Sydney, Australia, is a vibrant global city that attracts skilled professionals from around the world with its robust economy, high quality of life, and diverse job market. For international workers, securing a domestic job with visa sponsorship in Sydney offers a pathway to professional growth and the opportunity to experience life in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. This article explores high-paying domestic jobs in Sydney that offer visa sponsorship, detailing industries, companies, salary ranges, specific suburbs, and recent opportunities.
Visa sponsorship in Australia allows employers to hire foreign workers for roles where local talent is scarce. The most common visa for skilled professionals is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482), which requires a job on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and employer sponsorship. Other options include the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) for permanent residency and the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) for highly qualified individuals. Employers must prove the role cannot be filled locally and comply with the Department of Home Affairs regulations, including paying the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which ranges from AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,800 per year, depending on company size.
The process involves securing a job offer, obtaining a nomination from the employer, and applying for the visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Despite challenges like visa quotas and competitive markets, Sydney’s demand for skilled workers makes it a prime destination for visa-sponsored roles.
Top Industries Offering Visa Sponsorship in Sydney
Sydney’s economy is diverse, with key industries facing skill shortages that drive demand for international talent. Below are the leading sectors, their demand drivers, and typical job roles.
Healthcare and Medical Services
Sydney’s healthcare sector is a major employer of international workers, particularly in nursing, general practice, and specialized medical fields. Roles such as registered nurses, general practitioners, and aged care workers are in high demand due to an aging population and increased healthcare needs. Companies like Ramsay Health Care and St Vincent’s Health Australia frequently sponsor visas, including TSS and ENS.
Registered nurses require Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration and may need to complete bridging programs. Salaries range from AUD 70,000 to AUD 100,000 annually, with nurse practitioners earning up to AUD 130,000. General practitioners earn between AUD 200,000 and AUD 350,000, particularly in suburban areas like Parramatta and Blacktown.
Information Technology
The IT sector in Sydney is booming, driven by digital transformation and innovation. Roles like software engineers, cybersecurity analysts, and data scientists are highly sought after. Companies such as Atlassian, Canva, and WiseTech Global are known for sponsoring TSS visas, with Atlassian hiring over 300 international workers in 2024. Proficiency in languages like Python, Java, or C# and experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure are essential.
Software engineers earn between AUD 90,000 and AUD 150,000, with senior roles in tech hubs like Pyrmont or Surry Hills reaching AUD 200,000. Data scientists, specializing in AI or big data, earn AUD 100,000 to AUD 180,000.
Construction and Engineering
Sydney’s infrastructure projects, including the Sydney Metro and Western Sydney Airport, fuel demand for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers. Companies like Lendlease and CPB Contractors sponsor visas for roles requiring specialized skills. A bachelor’s degree in engineering and, in some cases, Engineers Australia accreditation are required.
Engineers earn AUD 85,000 to AUD 140,000, with project managers in construction earning up to AUD 180,000. Key suburbs include Barangaroo and Parramatta, where major projects are concentrated.
Education and Training
Sydney’s education sector seeks qualified teachers, particularly in STEM subjects and early childhood education. Schools and institutions like the University of Sydney and private colleges sponsor visas for teachers with qualifications recognized by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). Early childhood educators are also in demand due to government-funded childcare programs.
Teachers earn AUD 75,000 to AUD 110,000, while university lecturers can earn AUD 120,000 to AUD 160,000. Suburbs like Randwick and Camperdown, home to major universities, offer numerous opportunities.
Finance and Accounting
Sydney, as Australia’s financial capital, hosts demand for accountants, financial analysts, and risk managers. Firms like PwC, KPMG, and Westpac sponsor visas for roles requiring CPA or CA qualifications. These positions often involve international tax or compliance expertise.
Accountants earn AUD 70,000 to AUD 120,000, with financial analysts in the CBD earning up to AUD 150,000. The Sydney Central Business District (CBD) is the primary hub for these roles.
Top Companies Sponsoring Visas in Sydney
Several Sydney-based companies are recognized for their commitment to hiring international talent. Below are key employers based on 2024 data.
Atlassian
Atlassian, a leading software company in Sydney’s CBD, sponsors TSS visas for software engineers and product managers. The company hired over 300 international workers in 2024. Salaries range from AUD 100,000 to AUD 180,000, with roles concentrated in Pyrmont and Surry Hills.
Ramsay Health Care
Ramsay Health Care, a major private hospital operator, sponsors nurses and medical specialists across its Sydney facilities, including St George Private Hospital in Kogarah. Salaries for nurses range from AUD 70,000 to AUD 100,000, with specialists earning AUD 200,000 to AUD 350,000.
Lendlease
Lendlease, a global construction firm headquartered in Barangaroo, sponsors civil engineers and project managers for infrastructure projects. Salaries range from AUD 90,000 to AUD 160,000, with opportunities in Parramatta and the CBD.
Canva
Canva, a fast-growing design platform based in Surry Hills, sponsors software engineers and data scientists. Salaries range from AUD 95,000 to AUD 170,000, with visa support for TSS and ENS pathways.
