Australia offers employment opportunities for qualified international workers across healthcare, information technology, engineering, construction, mining, transport, and other industries. For people looking to build an international career, employer-sponsored employment may provide a route to working legally in Australia when the job and applicant meet the relevant visa requirements.
An annual salary of AUD $117,000 is a useful target for experienced professionals and some skilled workers. Whether you can earn this amount depends on your occupation, qualifications, experience, employer, location, and working arrangements. Some positions pay less, while others may pay more.
This guide explains the types of jobs to explore, the qualifications employers may require, how Australian visa sponsorship works, and how to apply for suitable vacancies from overseas.
Why Look for AUD $117,000 Jobs in Australia?
A gross annual salary of AUD $117,000 is approximately AUD $9,750 per month before tax. This amount can offer a useful starting point for comparing job offers and planning living expenses, although the actual value of the salary depends on taxes, rent, transport, family responsibilities, and other costs.
Australia has opportunities in several industries, including:
- Healthcare and nursing
- Engineering and technical services
- Construction and infrastructure
- Mining and industrial maintenance
- Information technology
- Transport and logistics
- Manufacturing
- Hospitality management and other professional services
Not all positions in these industries pay AUD $117,000, and not all employers offer sponsorship. Applicants should verify the salary, responsibilities, and sponsorship arrangements for every vacancy.
1. Registered Nurse Jobs
Registered nurses work in hospitals, aged-care facilities, community health services, specialist clinics, and other healthcare settings.
Potential positions include:
- Registered nurse
- Emergency department nurse
- Mental health nurse
- Intensive care nurse
- Theatre nurse
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Nurse unit manager
Some experienced nurses in specialist, leadership, or higher-paid positions may approach AUD $117,000 in annual earnings, depending on their employer, location, shift penalties, overtime, and allowances. This is not the guaranteed salary for every nursing vacancy.
Qualifications and requirements
International applicants generally need to investigate:
- Recognition of their nursing qualification
- Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia through the relevant process
- English-language requirements where applicable
- Relevant clinical experience
- Identity documents and professional references
- Any additional checks required by the employer
Before accepting a position, confirm that your qualifications and registration status allow you to perform the advertised duties in Australia.
2. Electrician Jobs
Electricians are employed in construction, industrial maintenance, manufacturing, mining, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects.
Potential positions include:
- Industrial electrician
- Commercial electrician
- Electrical maintenance technician
- Electrical supervisor
- Electrical installation specialist
- Senior maintenance electrician
Experienced electricians may earn around AUD $117,000 in some specialised, industrial, remote-site, or overtime-intensive roles. Earnings depend on the job, location, roster, licensing, and employment contract.
Requirements
Employers may require:
- Relevant trade qualifications
- Verifiable electrical work experience
- Skills assessment where applicable
- The appropriate Australian electrical licence
- Knowledge of electrical safety standards
- Relevant workplace safety training
Overseas electricians should check qualification recognition and licensing requirements before assuming they can immediately perform licensed electrical work.
3. Construction Project Management Jobs
Australia’s construction sector includes housing, commercial property, roads, railways, industrial facilities, and major infrastructure.
Potential roles include:
- Construction supervisor
- Site manager
- Construction project manager
- Contract administrator
- Project engineer
- Senior building supervisor
Experienced construction professionals may earn AUD $117,000 or more, particularly in project management and supervisory positions. However, salaries vary with project size, employer, location, and experience.
Requirements
Candidates may need:
- Construction, engineering, or project-management qualifications
- Experience coordinating contractors and project teams
- Knowledge of workplace health and safety
- Budget and schedule management skills
- Strong communication and leadership
- Relevant licences or certifications where required
When applying, describe the projects you have completed, your responsibilities, and how you helped deliver work safely and within budget.
4. Mechanical Engineering Jobs
Mechanical engineers work across manufacturing, transport, mining, energy, industrial maintenance, and engineering consulting.
Potential roles include:
- Mechanical engineer
- Maintenance engineer
- Reliability engineer
- Project engineer
- Plant engineer
- Mechanical engineering supervisor
Experienced engineers with specialised skills may earn around AUD $117,000 or more, depending on the industry and position.
Requirements
Employers may seek:
- A relevant engineering qualification
- Practical engineering experience
- Technical problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of maintenance or design systems
- Project-management experience
- Professional recognition where required
Applicants should tailor their CV to the job description and explain their experience with relevant equipment, systems, projects, and engineering processes.
