Australia remains one of the most attractive countries for migrants who want permanent residency, high salaries and a stable life for their families. In 2025, most permanent residents earn between AUD 55,000 and AUD 140,000 depending on their occupation, experience and the region they live in. The country needs skilled workers in health care, construction, engineering, education, agriculture and technology. This has created strong immigration pathways designed to make migration easier for qualified applicants.
If your goal is to get Australia PR in 2025, this guide explains every step in a clear and simple way. You will learn the visa options, the requirements, the jobs in demand and how much you can expect to earn once you settle in Australia.
Why Australia Needs Skilled Migrants in 2025
Australia has a growing demand for workers because the population is ageing and employers are struggling to fill roles locally. Many industries cannot find enough workers, so the government relies heavily on skilled migration to keep services running.
Sectors like health care, construction, mining, IT and education have reported thousands of unfilled positions. This shortage is why Australia continues to welcome foreign workers who can contribute to the economy immediately.
Salary Expectations for New PR Holders in Australia
Salaries in Australia are among the highest in the world. Below is a simple salary guide for common roles.
| Job Sector | Average Salary per Year (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Nursing and Healthcare | 70,000 to 120,000 |
| IT and Cyber Security | 85,000 to 140,000 |
| Engineering | 80,000 to 130,000 |
| Construction and Trades | 65,000 to 110,000 |
| Accounting and Finance | 65,000 to 120,000 |
| Teaching and Education | 70,000 to 110,000 |
| Logistics and Transport | 60,000 to 95,000 |
| Agriculture and Farming | 55,000 to 80,000 |
| Hospitality | 50,000 to 70,000 |
Australia also pays higher wages in regional areas where worker shortages are more severe.
Cost of Living Breakdown Across Australian States
Understanding the cost of living helps you plan better.
| City or State | Average Rent (1 bedroom) | Monthly Living Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 2,000 to 2,800 | 1,200 to 1,600 |
| Melbourne | 1,800 to 2,400 | 1,000 to 1,400 |
| Brisbane | 1,600 to 2,200 | 950 to 1,300 |
| Perth | 1,500 to 2,000 | 900 to 1,200 |
| Adelaide | 1,400 to 1,900 | 850 to 1,150 |
| Tasmania | 1,200 to 1,600 | 800 to 1,100 |
| Regional Australia | 1,000 to 1,400 | 700 to 1,000 |
Most migrants save more money in regional areas because rent and daily expenses are lower.
Main PR Pathways for Australia in 2025
Australia offers several permanent residency pathways. These are the most popular and beginner friendly.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
This pathway does not require a job offer. You qualify based on your skills, age, education and work experience. It is competitive but very popular because it gives full freedom to live anywhere in Australia.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This pathway requires a nomination from an Australian state. Each state has its own occupation list. When a state nominates you, you receive extra points which increases your chances.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
This is a pathway for people who want to live in a regional area. It offers faster processing and more opportunities for applicants whose jobs are in demand outside the major cities. After living and working in a regional area for three years, you can apply for PR.
Partner Visa
You can apply for PR if you are married or in a long term relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Employer Sponsored Visa
If an employer in Australia hires you, they can sponsor your PR. This route is common in health care, engineering, mining and skilled trades.
Graduate Visa
International students who study in Australia can use the Temporary Graduate Visa to gain experience and later apply for PR.
Step by Step Guide to Getting Australia PR in 2025
Here is a simple breakdown of the full process.
Step 1: Check if Your Job is on the Skilled Occupation List
Australia updates its list often. If your occupation is listed, you can apply. This list covers healthcare, trades, IT, engineering, science, agriculture and education.
Step 2: Confirm That You Meet the Points Requirement
Australia uses a points system. You earn points for:
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Age
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Education
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English test score
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Skilled work experience
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Australian study experience
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State nomination
The minimum score is 65 points. The higher your score, the better your chances.
Step 3: Complete Your Skills Assessment
Each occupation has an assessing body. Examples include:
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Nurses: ANMAC
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Engineers: Engineers Australia
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IT professionals: ACS
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Accountants: CPA or CA
The assessment verifies your qualifications and experience.
