Best Australian City by Profession: Where to Go for Your Career 2026
Australian cities are not interchangeable employment markets. Sydney pays the most for software engineering and finance. Perth pays the most for mining. Canberra concentrates federal government and cleared cyber work. Brisbane is heading into a decade of Olympics-driven construction. Adelaide is the centre of the AUKUS submarine build. Salaries for the same role can swing 20 to 30 percent between cities, and regional designation (anywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) reshapes which visa subclasses you qualify for. This guide compares 22 professions using SEEK 2026 advertised salary data, with state nomination notes for each role.
How City Choice Affects Career and Visa
City choice changes three things at once: salary, visa pathway, and state nomination access.
Salary varies sharply by city even when the role and ANZSCO code are identical. A software engineer in Sydney averaged $120,000 on SEEK in May 2026 against $115,000 in Melbourne. A GP in a Distribution Priority Area (DPA) location accesses Medicare from day one of registration, while a GP in central Sydney faces a 10-year moratorium under section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973.
Regional designation matters for two visa subclasses: 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional) and 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional). For these visas, "regional" means anywhere except Sydney postcodes 2000 to 2234, Melbourne 3000 to 3207, and Brisbane 4000 to 4207. Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Darwin, and the Gold Coast all count as regional.
State nomination lists diverge. South Australia opened all skilled occupations for 2025 to 2026. Victoria uses the national Skilled Occupation List but prioritises healthcare, education, and construction. Queensland, NSW, Tasmania, the ACT, WA, and the NT each maintain priority lists weighted toward different sectors.
Cost-adjusted income is the final lever. Adelaide is around 16 percent cheaper than Sydney overall and rent is around 28 percent lower, so a $95,000 Adelaide role and a $115,000 Sydney role can deliver similar disposable income after rent.
Best Cities by Profession
Software Engineering and Developers
Sydney and Melbourne are the two largest markets, with Canberra third for cleared and government-adjacent work. Senior Atlassian and Canva packages with equity regularly exceed $200,000.
Key employers: Sydney has Atlassian, Canva, Macquarie, CBA, AWS, Google, and Microsoft. Melbourne has SEEK, REA Group, NAB, ANZ, and Telstra. Canberra concentrates Defence, DTA, ATO, and Services Australia digital teams plus cleared contractors.
State nomination: Tasmania added Software Engineers and DevOps Engineers to its priority list in 2025. South Australia has all skilled occupations open. Victoria prioritises technology.
| City | Avg salary (SEEK May 2026) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $120,000 |
| Melbourne | $115,000 |
| Brisbane | $120,000 |
| Canberra | $125,000 |
Cybersecurity
Canberra is the centre of gravity. ASD, Defence, AFP, Home Affairs, and a contractor ecosystem around Russell concentrate cleared cyber work. Sydney is the commercial cyber market (banks, telcos, big-four cyber practices); Melbourne sits behind both.
SEEK April 2026 Canberra cyber security analyst average was $108,038. National range sat between $100,000 and $115,000, with senior roles regularly above $150,000. Higher security clearances require Australian citizenship, which limits the entry point for new migrants until PR and naturalisation are complete.
State nomination: cybersecurity is named on Tasmania's 2025 expanded list and features on Victoria, NSW, and South Australia priority pathways under technology streams.
| City | Notes |
|---|---|
| Canberra | $108,038 avg (SEEK Apr 2026); cleared work |
| Sydney | Commercial cyber, banking, consulting |
| Melbourne | Third market, banks and government |
Data Scientists and Analysts
Sydney and Melbourne dominate. SEEK May 2026 Melbourne data scientist average was $127,618, with Sydney comparable. Glassdoor's Melbourne median was $120,030 (25th to 75th percentile: $100,000 to $144,000).
Key employers cluster around banks (CBA, Westpac, NAB, ANZ), insurers (IAG, Suncorp), retail (Woolworths, Coles), and consulting firms (Accenture, Deloitte, EY). Atlassian, Canva, REA, and SEEK maintain large data teams.