5. Software Development and IT Jobs
Australia’s technology sector employs software developers, cloud engineers, cybersecurity professionals, systems engineers, data specialists, and IT project managers.
Potential positions include:
- Software engineer
- Full-stack developer
- Cloud engineer
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Systems engineer
- Data engineer
- IT project manager
Some experienced technology professionals may earn around AUD $117,000 or more annually. Salaries depend on technical skills, seniority, employer, and location.
Requirements
Depending on the role, employers may request:
- A relevant degree or equivalent experience
- Demonstrable technical skills
- A portfolio of projects
- Experience with relevant software and systems
- Professional certifications where useful
- Strong communication and problem-solving ability
Candidates should highlight projects they have delivered, systems they have maintained, security improvements they have made, or business problems they have solved.
6. Mining and Resources Jobs
Australia’s resources industry includes mineral extraction, processing, equipment maintenance, engineering, and operational management.
Potential roles include:
- Mining engineer
- Maintenance planner
- Heavy equipment technician
- Process technician
- Mining operations supervisor
- Reliability specialist
Some experienced professionals in specialised or remote-site positions may earn AUD $117,000 or more. Earnings may include allowances, overtime, or roster-related payments, so applicants should examine the remuneration structure carefully.
Requirements
Depending on the vacancy, employers may ask for:
- Relevant technical or trade qualifications
- Mining or industrial experience
- Safety training
- Equipment-specific skills
- Relevant licences and certificates
- Experience with production or maintenance systems
Remote-site jobs may involve long shifts, rotating rosters, and time away from home. Applicants should confirm travel, accommodation, roster, and payment arrangements before accepting an offer.
7. Civil Engineering Jobs
Civil engineers contribute to the design, construction, and maintenance of roads, bridges, buildings, railways, water systems, and other infrastructure.
Potential roles include:
- Civil engineer
- Site engineer
- Structural engineer
- Project engineer
- Infrastructure design engineer
- Senior civil engineering specialist
Experienced civil engineers may approach AUD $117,000 in some positions, particularly those involving specialised technical work, project delivery, or site responsibilities.
Requirements
Employers may seek:
- A relevant civil engineering qualification
- Design or construction experience
- Knowledge of applicable engineering standards
- Technical reporting and analysis skills
- Project coordination experience
- Professional assessment or registration where required
Candidates should explain their involvement in completed projects, including their technical responsibilities and contribution to project delivery.
8. Diesel Mechanic and Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Jobs
Diesel and heavy vehicle mechanics maintain trucks, buses, mining equipment, industrial machinery, and commercial vehicles.
Potential roles include:
- Diesel mechanic
- Heavy vehicle mechanic
- Mobile plant mechanic
- Fleet maintenance technician
- Workshop supervisor
- Industrial machinery mechanic
Experienced mechanics may reach AUD $117,000 in some specialised or remote roles, especially where overtime, allowances, or complex equipment maintenance is involved. The amount is not typical of every mechanic position.
Requirements
Applicants may need:
- A recognised trade qualification
- Relevant mechanical experience
- Diagnostic and repair skills
- Knowledge of vehicle or machinery systems
- Safety training
- Australian trade recognition or licensing where applicable
Include the types of vehicles and machinery you have maintained, the diagnostic tools you use, and examples of complex repairs you have completed.
9. Truck Driving and Logistics Jobs
Transport and logistics companies move goods between cities, distribution centres, ports, warehouses, and regional areas.
Potential roles include:
- Heavy vehicle driver
- Interstate truck driver
- Logistics coordinator
- Transport operations supervisor
- Fleet supervisor
- Freight operations specialist
Some experienced drivers and logistics professionals may earn around AUD $117,000 in particular roles, but earnings depend on driving hours, routes, roster arrangements, overtime, allowances, and the contract.
Requirements
Employers may require:
- Relevant driving or logistics experience
- The correct Australian heavy vehicle licence for driving positions
- A satisfactory driving record
- Knowledge of transport safety requirements
- Experience with freight documentation
- Additional training or assessments where applicable
An overseas driving licence may not qualify someone to drive every class of heavy vehicle in Australia. Check the relevant state or territory licensing requirements and confirm whether the employer considers overseas applicants who need sponsorship.
10. Hospitality and Hotel Management Jobs
Australia’s hospitality industry includes hotels, resorts, restaurants, tourism businesses, and event venues.
