Meta Description: Want to move to Australia in 2026? Discover construction jobs offering visa sponsorship, earn over $50,000 AUD, and navigate the new “Skills in Demand” visa pathway.
Introduction: The Australian Construction Boom Needs You
Australia is currently undergoing one of the largest infrastructure booms in its history.1 From the massive “Big Build” in Victoria to mining expansion in Western Australia, the country is desperate for workers.2 The local workforce cannot keep up with demand.
For international workers, this presents a life-changing opportunity. While this guide targets jobs paying $50,000 AUD, the reality is even better. Due to labor shortages, even entry-level construction roles in Australia often pay significantly more than this baseline, with skilled tradespeople earning double or triple that amount.
However, moving to Australia is not as simple as booking a flight. The immigration system is changing in 2025 and 2026. The old “482 Visa” is transitioning into the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa system.3
This guide will cut through the noise. We will show you exactly which jobs are sponsoring foreigners, how to meet the new salary thresholds, and how to apply safely without getting scammed.
Reality Check: Salary Expectations for 2026
First, let’s address the money. You searched for “$50,000 jobs,” but in the Australian construction industry, $50,000 is often just the starting point. Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the world.
As of late 2025, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)—the minimum salary an employer must pay you to sponsor your visa—is set at $73,150 AUD (subject to annual indexing).
This means if you secure a sponsored job, you will likely earn far more than $50,000.
Average Construction Salaries (2025 Data)
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General Labourer: $65,000 – $75,000 AUD4
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Bricklayer: $80,000 – $110,000 AUD
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Carpenter: $85,000 – $105,000 AUD
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Civil Construction Supervisor: $120,000+ AUD
This salary difference is why thousands of workers are flocking to Australia. Even after taxes and the cost of living, the savings potential is massive compared to the UK, Ireland, or Asia.
The New Visa Rules: “Skills in Demand” (SID) Visa
If you want to work in Australia in 2026, you must understand the new visa framework. The government has replaced the complicated Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa with the clearer Skills in Demand visa.5
There are three main pathways (tiers) relevant to you:
1. The Core Skills Pathway
This is the most common route for tradespeople.
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Who it’s for: Carpenters, Bricklayers, Electricians, Plumbers.6
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Requirement: Your job must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).7
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Salary: You must earn at least $73,150 AUD per year.8
2. The Specialist Skills Pathway
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Who it’s for: High-level Construction Managers, Project Directors, and Specialized Engineers.
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Requirement: You must earn over $135,000 AUD per year.
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Benefit: Extremely fast processing times (often under 7 days).9
3. The Essential Skills Pathway (Labour Agreements)
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Who it’s for: Lower-income earners (under $73k) or roles not on the main skilled list.
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Context: This is often used in regional areas (outside Sydney/Melbourne) via DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreements).10 If you are a general laborer, this is your best hope.
Top 5 Sponsored Construction Jobs for 2026
Based on the official 2025 Skills Priority List, these are the roles with the highest chance of visa sponsorship.
1. Bricklayers and Stonemasons
Australia builds with brick, and there is a critical shortage of qualified bricklayers.
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Sponsorship Likelihood: Very High.
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Locations: Perth, Brisbane, Regional Victoria.
2. Carpenters and Joiners
Every construction site needs carpenters. From framing houses to detailed joinery, employers are willing to pay for relocation.
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Sponsorship Likelihood: High.
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Special Requirement: You usually need a “Skills Assessment” from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) to prove your qualification equals an Australian Certificate III.11
3. Civil Engineering Technicians
With the government building new metro lines and highways, technicians who can help engineers are in demand.
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Sponsorship Likelihood: Moderate to High.
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Education: usually requires a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
4. Wall and Floor Tilers
Finishing trades often delay project completion because there aren’t enough workers.
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Sponsorship Likelihood: High (especially in the luxury housing market).
5. General Construction Labourers (Regional Only)
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Important: You generally cannot get a standard visa for general labor in Sydney or Melbourne.
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The Loophole: You must apply for jobs in Regional Australia (e.g., Northern Territory, South Australia, regional WA) under a DAMA. These agreements allow employers to sponsor semi-skilled workers that standard laws exclude.
Essential Requirements Before You Apply
Do not send a CV yet. You need to be “job ready” for Australia.
1. The “White Card”
You cannot step onto an Australian construction site without a White Card (Construction Induction Safety Card).12
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Can I get it overseas? Some providers allow you to do the training online from abroad, but most require you to be in Australia. However, mentioning you are “ready to obtain White Card immediately” helps.
2. English Proficiency (IELTS/PTE)
For the visa, you usually need “Competent English.”
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IELTS Score: Minimum 6.0 in each band.
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PTE Academic: Minimum 50 in each component.
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Tip: A higher score gives you more points if you eventually want Permanent Residency (PR).
3. Positive Skills Assessment
This is the hardest part. You cannot just say you are a carpenter; you must prove it.
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Authority: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) or VETASSESS.13
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Process: They review your pay slips, tax documents, and qualifications. They may interview you.
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Cost: Approx $2,000 – $3,000 AUD.
How to Find “Real” Sponsorship Jobs (No Scams)
Stop using Facebook groups. They are full of scammers asking for “registration fees.” Use these legitimate channels:
1. SEEK.com.au
This is Australia’s #1 job board.
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Search Hack: Type your job title + “482 visa” or “sponsorship available.”
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Example Query: “Carpenter sponsorship available Gold Coast”
2. Workforce Australia (Government Site)
This is the official government job board. Employers here are vetted.
3. Specialized Recruitment Agencies
These agencies have contracts with big construction firms to find foreign talent.
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Brix Projects: Specializes in construction labor.
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Hays Construction: A global giant with a huge Australian presence.
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JV Recruitment: Focuses on Melbourne and construction roles.
The Financial Cost of Relocating
While the salary is high, the upfront cost is significant. You need to save money before you move.
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (AUD) | Notes |
| Visa Application (Primary Applicant) | ~$3,000 – $3,500 | Paid to Home Affairs |
| Skills Assessment | $2,000 – $4,000 | Varies by trade |
| Health Insurance (OVHC) | $150/month | Required for visa approval |
| Flights (One Way) | $1,200 – $2,500 | Depends on origin |
| Accommodation Bond | $2,000 | Usually 4 weeks rent |
| Total Estimated Savings Needed | $8,000 – $12,000 |
Important: Some employers will pay for your flights and visa (Relocation Package), but this is more common for Engineers and Project Managers than for tradespeople. Be prepared to pay these costs yourself.
Warning: How to Spot a Visa Scam
With high demand comes high fraud. Protect yourself.
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Never pay for a job offer: It is illegal for an employer to charge you money to give you a job.
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Check the email: Genuine recruiters use
@companyname.com.au, not@gmail.comor@yahoo.com. -
Verify the MARN: If you are using a migration agent, they must have a Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN). You can check this number on the OMARA website. If they don’t have one, they are operating illegally.
Conclusion: Your Next Step
The “Australia Dream” is very real in 2026. The construction industry is paying record-high wages, and the new Skills in Demand visa is designed to make it easier for qualified workers to enter.
Your Action Plan:
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Check if your job is on the CSOL list.
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Prepare for your IELTS or PTE English test.
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Update your CV to Australian standards (focus on safety and technical skills).
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Start searching on Seek.com.au filtering for sponsorship.
The path is not free, and it is not instant. But for a salary starting at $73,000+ AUD and the chance to live in one of the world’s most beautiful countries, it is an investment worth making.