$70,000 Construction Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship

The construction industry in Australia continues to thrive, driven by major infrastructure projects, housing developments, and urban expansion. For skilled workers worldwide, $70,000 construction jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship represent an attractive pathway to a high-quality life, competitive pay, and potential permanent residency. These roles often fall under employer-sponsored visas like the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482), the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494), or pathways to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

Many positions start around or exceed AUD $70,000 annually, especially for experienced tradespeople, with higher earnings possible through overtime, allowances, and regional incentives. As of 2025-2026, Australia’s skill shortages in construction make visa sponsorship more accessible for qualified international applicants.

Why Construction Jobs in Australia Are in High Demand

Australia faces ongoing labor shortages in building and infrastructure due to population growth, major projects (such as transport networks, renewable energy facilities, and housing initiatives), and an aging workforce. The government prioritizes filling these gaps through skilled migration.

Key factors include:

• Infrastructure boom — Projects in roads, rail, airports, and energy.
• Housing crisis — Need for more homes drives demand for trades.
• Regional opportunities — Many roles in areas outside major cities offer visa pathways and incentives.

Construction roles frequently appear on skilled occupation lists, including the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List and state-specific nominations.

Popular Construction Jobs Offering $70,000+ Salaries with Visa Sponsorship

Several trades and roles commonly reach or surpass $70,000 AUD per year, often with sponsorship under subclass 482 or 494 visas. Salaries vary by experience, location (higher in remote/regional areas or cities like Sydney/Melbourne), and overtime.

Here are some in-demand examples:

• Carpenter/Joiner — Average $80,000–$105,000+. Framing, formwork, and finishing work on residential/commercial sites. Many listings offer sponsorship.
• Wall and Floor Tiler / Stonemason — $70,000–$90,000+. High demand for tiling and stone work in building projects.
• Welder / Metal Fabricator — $76,000–$90,000+. Structural steel and fabrication roles, often with visa support.
• Bricklayer — $80,000–$110,000+. Essential for housing and commercial builds.
• Construction Labourer / General Worker — Entry around $65,000–$80,000, rising quickly with experience.
• Steel Fixer / Concreter — $70,000–$90,000+. Reinforcement and concrete placement on major sites.
• Plumber (General) — Often exceeds $80,000 with overtime.
• Electrician (General) — Frequently $90,000+.

Higher-level roles like Construction Project Manager ($130,000+), Site Supervisor, or Civil Engineer offer even greater pay and sponsorship potential.

Many job boards like SEEK and Indeed show listings explicitly mentioning “visa sponsorship available” or “482 visa sponsorship,” especially for trades in civil, residential, and commercial construction.

Visa Sponsorship Pathways for Construction Workers

To work in these roles, international applicants typically pursue employer-sponsored options:

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482

• Employer nominates you for a skilled occupation.
• Short-term stream (up to 2 years) or medium-term (up to 4 years, pathway to PR).
• Minimum salary threshold (TSMIT) around $73,150 AUD (indexed annually), so $70,000+ roles often qualify with superannuation and allowances.
• Common for trades like carpenters, welders, and tilers.

1. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494

• For regional Australia (outside major cities).
• 5-year provisional visa leading to permanent residency after 3 years.
• Many construction jobs in regional areas offer this due to shortages.

1. Permanent Options

• After temporary sponsorship, transition to subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) for PR.
• State nomination (e.g., Western Australia’s Construction Visa Subsidy Program) can provide grants up to $10,000 for relocation and fees.

Eligibility basics:

• Relevant qualifications (e.g., trade certificate, apprenticeship equivalent).
• Skills assessment from authorities like VETASSESS or Trades Recognition Australia.
• English proficiency (e.g., IELTS).
• Work experience (often 2+ years).
• Meet health/character requirements.

Employers handle much of the sponsorship process if you’re a strong fit.

How to Find and Apply for These Jobs

1. Search major platforms: SEEK.com.au, Indeed.com.au — use keywords like “visa sponsorship construction,” “482 visa construction,” or specific trades + “sponsorship.”
2. Target recruitment agencies specializing in trades and migration (e.g., JV Recruitment, MSS Select).
3. Check state migration sites for nominated occupations (e.g., Western Australia, South Australia).
4. Prepare a strong resume highlighting Australian standards (White Card safety certification if possible), experience, and qualifications.
5. Network on LinkedIn or industry groups.

Many employers cover relocation, provide accommodation in remote areas, or offer training.

Benefits of Working in Australian Construction

• Competitive pay — Base salaries often $70,000+, with overtime pushing $90,000–$120,000+.
• Work-life balance — Standard 38-hour weeks, penalty rates for weekends/overtime.
• Career growth — Pathways to supervision, management, or own business.
• Lifestyle — High living standards, beautiful environments, strong worker protections.
• Family opportunities — Dependents can join, access education/healthcare.

Challenges include competition, English requirements, and relocation costs (though many employers assist). Tips: Get skills assessed early, improve English if needed, and target regional roles for faster visa processing and incentives.

Australia’s construction sector offers real opportunities for skilled workers seeking $70,000+ roles with visa sponsorship. With persistent shortages, now is an excellent time to explore these paths.