If you’re a skilled worker looking to move to Australia, Skill Level 1 jobs are some of the best opportunities available. These jobs are in high demand, offer good salaries, and often come with visa sponsorship option
Australia’s immigration system prioritises skilled workers who can fill labour shortages. If your job is on the Skill Level 1 list, you may qualify for visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or the Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186).
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- What Skill Level 1 jobs are
- The highest-paying roles in this category
- How to apply for these jobs with visa sponsorship
What Are Skill Level 1 Occupations?
Skill Level 1 jobs are the highest skill level in Australia’s Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). These roles usually require:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher qualification
- Several years of work experience
- Sometimes, professional registration (e.g., doctors, engineers)
These jobs are priority occupations for Australian visas, meaning they have strong demand and good visa pathways.
Top In-Demand Skill Level 1 Jobs in Australia (2024)
Here are some of the most sought-after Skill Level 1 jobs in Australia:
Healthcare & Medical Jobs
- General Practitioners (GPs) – High demand in rural areas
- Surgeons – Specialised roles are well-paid
- Psychiatrists – Growing need due to mental health awareness
Engineering & IT Jobs
- Civil Engineers – Needed for infrastructure projects
- Software Engineers – Tech industry is booming
- ICT Security Specialists – Cybersecurity is critical
Business & Finance Jobs
- Management Consultants – Businesses need strategic advice
- Accountants (CPA/CA qualified) – Always in demand
Science & Academia Jobs
- University Lecturers – Especially in STEM fields
- Research Scientists – Government and private sector roles
(For a full list, check the official Australian Skilled Occupation List.)
4. Average Salaries for Skill Level 1 Jobs
Salaries for Australia Skill Level 1 jobs vary by industry and experience. Here are some average salaries (2024 data):
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| General Practitioner (GP) | $200,000 – $300,000 |
| Software Engineer | $90,000 – $140,000 |
| Civil Engineer | $85,000 – $130,000 |
| Management Consultant | $100,000 – $180,000 |
| University Lecturer | $110,000 – $150,000 |
How to Apply for These Jobs & Get Visa Sponsorship
If you want to work in Australia under Skill Level 1 jobs, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Ensure your job is on the Skilled Occupation List.
- Get a skills assessment from the relevant authority (e.g., Engineers Australia for engineers).
Step 2: Find Visa Sponsorship Jobs
- Use job sites like shortagejobs.com Seek, Indeed Australia, and LinkedIn.
- Look for employers offering 482 (TSS) or 186 visas.
Step 3: Apply for the Right Visa
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – No sponsor needed
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Requires employer sponsorship
(For more details, read a guide on How to Get an Australian Work Visa.)
FAQs
Q1: What is the easiest Skill Level 1 job to get in Australia?
A: Jobs in healthcare (nurses, GPs) and IT (software engineers) have high demand and good visa success rates.
Q2: Do I need a job offer for a Skill Level 1 visa?
A: It depends. The 189 visa doesn’t need one, but the 186 visa does.
Q3: How long does visa processing take?
A: Between 6 months to 1 year, depending on the visa type.
If you qualify for Australia Skill Level 1 jobs, you have a strong chance of getting a work visa. These jobs offer high salaries, good work-life balance, and long-term residency options.
Start by checking the Skilled Occupation List, then apply for jobs or visas that match your skills. Good luck with your Australian dream!
For more job opportunities, visit shortagejobs.com