State nomination: data scientist and analyst roles are in demand under NSW and Victoria technology priorities and qualify for South Australia's open framework.
| City | Avg salary (SEEK May 2026) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | ~$130,000 |
| Melbourne | $127,618 |
Civil Engineering
Brisbane is the strategic pick for the second half of the decade. The Queensland 2032 Olympics infrastructure pipeline is projected to generate around 91,600 full-time equivalent job years in Queensland and 122,900 nationally, with major contracts ramping from 2026. The Queensland Principal Project Engineer base under the 2032 Delivery Plan starts at $160,991 plus 12.75 percent super.
Sydney remains strong on Western Sydney Airport and Sydney Metro extensions. Melbourne carries Suburban Rail Loop and North East Link work. Inland Rail distributes demand along the eastern corridor. SEEK May 2026 Brisbane civil engineer average was $112,500; the national range sat between $95,000 and $115,000.
State nomination: Queensland's 2025 to 2026 program explicitly prioritised civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers.
| City | Avg salary (SEEK May 2026) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $110,000 to $115,000 |
| Melbourne | $105,000 to $110,000 |
| Brisbane | $112,500 |
| Regional QLD/NSW | $110,000 to $135,000 |
Mechanical and Mining Engineering
Perth is the centre for both, with Brisbane second. Perth mining engineer base pay sits in the $130,000 to $175,000 range (Glassdoor 2026 25th to 75th percentile), with senior FIFO total packages reaching $180,000 to $250,000. The Bowen Basin (Queensland) FIFO market is run out of Brisbane.
Mechanical engineers: Glassdoor Perth average was $116,500 in 2026, 22 percent above the national average. SEEK Brisbane mechanical engineer data sat near $145,000.
Key employers: BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Woodside, Chevron, Santos, and engineering services firms (Worley, Monadelphous, Civmec, Wood, AECOM).
State nomination: WA's Graduate and General occupation lists include mining and mechanical engineering categories. Queensland prioritises mechanical engineers.
| City | Mining engineer | Mechanical engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Perth | $130k to $175k (FIFO higher) | $116,500 |
| Brisbane | Bowen Basin FIFO base | $145,000 |
Electrical Engineering
Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane lead, driven by energy transition (offshore wind, hydrogen, transmission), defence (AUKUS in Adelaide), and resources. SEEK May 2026 national average sat between $105,000 and $125,000. PayScale Perth electrical engineer average was AU$95,358; advertised SEEK ranges in resources and energy run higher.
Key employers: Western Power, AusNet, ElectraNet, Energy Queensland, Powerlink, major contractors (UGL, Downer, John Holland), and resources firms.
State nomination: South Australia, WA, and Queensland all prioritise electrical engineers in 2025 to 2026.
| City | Driver |
|---|---|
| Perth | Resources, energy transition |
| Adelaide | AUKUS, defence, transmission |
| Brisbane | Energy transition, Olympics |
Doctors and GPs
For overseas-trained doctors (OTDs), the Distribution Priority Area (DPA) classification under section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 is the binding constraint. OTDs must work in a DPA location for at least 10 years from registration, with scaling credits reducing the time for more remote postings.
The best opportunities for OTDs are not the capital city centres. Regional Queensland, WA, SA, Tasmania, and the NT contain most DPA locations. Sydney and Melbourne inner-metro areas are largely non-DPA, closing the Medicare-billing pathway for OTDs working as GPs there.
SEEK May 2026 GP average in Australia was $230,000 to $250,000. The RACGP industry benchmark for GP remuneration is 63 to 75 percent of billings, depending on experience.
State nomination: medical practitioners feature on every state and territory priority list. The NT's 2025 list names Registered Nurses, Clinical Psychologists, and Speech Pathologists as high priority; similar treatment applies to GPs.
| Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regional QLD, WA, SA, TAS, NT | DPA, Medicare from day one |
| Sydney/Melbourne inner metro | Mostly non-DPA, moratorium applies |
| Workforce Incentive Program | Federal payments for rural/remote |
Registered Nurses
Every city has a nursing shortage. SEEK May 2026 RN national average sat between $90,000 and $100,000. Northern Australia and remote postings carry the largest loadings; regional figures for Darwin, Katherine, Dubbo, and Alice Springs reach $114,000 to $134,000 in 2026.