PwC Australia
PwC, located in the Sydney CBD, sponsors accountants and financial consultants with expertise in international tax or auditing. Salaries range from AUD 70,000 to AUD 140,000, with senior roles offering higher compensation.
Salary Ranges for Visa-Sponsored Jobs
Salaries for visa-sponsored jobs in Sydney vary by industry, experience, and location. Below is a breakdown of typical ranges:
- Registered Nurses: AUD 70,000–AUD 100,000
- General Practitioners: AUD 200,000–AUD 350,000
- Software Engineers: AUD 90,000–AUD 200,000
- Data Scientists: AUD 100,000–AUD 180,000
- Engineers (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical): AUD 85,000–AUD 180,000
- Teachers: AUD 75,000–AUD 110,000
- Accountants/Financial Analysts: AUD 70,000–AUD 150,000
These ranges reflect base salaries, with additional benefits like superannuation (11.5% of salary), relocation assistance, or performance bonuses common in tech and healthcare. High-cost areas like the CBD and North Sydney often offer higher salaries to offset living expenses.
Key Suburbs for Visa-Sponsored Jobs
Sydney’s diverse suburbs host industry-specific opportunities for visa-sponsored roles. Below are the top areas:
Sydney CBD
The CBD is the heart of Sydney’s finance and tech sectors, hosting firms like PwC, Westpac, and Atlassian. Financial analysts and software engineers find abundant opportunities, with salaries often exceeding AUD 120,000.
Surry Hills
Surry Hills is a tech and creative hub, home to Canva and other startups. Software engineers and data scientists earn AUD 95,000 to AUD 170,000, with a vibrant startup ecosystem.
Parramatta
Parramatta, a growing business and infrastructure hub, hosts engineering and healthcare roles with companies like Lendlease and Western Sydney Local Health District. Salaries range from AUD 80,000 to AUD 150,000.
Kogarah
Kogarah, a healthcare-focused suburb, is home to St George Private Hospital, offering nursing and medical specialist roles with salaries from AUD 70,000 to AUD 350,000.
Camperdown
Camperdown, near the University of Sydney, is a hub for education and healthcare jobs. Teachers and medical researchers earn AUD 75,000 to AUD 160,000, with visa sponsorship common.
Recent Opportunities in 2025
The Sydney job market in 2025 remains strong for skilled workers, with several recent opportunities:
- Atlassian (Sydney CBD): Hiring software engineers for cloud platform development, offering AUD 110,000–AUD 180,000 with TSS visa sponsorship.
- Ramsay Health Care (Kogarah): Seeking registered nurses with AHPRA registration, offering AUD 75,000–AUD 100,000 and TSS/ENS sponsorship.
- Lendlease (Barangaroo): Recruiting civil engineers for Sydney Metro projects, with salaries of AUD 90,000–AUD 160,000 and visa support.
- Canva (Surry Hills): Offering data scientist roles with salaries of AUD 100,000–AUD 170,000 and TSS visa sponsorship.
- Western Sydney Local Health District (Parramatta): Hiring general practitioners with salaries of AUD 220,000–AUD 350,000 and ENS visa pathways.
These opportunities highlight Sydney’s ongoing need for skilled international talent in critical sectors.
Securing a visa-sponsored job in Sydney requires careful preparation. Here are key steps:
- Acquire Relevant Qualifications: Ensure skills align with the Skilled Occupation List, such as AHPRA registration for nurses or Engineers Australia accreditation for engineers.
- Build a Strong Profile: Use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters at visa-friendly companies like Atlassian or Ramsay Health Care.
- Target Small Employers: Smaller firms, such as regional hospitals or startups, may offer sponsorship to fill niche roles.
- Use Job Boards: Platforms like SEEK, Indeed, and MyVisaJobs list visa-sponsored roles, simplifying the search.
- Prepare Documentation: Ensure qualifications meet Australian standards, such as AITSL for teachers or CPA for accountants.
Securing a visa-sponsored job in Sydney involves challenges, including:
- Visa Restrictions: The TSS visa requires roles to be on the SOL, and quotas can limit approvals. Apply early in the financial year (July) to improve chances.
- Competition: Sydney attracts global talent, increasing competition. Stand out with niche skills or certifications.
- Employer Costs: The SAF levy can deter smaller firms. Target large employers like Lendlease or PwC with established sponsorship programs.
- Policy Changes: Immigration rules may shift. Monitor updates via the Department of Home Affairs or consult migration agents.
To address these, focus on high-demand roles, build industry connections, and explore permanent residency pathways like the ENS visa
Sydney, Australia, offers a wealth of high-paying, visa-sponsored domestic jobs for skilled international workers in healthcare, IT, engineering, education, and finance. Companies like Atlassian, Ramsay Health Care, and Lendlease lead in sponsorship, offering salaries from AUD 70,000 to over AUD 350,000. Key suburbs like the CBD, Surry Hills, and Parramatta provide diverse opportunities. By targeting in-demand roles, leveraging job boards, and navigating the visa process strategically, international professionals can build rewarding careers in Sydney’s vibrant economy. Stay proactive, refine your skills, and seize the opportunities awaiting in this global city.