Australia is facing one of its biggest skill shortages in decades. According to the Australian Government’s National Skills Commission, more than 300 occupations are on the official Skilled Occupation List (SOL) in 2025.
For African professionals, this is a golden opportunity: not only can you migrate to Australia through the Skilled Migration Program, but you can also secure stable, well-paying jobs that lead to permanent residency (PR) and eventually citizenship.
This guide covers the top in-demand jobs in Australia for Africans in 2025, with details on skills required, average salaries, migration pathways, and real-life case studies.
Aging population: More retirees, fewer working-age people.
Post-pandemic recovery: Demand for healthcare, IT, and construction has skyrocketed.
Regional growth: Smaller cities need professionals to balance population.
Government policy: Australia’s 2025–2030 migration plan prioritizes skilled migration from regions like Africa.
Translation: If you have the right skills, Australia needs you now.
Why: Severe shortages in hospitals, aged care, and rural clinics.
Occupations: Registered Nurses, Midwives, Aged Care Workers.
Average Salary: AUD $75,000 – $110,000/year.
Migration Pathway: Subclass 189/190 (nurses are top priority).
Case Study: Chidinma, a Nigerian nurse, got PR in under 9 months via Subclass 190 after Victoria nominated her.
Why: Digital economy boom, cyber threats, remote work expansion.
Occupations: Software Engineers, Data Scientists, Cybersecurity Analysts, Cloud Specialists.
Average Salary: AUD $90,000 – $140,000/year.
Migration Pathway: Skills assessed by ACS; Subclass 189/190 common.
Case Study: Joseph, a Ghanaian software developer, secured PR in Sydney. Within 6 months, he landed a job at a fintech firm earning 4x his Ghana salary.
Why: Infrastructure growth, mining industry expansion, renewable energy projects.
Occupations: Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Mining Engineers.
Average Salary: AUD $85,000 – $130,000/year.
Migration Pathway: Engineers Australia skills assessment → Subclass 189/190.
Case Study: Thabo, from South Africa, moved to Perth as a mining engineer and now works on multi-million-dollar projects.
Why: Shortages in regional schools and special education.
Occupations: Secondary School Teachers (Maths, Science, IT), Special Education Teachers.
Average Salary: AUD $70,000 – $105,000/year.
Migration Pathway: Skills assessed by AITSL; often Subclass 491 regional visas.
Case Study: Mary, a Kenyan math teacher, chose a regional visa (491) in Tasmania, got PR within 3 years.
Why: Housing boom + infrastructure projects.
Occupations: Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, Carpenters.
Average Salary: AUD $65,000 – $100,000/year (higher with overtime).
Migration Pathway: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) assessment.
Case Study: Adewale, a Nigerian electrician, applied via Subclass 491 regional visa and now runs his own business in Adelaide.
Why: Shortages in rural Australia, food security concerns.
Occupations: Agricultural Technicians, Farm Managers, Veterinarians.
Average Salary: AUD $60,000 – $95,000/year.
Migration Pathway: Subclass 491 → PR 191.
Case Study: Kwesi, a Ghanaian agronomist, got a job in Queensland’s farming sector. His PR was fast-tracked due to rural demand.
Why: Huge demand in both urban and rural hospitals.
Occupations: General Practitioners (GPs), Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Radiographers.
Average Salary: AUD $100,000 – $250,000/year.
Migration Pathway: Medical Board of Australia registration → Subclass 189/190.
Case Study: Dr. Amina, a Kenyan GP, moved to regional NSW and got PR within a year.
Visit the official list here.
Nurses → ANMAC
IT → ACS
Engineers → Engineers Australia
Teachers → AITSL
Trades → TRA
Aim for IELTS 7+ (or PTE 65+).
Subclass 189: Independent pathway.
Subclass 190: State nomination.
Subclass 491: Regional nomination (easiest for many Africans).
Use websites like Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn, and professional networks.
Tailor your CV to Australian standards.
Nurse (Sydney) → AUD $95,000 → After rent/expenses, save AUD $25,000/year.
IT Engineer (Melbourne) → AUD $120,000 → Save AUD $40,000/year.
Electrician (Adelaide) → AUD $80,000 → Save AUD $20,000/year.
Compared to average salaries in Nigeria, Kenya, or Ghana, many Africans earn 5–8x more in Australia.
Recognition of African degrees: Some need bridging courses.
English tests: Many retake IELTS/PTE multiple times.
Relocation costs: Total expenses AUD $8,000–$15,000.
Cultural adjustment: Workplace norms are different.
Afrovo provides coaching, document reviews, and career prep to smooth this process.
Q: Can I migrate without a degree?
Yes. Tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, carpenters) are in high demand.
Q: Do I need a job offer first?
Not always. For Subclass 189, you don’t. For Subclass 491, a state or family sponsorship may be enough.
Q: Which African countries send the most workers to Australia?
Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Q: How long does it take to move?
Average: 9–15 months from skills assessment to PR visa grant.
For Africans, 2025 is a golden migration year. With Australia’s skill shortages, African professionals in healthcare, IT, engineering, teaching, and trades have clear pathways to secure high-paying jobs and permanent residency.
If you’re serious, start with:
Checking your occupation on the SOL.
Getting a skills assessment.
Planning your PR application.
Preparing financially and mentally for the move.
We are passionate about helping Africans unlock global opportunities.
Email: hello@afrovo.com
WhatsApp: Click to chat
Instagram: @afrovo_
TikTok: @afrovo
Facebook: @Afrovo