Step 4: Take an English Test
Accepted tests include:
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IELTS
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PTE
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TOEFL
Higher English scores give you more points.
Step 5: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
You will lodge your EOI on SkillSelect. Your EOI shows your points and details. States and employers can view it, or the system may invite you directly.
Step 6: Wait for an Invitation to Apply
Invitations are based on your points and your occupation. Subclass 189 is very competitive, while 190 and 491 often issue more invitations.
Step 7: Apply for Your PR Visa
Once invited, you submit your full application with documents including:
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Passport
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English test results
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Skills assessment
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Employment references
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Police clearance
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Medical examination
Step 8: Receive Your PR Grant
Processing time varies from three to twelve months depending on your visa and profile.
Once approved, you can live, work and study in Australia permanently.
Jobs in High Demand for Australia PR 2025
Australia is experiencing shortages across many fields. Here are the strongest opportunities.
Healthcare
This is the largest shortage sector. High demand roles include:
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Registered nurses
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Aged care workers
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Physiotherapists
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Radiographers
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Pharmacists
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Medical laboratory scientists
Salary range: AUD 70,000 to 120,000
IT and Cyber Security
Technology is expanding rapidly. Jobs include:
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Software developers
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Cloud engineers
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Cyber security analysts
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Data analysts
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IT support specialists
Salary range: AUD 85,000 to 140,000
Engineering
Australia has major infrastructure projects. Roles include:
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Civil engineers
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Mechanical engineers
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Electrical engineers
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Mining engineers
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Environmental engineers
Salary range: AUD 80,000 to 130,000
Construction and Skilled Trades
These roles are in high demand across all states:
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Electricians
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Carpenters
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Plumbers
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Welders
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Air conditioning technicians
Salary range: AUD 65,000 to 110,000
Education
Schools need teachers at all levels:
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Primary teachers
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Secondary teachers
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Early childhood educators
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Special needs teachers
Salary range: AUD 70,000 to 110,000
Agriculture
Australia needs seasonal and permanent workers in:
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Livestock farms
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Dairy farms
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Fruit picking
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Crop production
Salary range: AUD 55,000 to 80,000
Hospitality
This sector needs workers for hotels and restaurants:
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Chefs
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Cooks
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Restaurant supervisors
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Housekeeping staff
Salary range: AUD 50,000 to 70,000
Benefits of Becoming a PR in Australia
Many people choose Australia because the lifestyle is rewarding.
✔ Strong wages
Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the world.
✔ Free public healthcare for PR holders
Medicare reduces medical costs significantly.
✔ Family sponsorship
You can sponsor relatives once you become a PR.
✔ Free education for children
Public schools are free for permanent residents.
✔ Pathway to citizenship
You can apply for citizenship after living in Australia for four years.
✔ Safe and stable environment
Australia is clean, peaceful and well organised.
Challenges to Expect as a New Migrant
Understanding the challenges helps you prepare well.
❗ High cost of living in major cities
Sydney and Melbourne are expensive.
❗ Competitive job market in some fields
Professional roles may require local experience.
❗ Long distances between cities
Travel inside Australia can be costly due to size.
❗ Visa processing can take time
Applicants must wait patiently for invitations.
Despite these challenges, many migrants still choose Australia because the long term benefits are strong.
Best States for PR Applicants in 2025
Some states offer more opportunities and faster invitations.
1. South Australia
Open to many occupations and friendly to new migrants.
2. Tasmania
Lower competition and strong demand in health care and trades.
3. Western Australia
Good opportunities in mining, engineering and construction.
4. Victoria
Popular for IT, health care and education.
5. Queensland
Growing demand in hospitality, trades and nursing.
Conclusion
Australia PR 2025 remains one of the best migration pathways for skilled workers who want stability, strong salaries and long term opportunities. With earnings between AUD 55,000 and 140,000 and a clear immigration system, Australia continues to welcome applicants who can contribute to its economy.
If you understand the PR pathways, prepare your documents, complete your skills assessment and submit a strong EOI, you can successfully begin your journey to permanent residency.