Potential roles include:
- Hotel operations manager
- Executive chef
- Food and beverage manager
- Resort manager
- Hospitality general manager
- Venue manager
Some experienced managers and specialists may earn AUD $117,000 or more, depending on the employer, location, responsibilities, and remuneration package. Entry-level hospitality jobs usually have different pay levels.
Requirements
Employers may look for:
- Relevant hospitality qualifications or experience
- Staff management skills
- Customer service leadership
- Budgeting and cost control
- Food safety knowledge where relevant
- Experience managing daily operations
Applicants should explain the scale of the business they managed, the number of employees supervised, and their achievements in service quality, revenue, or operational performance.
Australian Visa Sponsorship Options
Finding a suitable job is only one part of the process. Applicants must also meet the requirements of the relevant Australian work visa.
Skills in Demand Visa — Subclass 482
The Skills in Demand visa allows an approved employer to sponsor an appropriately skilled overseas worker for an eligible nominated position.
Depending on the stream and circumstances, the visa may permit a stay of up to four years. Applicants generally need an approved sponsor and nomination, the relevant skills and experience, and compliance with applicable English-language and other requirements.
The nominated position must satisfy the requirements for the relevant visa stream. A job offer alone does not guarantee visa approval.
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa — Subclass 186
The subclass 186 visa is an employer-sponsored permanent residence pathway for eligible workers.
Requirements vary by stream and may include employment experience, qualifications, skills assessment, professional registration, or other conditions. Applicants should verify which stream applies to their circumstances.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa — Subclass 494
The subclass 494 visa supports eligible employer-sponsored work in designated regional areas of Australia.
It may be worth investigating if you are willing to work in a regional location and your occupation, employer, and circumstances meet the relevant requirements.
Not every regional vacancy qualifies for sponsorship.
Salary Thresholds for Sponsored Workers
Australia sets income thresholds and market-salary requirements for relevant employer-sponsored nominations. The applicable threshold depends on the visa pathway and the date the nomination is lodged.
For nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, the published Core Skills Income Threshold for relevant subclass 482 Core Skills and subclass 186 nominations is AUD $79,423. The Specialist Skills Income Threshold for the relevant subclass 482 stream is AUD $146,576. <Cite refs={[“turn849503search1”]}/>
These are immigration thresholds, not guaranteed wages for a particular occupation. Employers must also meet applicable market-salary requirements, and the job and applicant must satisfy the relevant visa criteria.
Always check the current official rules before applying because thresholds and requirements can change.
General Requirements for International Applicants
Although requirements vary by occupation, international applicants should prepare the following:
Educational qualifications
Prepare relevant degrees, diplomas, trade certificates, professional licences, and transcripts. Some occupations require formal skills assessments or professional registration.
Work experience
Keep accurate records of previous employment, including job titles, dates, responsibilities, and achievements. Employers may request references or supporting evidence.
English-language proficiency
Some visa pathways require evidence of English proficiency unless an exemption applies. Check the requirements for your particular visa and occupation.
Professional CV
Prepare a clear, accurate résumé that highlights relevant skills, experience, qualifications, and measurable achievements.
References
Where possible, arrange professional references from previous employers or supervisors who can verify your work history.
Identity and supporting documents
Prepare a valid passport and other documents requested by the employer or immigration authorities. Depending on the circumstances, you may need police certificates, health examinations, skills assessments, or professional registration documents.
Employer sponsorship
If your chosen visa requires sponsorship, you must find an employer willing and eligible to sponsor you. Not every employer can sponsor overseas applicants, and not every job qualifies.
How to Apply for Australian Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
Step 1: Choose the right occupation
Start with jobs that match your qualifications, experience, and professional skills. Applying for suitable vacancies is generally more effective than focusing only on a salary headline.
Step 2: Search reputable job websites
Use recruitment platforms such as SEEK Australia, LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed Australia, and official company career pages.
Search for your occupation with terms such as “visa sponsorship,” “international applicants,” or “relocation assistance.” These search terms help identify possible opportunities but do not prove sponsorship is available.
Step 3: Verify the employer
Research the company and confirm that the vacancy is genuine. Check the employer’s official website, job description, business information, and recruitment contact details.
Be cautious of anyone promising a guaranteed job or visa in exchange for money.
Step 4: Prepare your résumé
Tailor your CV to the specific vacancy. Highlight relevant qualifications, technical skills, work experience, and achievements.
For technical and professional positions, provide examples of the projects you completed or problems you solved.