State nomination: RNs are priority occupations for every state and territory. The NT 2025 to 2026 list names RNs as high priority; Victoria's December 2025 invitation rounds were dominated by RNs; Queensland and Tasmania also prioritise them.
| City | Avg salary (SEEK 2026) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $95,000 to $100,000 |
| Melbourne | $90,000 to $95,000 |
| Brisbane | $90,000 to $95,000 |
| Darwin/regional | $100,000 to $120,000+ |
Allied Health (Physio, OT, Speech Pathology)
All cities have demand. Regional postings carry pay premiums plus 491 and 494 eligibility. SEEK May 2026 physiotherapist national average sat between $90,000 and $100,000. Public-sector seniors reach $110,000 to $128,000; private-sector seniors above $130,000.
State nomination: the NT 2025 to 2026 list names Speech Pathologists as high priority. Most states include allied health on priority lists. Victoria's 491 prioritisation favours healthcare.
| City | Avg salary (SEEK May 2026) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $90,000 to $100,000 |
| Melbourne | $90,000 to $100,000 |
| Brisbane | $85,000 to $95,000 |
| Regional | Loadings + visa benefits |
Accountants and Auditors
Sydney is the headquarters market. PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG have their largest Australian offices in Sydney; Melbourne is second. Big-four banks and ASX-listed corporates concentrate finance roles in both cities.
SEEK May 2026 financial accountant national range: $100,000 to $120,000. Sydney company accountant $115,000; group accountant Sydney $125,000, Melbourne $120,000. Accounting industry advertised average is $83,812 (skewed by junior and bookkeeping roles).
State nomination: accountants are on most state lists but quotas are competitive. Tasmania and South Australia have historically offered easier paths than NSW or Victoria.
| City | Avg salary (SEEK May 2026) |
|---|---|
| Sydney (company accountant) | $115,000 |
| Sydney (group accountant) | $125,000 |
| Melbourne (group accountant) | $120,000 |
Finance and Banking
Sydney is the dominant market. CBA, Westpac, and Macquarie HQ in Sydney; ANZ and NAB in Melbourne. The ASX, RBA, and most investment banks are Sydney-based.
SEEK March 2026 financial analyst Sydney average was $99,795 (3 percent above national). Investment banking pay runs higher: Sydney IB analyst average was around AU$180,000 in 2026 against AU$165,000 in Melbourne. Senior associates and VPs run materially higher.
State nomination: finance and banking specialists qualify under NSW priority skills lists.
| City | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sydney | Banks HQ, ASX, RBA; IB analyst ~$180k |
| Melbourne | NAB, ANZ HQ; IB analyst ~$165k |
Legal
Sydney and Melbourne carry the top-tier firms (Allens, Ashurst, Clayton Utz, Corrs, Gilbert + Tobin, Herbert Smith Freehills, King and Wood Mallesons, MinterEllison). Sydney edges Melbourne on corporate, M&A, and finance work.
SEEK May 2026 lawyer averages: Sydney ~$112,500. Specialist roles run higher: SEEK April 2026 employment lawyer Sydney $160,000, Melbourne $140,000; property lawyer Melbourne $162,500, Sydney $128,750. In-house counsel averages $140,000 to $155,000.
State nomination: solicitors and barristers feature on state lists, though demand pulls more from employer-sponsored pathways.
| City | Avg salary (SEEK 2026) |
|---|---|
| Sydney (general lawyer) | $112,500 |
| Melbourne (general lawyer) | ~$110,000 |
| Sydney (employment lawyer) | $160,000 |
| Melbourne (property lawyer) | $162,500 |
Teachers (Primary and Secondary)
Every state and territory has teaching shortages. SEEK April 2026: secondary teacher national average $100,000 to $105,000; primary teacher Sydney $112,500. Regional and remote loadings reach $114,000 to $134,000 (Darwin, Katherine, Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Alice Springs).
