in Australia permanently, while the other two visas are applicable to those who are nominated by an employer and require a set period of temporary residence.

4. Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum engineers in Australia are among the highest-paid engineers in the country, with a median salary of around AU$157,000 per year, according to the salary information site PayScale.com. On average, petroleum engineers can expect to make more than most other engineering fields, as they are highly specialized and employ a range of skills that command higher wages. 

At the same time, job opportunities for petroleum engineers in Australia have never been more plentiful, thanks to the country’s large abundance of natural resources and the increasing role of petroleum in the global economy. 

In addition to employment in the oil and gas industry, there are also positions available in other areas such as engineering consulting, research, or teaching. Petroleum engineers are also in high demand by the renewable energy industry, where their expertise can be used to help develop alternative sources of energy. 

5. Software Engineer

The demand for software engineers in Australia is rapidly increasing as new technologies continue to emerge and businesses become more digitized. A job market report shows that the average salary of a software engineer in Australia is AU $117,599. As a software engineer, your duties would include developing, designing, and testing software, creating applications, and managing web and/or mobile development projects.

To meet the growing needs of businesses, software engineers must be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop efficient, effective software solutions. Therefore, it is essential for software engineers to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and technologies to provide innovative solutions and develop reliable software products.

6. Geotechnical Engineer

As the number of land development and construction projects in Australia continues to rise, so does the need for more experienced engineers due to the increased geotechnical complexity of these projects. This heightened demand is one of many factors that have contributed to the overall increase in these types of projects. 

The demand for Geotechnical Engineers in Australia is strong and is expected to remain so in the near future. According to data from the Department of Employment, there were 2,574 employed Geotechnical Engineers in Australia in 2019.

Moreover, Australia currently experiences a shortage of skilled Geotechnical Engineers and the trend is expected to continue in the coming years. The average salary for a Geotechnical Engineer in Australia is approximately 85,000 AUD per year.

  1. Civil Engineer

 The demand for civil engineers in Australia has been increasing over the past few years and is expected to continue trending upwards. This is due to the country’s growing infrastructure needs and housing boom. New projects such as the National Broadband Network, Melbourne Metro Rail, Pacific Highway upgrade, and Sydney Light Rail are creating more job opportunities for civil engineers.

There is also strong demand for experienced professionals in the areas of coastal engineering, structural engineering, water engineering, and geotechnical engineering.  The average salary of a Civil Engineer in Australia is around AU$72,677/year.

  1. Accountant

There is a great demand for accountants in Australia, as the country has a highly developed economy and is one of the world’s leading financial centres. Accountant careers provide a wide range of opportunities and offer excellent job security and stability. Accountants can choose to specialize in areas such as taxes, auditing, bookkeeping, and financial consulting. There are also job prospects in government departments and organizations or in the corporate sector.

With the right qualifications and experience, accountants have access to generous salaries and job satisfaction. Many employers also offer attractive benefits packages, such as health insurance and additional personal and professional development programs. According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook website, the average salary for an accountant in Australia is approximately $83,850 per year. 

  1. Social Worker

The demand for social workers across Australia is high and shows no signs of slowing down. While anyone can legally call themselves a social worker, the annual average salary for this job is $93,651. Those just starting can expect to make around $79,957 per year, while more experienced social workers typically earn up to $113,670 annually.

If you are considering entering the field, now is the perfect time to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful social worker.

  1. Registered Nurse

Registered nurses are in high demand in Australia, with increasing numbers of students graduating each year from nursing programs. The Australian government has put in place a number of initiatives to ensure the long-term viability of the nursing workforce.   In terms of salary, registered nurses in Australia are among the highest-paid professionals in the country.

According to PayScale.com, the average salary for a registered nurse in Australia is around AU$ 70,000 per year. However, some specialized roles may command higher salaries – for example, nurse managers or consultants can earn up to AU$ 145,000 annually. Additionally, nurses in areas with a shortage of qualified nurses often have salary packages that are more attractive than average.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to migrate to Australia for job opportunities is a personal one and should be weighed carefully. There are many advantages to migrating to Australia, such as a strong economy, high quality of life, and excellent job prospects. However, there are also many challenges, including language barriers and potential cultural issues, that need to be taken into consideration before making the final decision.