Step 5: Write a cover letter
Explain why you are suitable for the role and how your experience meets the employer’s needs. If you require sponsorship, ask whether the employer is prepared to consider eligible overseas candidates.
Step 6: Submit your application
Follow the employer’s instructions and submit your documents through the official recruitment portal or verified contact.
Keep a record of your applications, dates, and any follow-up correspondence.
Step 7: Prepare for interviews
Be ready to discuss your qualifications, experience, technical skills, availability, salary expectations, and eligibility to work in Australia.
Prepare clear examples of your achievements and explain how you can contribute to the employer’s organisation.
Step 8: Confirm sponsorship and visa requirements
If an employer wants to proceed, confirm the proposed visa pathway and the sponsorship process. Complete the required steps and provide accurate documents.
The Australian immigration authorities make the final decision on visa applications. Do not assume that a job offer means your visa has been approved.
How Much Is AUD $117,000 Per Year?
If AUD $117,000 is paid as an annual gross salary, the approximate amounts before tax are:
- Annual salary: AUD $117,000
- Monthly equivalent: AUD $9,750
- Fortnightly equivalent: AUD $4,500
- Weekly equivalent: AUD $2,250
These are simple calculations based on the annual amount. They are not take-home pay estimates.
Actual net income depends on tax residency, taxable income, deductions, Medicare levy obligations, and the structure of the employment package. If the advertised figure includes superannuation or variable payments, the guaranteed cash salary may be lower.
Use current Australian Taxation Office guidance or a qualified tax professional to estimate take-home pay.
Advice for Applicants From Nigeria and Other Countries
If you are applying from Nigeria or another country outside Australia, start by identifying employers that recruit internationally in your profession.
Consider these practical steps:
- Prepare a professional CV and supporting documents.
- Check licensing or registration requirements for your occupation.
- Apply for genuine vacancies that match your experience.
- Confirm sponsorship availability with the employer.
- Verify recruiters and employers independently.
- Read the employment contract and salary breakdown carefully.
- Check official visa requirements before making relocation plans.
Do not pay anyone who claims they can guarantee an Australian job or visa. Verify the recruiter, understand any lawful fees involved, and check the immigration process through official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners apply for AUD $117,000 jobs in Australia?
Yes. International applicants can apply for suitable Australian positions if they meet the employer’s requirements and the applicable visa criteria. Sponsorship must be available for the particular role and visa pathway.
Which jobs may pay AUD $117,000 annually?
Some experienced nurses, electricians, construction managers, engineers, technology professionals, mining workers, mechanics, transport professionals, and hospitality managers may reach this level in certain positions. Actual salaries vary.
Can Nigerians apply for Australian visa sponsorship?
Nigerian citizens may apply for eligible jobs and work visa pathways if they meet the relevant requirements. However, not every employer sponsors overseas applicants, so sponsorship must be confirmed for each vacancy.
Do I need a university degree?
Not always. Some professional roles require a degree, while trade and technical jobs may require recognised trade qualifications, licences, or relevant experience. The requirements depend on the occupation and visa pathway.
Does a salary of AUD $117,000 guarantee visa sponsorship?
No. The salary alone does not guarantee sponsorship or visa approval. The employer, nominated position, and applicant must meet the relevant rules.
Can an employer-sponsored visa lead to permanent residency?
Some eligible workers may have a pathway to permanent residence, including through an eligible subclass 186 application. Permanent residence is not automatic and depends on the relevant requirements.
Where can I apply?
Start with reputable recruitment websites, official employer career pages, and specialist recruiters. Verify the vacancy and confirm sponsorship availability directly with the employer.
Conclusion
AUD $117,000 jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship may be worth exploring for qualified international workers seeking better employment opportunities. Potential sectors include healthcare, electrical work, construction, engineering, information technology, mining, transport, mechanical maintenance, and hospitality management.
However, AUD $117,000 is a target salary rather than a guaranteed offer. Not every role pays this amount, and not every employer sponsors international applicants.
For the best results, focus on vacancies that match your qualifications, prepare a strong application, verify the employer, and check the relevant visa requirements before making decisions.
Start your job search today: Identify suitable vacancies, tailor your résumé, and ask employers whether they are willing to sponsor eligible international candidates.
Disclaimer: This article provides general employment and immigration information, not legal, financial, or migration advice. Salary figures are illustrative and do not guarantee actual vacancies or earnings. Visa requirements and income thresholds can change, so verify current details through official Australian Government sources before applying.