State nomination: teachers feature on every state priority list. Tasmania added Early Childhood, Primary, Middle School, Secondary, and Special Education Teachers to its 2025 list. Victoria's December 2025 invitation rounds were dominated by RNs, Teachers, and Carpenters. Queensland prioritises early childhood and secondary teachers.
| City | Primary teacher (SEEK 2026) | Secondary teacher |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $112,500 | $100,000 to $105,000 |
| Melbourne | ~$95,000 to $105,000 | $100,000 to $105,000 |
| Brisbane | ~$90,000 to $100,000 | $95,000 to $105,000 |
| Darwin/remote | $115,000 to $120,000+ | $114,000 to $134,000 |
Early Childhood Educators
National shortage. SEEK April 2026 educator (Cert III or Diploma-level) Australian average $65,000 to $80,000. Early childhood teachers (degree-qualified, ANZSCO 241111) average $85,000 to $100,000.
State nomination: ECTs are prioritised by NSW, Victoria, Queensland, SA, Tasmania, ACT, NT, and WA. Victoria's December 2025 invitation rounds confirmed early childhood as a priority.
| Role | Avg salary (SEEK 2026) |
|---|---|
| Early Childhood Educator | $65,000 to $80,000 |
| Early Childhood Teacher | $85,000 to $100,000 |
Construction Trades (Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber)
Brisbane is the standout for the second half of the decade given Olympics infrastructure and ongoing post-cyclone work. Sydney and Melbourne carry the largest residential and commercial pipelines. All Construction Trades Workers occupations were in national shortage on Jobs and Skills Australia's 2025 list.
SEEK 2026: electrician national $95,000 to $115,000 (Sydney $99,000, Brisbane $85,500); carpenter national ~$75,000; plumber national ~$85,000. Self-employed licensed sole traders earn substantially more.
State nomination: construction trades feature prominently on QLD, NSW, Victoria, WA, and Tasmania priority lists. Victoria's December 2025 invitation rounds named carpenters.
| Trade | Sydney | Brisbane | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $99,000 | $85,500 | $95k to $115k |
| Carpenter | $75k to $90k | $75k to $85k | $75,000 |
| Plumber | $85k to $95k | $80k to $90k | $85,000 |
Chefs and Hospitality
Melbourne and Sydney are the major restaurant markets. Gold Coast and Cairns are tourism-driven and benefit from regional visa designation.
SEEK May 2026 chef national average $75,000 to $80,000. Head chef Australia $85,000 to $100,000; Sydney and Melbourne realistic head chef ranges $95,000 to $130,000. Commis chef average $70,000 to $75,000.
State nomination: all Food Trades Workers occupations were in national shortage in 2025. Queensland prioritises hospitality. Regional postings unlock 491 and 494 pathways.
| City | Head chef (SEEK 2026) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $95k to $130k |
| Melbourne | $95k to $130k |
| Regional | Visa benefits + similar pay |
Marketing and Communications
Sydney and Melbourne host the major agency clusters and the in-house teams of the largest brands. SEEK May 2026: marketing manager Sydney $125,000, Melbourne $115,000. Digital marketing manager Melbourne $112,500, Sydney $110,000.
Key employers: WPP, Publicis, Omnicom, IPG networks; in-house teams at Telstra, Optus, the big-four banks, Woolworths, Coles, Atlassian, Canva.
State nomination: marketing roles are less commonly named on priority lists but qualify under broader ANZSCO Business, Human Resource and Marketing Professionals groupings.
| City | Marketing manager (SEEK May 2026) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $125,000 |
| Melbourne | $115,000 |
Defence and Cleared Roles
Canberra, Adelaide, and Darwin are the three centres. Canberra concentrates policy, intelligence, and most cleared cyber and program roles. Adelaide is the AUKUS submarine build site at Osborne, with around 4,000 workers needed for design and construction of the Submarine Construction Yard starting late this decade, plus 4,000 to 5,500 direct jobs to build the SSN-AUKUS submarines at peak. Darwin hosts major bases and northern operations.
