If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your nursing career overseas say, somewhere with sunshine, beaches, and world-class healthcare, Australia probably tops your list.
And for good reason. Not only does the country offer fantastic pay and working conditions, but many hospitals and health networks are actively sponsoring overseas nurses to help fill critical shortages.
But here’s the million-dollar question: what’s the highest paying nursing job in Australia with visa sponsorship right now?
Why Australia Loves Nurses
Australia’s healthcare system has long relied on skilled international nurses, especially since the pandemic. With an aging population and rural shortages, hospitals are offering attractive visa sponsorships under the Skilled Migration Program (subclass 482 or 186).
That means you don’t just get a job you get a potential pathway to permanent residency. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it can be, but the catch is knowing which roles are truly worth packing your bags for.
The Highest Paying Nursing Job in Australia in 2025
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) currently hold the crown for the highest-paying nursing position in Australia with or without sponsorship.
On average, an NP earns AUD $130,000 to $180,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Some in remote or specialized areas (like mental health or emergency care) can even exceed $200,000 annually.
Why so high? Simple: NPs operate at an advanced clinical level, diagnosing, prescribing, and leading patient care much like physicians. They often work in critical care units, oncology, anesthetics, or mental health services, where responsibility and demand is sky-high.
And yes, many Australian hospitals are actively sponsoring overseas Nurse Practitioners right now.
Other High-Paying Nursing Roles That Offer Sponsorship
If you’re not quite at the NP level yet, don’t worry, there’s still serious earning potential. Here are a few roles worth your attention:
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Focused on a specific area like oncology, ICU, or pediatrics. Average pay: $110,000 – $140,000.
Nurse Unit Manager (NUM): Think of this as the team captain overseeing wards, staff, and budgets. Around $120,000 – $160,000 annually.
Midwife (Registered or Specialist): Australia has an ongoing shortage here, and hospitals are offering sponsorships regularly. Pay range: $95,000 – $130,000.
Aged Care Registered Nurse: Often overlooked, but these roles come with steady visa sponsorships and growing pay scales, particularly in regional areas.
Each of these roles can lead to permanent residency routes if you secure employer sponsorship under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.
But Let’s Be Honest: It’s Not Just About the Money
Yes, pay matters, but so does quality of life. And Australia offers plenty of that.
Imagine finishing your shift and heading to a beachside café. Or spending weekends hiking the Blue Mountains or exploring Melbourne’s laneways. Many overseas nurses say that the work-life balance and supportive culture in Australian hospitals are what keep them here for good.
It’s also worth noting that nurses in Australia enjoy strong union representation, ensuring fair pay, safe working conditions, and structured career progression.
How Visa Sponsorship Actually Works
Visa sponsorship sounds complicated, but it’s not as intimidating once you understand the basics.
Most overseas nurses come through one of these routes:
1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): Employer-sponsored, usually up to four years.
2. Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): Permanent visa after sponsorship.
3. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187): For roles outside major cities often easier to secure.
Hospitals and recruitment agencies handle much of the paperwork if they’re sponsoring you. But you’ll need your qualifications assessed by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and registration with the AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
Where the Jobs Are (and Why Location Matters)
Pay rates in Australia vary wildly by region. Big cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth offer top salaries but higher living costs. On the other hand, regional areas (think Northern Territory, Tasmania, or rural Queensland) often throw in incentives like relocation bonuses or housing allowances plus, they’re usually more eager to sponsor international nurses.
And let’s not forget, working regionally for a while can fast-track your path to permanent residency under Australian immigration rules.
A Few Insider Tips for Aspiring Nurses
Here’s what you might not find on government websites:
- Update your resume to highlight clinical leadership, critical care, or specialized certifications.
- Work with reputable recruiters like Healthcare Australia or Bupa Health, they have direct sponsorship programs.
- Don’t underestimate regional hospitals, they often pay better and move faster with visa processing.
- Be ready for an English proficiency test (IELTS or OET). Even if your English is great, it’s mandatory for AHPRA registration.
And one more thing, Australian healthcare values teamwork and empathy as much as technical skill. Soft skills can make or break your interview.
In conclusion
Moving countries isn’t easy. You’ll face paperwork, time differences, and maybe even homesickness. But thousands of nurses do it every year and many say it’s the best decision they ever made.
Top 6 FAQs and Answers: Highest Paying Nursing Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship
1. What types of nursing jobs in Australia offer the highest pay and include visa sponsorship?
In Australia, the highest-paying nursing roles are usually in specialized areas where experience and advanced skills are in high demand. These include Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses, emergency nurses, surgical and theatre nurses, aged care leaders, and nurses working in rural or remote areas.
Salaries for these positions often range between AUD 80,000 and 115,000 per year, depending on qualifications, experience, and location. Regional and remote positions often pay more and are more likely to include visa sponsorship because these areas have greater workforce shortages.
2. What does “visa sponsorship” mean and how does it work for nurses?
Visa sponsorship means that a registered Australian employer supports your visa application to legally work in Australia. The employer nominates you for a visa that allows you to work for them, usually under the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) or an employer-nominated visa.
As an overseas nurse, you still need to meet all professional and immigration requirements, including nursing registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), English language proficiency, and health and character assessments.
3. What are the main requirements to qualify for high-paying, visa-sponsored nursing jobs in Australia?
To be eligible for these roles, you typically need:
A recognised nursing qualification equivalent to a Bachelor of Nursing.
Registration or eligibility for registration with AHPRA.
At least two to three years of relevant clinical experience.
Strong English communication skills proven through approved language tests.
A valid passport and willingness to relocate.
Compliance with Australian visa and immigration requirements.
Nurses willing to work in regional or remote areas or in specialised departments have a higher chance of securing sponsorship due to the strong demand in those sectors.
4. What salary and benefits can overseas nurses realistically expect?
For sponsored nursing positions, salaries usually fall within AUD 80,000 to 115,000 per year, depending on your experience and specialty. Some hospitals and aged care facilities pay hourly rates ranging from AUD 43 to 51 per hour before any allowances.
In addition to the base salary, many employers offer:
Relocation assistance.
Accommodation or housing subsidies.
Visa sponsorship costs covered or partially reimbursed.
Paid annual leave, sick leave, and superannuation.
Salary packaging options that can increase take-home pay.
These benefits make Australia one of the most attractive destinations for qualified international nurses.
5. How do location and specialty influence pay and visa sponsorship availability?
Location and specialization play a major role in salary levels and sponsorship opportunities. Nurses who work in regional or remote areas are often offered higher pay rates and additional incentives, as staffing shortages are more common in those regions.
Certain specialties such as ICU, emergency care, theatre, mental health, and aged care leadership consistently offer higher salaries because they require advanced clinical skills. Employers in these fields are also more likely to sponsor overseas nurses, particularly those with proven experience and credentials.
6. What should overseas nurses check before accepting a job offer with visa sponsorship?
Before accepting an offer, carefully review all aspects of the contract and sponsorship details. Important questions to ask include:
Is the employer officially approved to sponsor foreign workers?
What type of visa will they nominate you for, and how long is it valid?
What is the exact salary, and how are overtime, night shifts, and weekend penalties paid?
Are relocation costs, accommodation, or visa fees included in the package?
What are the conditions for ending the contract or changing employers?
How much assistance will the employer provide with AHPRA registration and relocation paperwork?
Always read the employment contract thoroughly before signing, and never send payments to secure a job offer. Legitimate Australian employers do not charge job seekers for sponsorship.