The Australian Submarine Agency estimated $6 billion of investment in Australian industry and workforce over the forward estimates, including at least $2 billion in South Australian infrastructure.
Citizenship: cleared government roles generally require Australian citizenship. The APS may waive citizenship in limited circumstances, but waivers usually mean non-ongoing (contract) engagement only.
State nomination: South Australia's open framework and the ACT critical skills list both support defence-adjacent migration.
| City | Defence concentration |
|---|---|
| Canberra | Policy, intelligence, cyber, program offices |
| Adelaide | AUKUS shipbuilding (~20k direct jobs over 30 years) |
| Darwin | Bases, northern operations |
Agriculture and Agronomy
Regional everywhere: Victorian Western District, NSW Riverina, SA Mid North and Riverland, WA Wheatbelt, Queensland inland. Agriculture features on regional priority pathways for SA, WA, Tasmania, the NT, and Queensland. The NT's offshore migration list is the most accessible for agriculture-adjacent roles.
Public Service (Federal)
Canberra. APS ongoing (permanent) positions generally require Australian citizenship under the Public Service Act 1999 and APSC conditions of engagement. Agency Heads may waive the requirement, but waivers usually result in non-ongoing engagement limited to the temporary visa duration. Most permanent residents apply for citizenship after meeting the residency requirement, then become eligible for ongoing APS roles.
State nomination: the ACT operates the Canberra Matrix, which weights ACT residence, employment, and study. Local employment and a Canberra address help significantly.
Mining and Resources (Operations)
Perth and Brisbane are the two FIFO hubs. The Pilbara (iron ore, WA) and Bowen Basin (coal and gas, QLD) are the largest operations zones.
Perth mining engineer base sat at $130,000 to $175,000 in 2026 (Glassdoor 25th to 75th percentile); FIFO senior total compensation reaches $180,000 to $250,000. Non-engineering operations roles (operators, technicians, supervisors) often earn $130,000 to $200,000 FIFO on rosters such as 2 weeks on / 1 week off.
State nomination: WA priority lists include mining-adjacent occupations under General and Graduate streams. Queensland's 2025 to 2026 program supports mining engineering and trades.
Tourism and Marine
Gold Coast, Cairns, and Hobart are the main tourism markets. Each is designated regional for 491 and 494 visa purposes. Gold Coast benefits from proximity to Brisbane employers while still counting as regional.
State nomination: Queensland and Tasmania actively recruit hospitality and tourism workers under regional streams. Skipper, Master Fisher, and Marine Engineer occupations appear on WA and Tasmania lists.
Aged Care and Disability Support
All cities have severe shortages. SEEK 2026: aged care worker national $70,000 to $80,000; disability support worker $70,000 to $80,000. The Fair Work Commission Aged Care Work Value Case has driven pay rises since 2023, with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing funding ongoing wage adjustments.
State nomination: aged care and disability support feature on state priority pathways under welfare and community service categories. The NT list includes Welfare Support Workers.
| Role | Avg salary (SEEK 2026) |
|---|---|
| Aged Care Worker | $70,000 to $80,000 |
| Disability Support Worker | $70,000 to $80,000 |
Salary by Profession by City: Quick Reference Table
Figures are SEEK 2026 advertised averages (some via Glassdoor or PayScale 2026 where SEEK city-level data was not published). Base salary, generally excluding super. Senior and specialist roles run higher.
| Profession | Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Perth | Adelaide | Canberra | Gold Coast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software engineer | $120k | $115k | $120k | ~$110k | ~$105k | $125k | ~$100k to $110k |
| Cybersecurity analyst | $110k to $130k | $105k to $115k | $100k to $115k | $100k to $115k | $100k to $115k | $108k (avg) | n/a |
| Data scientist | ~$130k | $127.6k | ~$115k | ~$115k | ~$110k | ~$120k | n/a |
| Civil engineer | $110k to $115k | $105k to $110k | $112.5k | $115k to $125k | $100k to $110k | $105k to $115k | $100k to $110k |
| Mechanical engineer | ~$110k | ~$105k | $145k | $116.5k | $100k to $110k | n/a | n/a |
| Mining engineer | n/a | n/a | $130k to $160k (FIFO) | $130k to $175k | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Electrical engineer | $105k to $125k | $105k to $125k | $105k to $125k | ~$95k to $125k | $100k to $120k | $105k to $115k | n/a |
| GP (general) | $230k to $300k | $230k to $290k | $250k to $320k | $250k to $320k | $240k to $300k | $230k to $290k | $230k to $280k |
| Registered Nurse | $95k to $100k | $90k to $95k | $90k to $95k | $90k to $95k | $85k to $95k | $90k to $100k | $85k to $95k |
| Physiotherapist | $90k to $100k | $90k to $100k | $85k to $95k | $85k to $95k | $85k to $95k | $90k to $100k | $80k to $90k |
| Accountant (mid-level) | $100k to $130k | $95k to $125k | $90k to $115k | $90k to $115k | $85k to $110k | $95k to $115k | $80k to $105k |
| Financial analyst | ~$100k | $90k to $110k | $85k to $105k | $85k to $105k | $80k to $100k | $90k to $110k | n/a |
| Lawyer (general) | ~$112.5k | ~$110k | ~$105k | ~$105k | ~$100k | ~$110k | ~$95k |
| Primary teacher | $112.5k | $95k to $105k | $90k to $100k | $90k to $100k | $85k to $100k | $95k to $110k | $90k to $100k |
| Secondary teacher | $100k to $110k | $100k to $105k | $95k to $105k | $95k to $105k | $90k to $100k | $100k to $110k | $90k to $100k |
| Early Childhood Teacher | $90k to $100k | $85k to $100k | $80k to $95k | $80k to $95k | $80k to $90k | $90k to $100k | $80k to $90k |
| Electrician | $99k | $95k to $115k | $85.5k | $95k to $115k | $90k to $105k | $95k to $110k | $85k to $100k |
| Carpenter | $75k to $90k | $75k to $90k | $75k to $85k | $80k to $95k | $70k to $85k | $80k to $95k | $70k to $85k |
| Plumber | $85k to $95k | $80k to $95k | $80k to $90k | $85k to $100k | $80k to $90k | $85k to $95k | $75k to $90k |
| Head chef | $95k to $130k | $95k to $130k | $85k to $110k | $90k to $115k | $80k to $100k | $90k to $115k | $80k to $105k |
| Marketing manager | $125k | $115k | $105k to $115k | $100k to $115k | $95k to $110k | $105k to $120k | $90k to $105k |
| Aged care worker | $70k to $80k | $70k to $80k | $70k to $80k | $70k to $80k | $65k to $78k | $70k to $80k | $65k to $78k |
| Disability support worker | $70k to $80k | $70k to $80k | $70k to $80k | $70k to $80k | $65k to $78k | $70k to $80k | $65k to $78k |
Where SEEK did not publish a city figure, values are approximated from national averages and adjacent regional data. Treat ranges as indicative and check SEEK directly for the latest figures.
Don't Just Chase Salary: Consider Cost-to-Income
Headline salary is not disposable income. Australian income tax brackets are federal and identical in every state, but rent and total cost of living are not. Adelaide is around 16 percent cheaper than Sydney overall and rent is around 28 percent lower. Median asking rents in 2025 ranged from $700 to $850 a week for a 2-bedroom in Sydney against $450 to $550 in Adelaide.
Worked example: a registered nurse on $95,000 in Sydney pays around $20,000 income tax (FY25-26 brackets, approximate), netting $75,000. Rent at $750 a week is $39,000 a year, leaving $36,000 for everything else. The same nurse on $85,000 in Adelaide pays around $17,000 tax, nets $68,000; rent at $525 a week is $27,300, leaving $40,700. Adelaide nets $4,700 more disposable income despite the $10,000 lower headline salary.
This flips for higher salaries. A software engineer on $130,000 in Sydney still nets more than a $110,000 Adelaide role, because the salary gap outruns the rent gap. Rule of thumb: mid-band salaries ($80,000 to $110,000) often win in cheaper cities; high-band salaries ($130,000+) win in Sydney and Melbourne.
State Nomination Occupation Alignment
Each state and territory weights its program differently. Snapshot for the 2025 to 2026 year:
| State / Territory | 2025 to 2026 allocation | Priority categories |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 3,400 (2,700 sc 190 + 700 sc 491) | Healthcare, education (incl. early childhood), construction, technology, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy |
| NSW | Not published as single figure | Healthcare, ICT, engineering, education, construction |
| Queensland | Not single figure | Civil/electrical/mechanical engineers, construction trades, ECT and secondary teachers, nurses, physiotherapists |
| Western Australia | Graduate + General streams | Engineering, healthcare, education, mining trades, ICT |
| South Australia | All skilled occupations open | Healthcare, defence, technology, advanced manufacturing |
| Tasmania | 1,200 sc 190 + 650 sc 491 | Teachers, software/cyber/DevOps, welfare workers, web designers |
| ACT (Canberra Matrix) | Critical skills list | Federal-adjacent roles, ICT, healthcare, education |
| Northern Territory | 1,650 | Health (RNs, clinical psychologists, speech pathologists), education, trades, engineering, construction, hospitality |
Victoria's 2025 to 2026 program closed to new Registrations of Interest in early 2026; submitted ROIs continue to be processed. South Australia has the most open access. Tasmania, the NT, and the ACT each weight candidates with state-specific ties (study, employment, address). Confirm against the relevant state migration portal before lodging.
FAQ
What is the highest-paying city overall for skilled migrants in 2026? Perth for resources and mining. Sydney for software, finance, and legal. Canberra averages high across software, cyber, and public service, but cleared roles generally require Australian citizenship.
Which city is best for software engineering? Sydney has the largest market and highest senior salaries (Atlassian, Canva, banks). Melbourne is a close second. Canberra's SEEK May 2026 average ($125,000) was slightly higher than both, reflecting a senior contractor mix in government work.
Which city is best for nurses? All cities have demand. Darwin and remote postings carry the highest pay through location loadings. NSW Health (Sydney) has the largest nominal pay scale; Victoria had the most active 491 invitations for RNs as of December 2025.
How do I research state occupation lists? Each state's migration portal: migration.sa.gov.au, migration.tas.gov.au, nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration, liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au, migration.qld.gov.au, migration.wa.gov.au, australiasnorthernterritory.com.au, and canberrayourfuture.com.au for the ACT Canberra Matrix. Lists update annually around July with mid-year adjustments.
Does regional designation matter for software engineering? Yes for the 491 and 494 visa subclasses, which require living and working outside metro Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Subclass 189 and 190 visas do not require regional residence.
Best city if I want PR fast? South Australia (all skilled occupations open, regional designation, 491 to 191 PR after 3 years), Tasmania (large allocation, study or employment route), and the Northern Territory (smaller market but high priority for healthcare and education).
Which city is best for doctors? Regional QLD, WA, SA, TAS, or NT, because the DPA requirement under the 10-year moratorium effectively excludes inner-metro Sydney and Melbourne for overseas-trained GPs accessing Medicare. The Workforce Incentive Program adds federal payments for rural and remote postings.
Can I work in the APS before citizenship? You can be engaged as a non-ongoing (contract) APS employee with a citizenship waiver under section 22 of the Public Service Act 1999. Ongoing (permanent) APS engagement generally requires Australian citizenship.
Sources
- SEEK Software Engineer Salary in Sydney (May 2026): Sydney software engineer average
- SEEK Software Engineer Salary in Melbourne (May 2026): Melbourne software engineer average
- SEEK Cyber Security Analyst Salary in Canberra: Canberra cyber security analyst average
- SEEK Data Scientist Salary in Melbourne (April 2026): Melbourne data scientist average
- SEEK Civil Engineer Salary in Brisbane (May 2026): Brisbane civil engineer average
- SEEK Mining Engineer Salary in Western Australia: Perth and WA mining engineer
- SEEK Mechanical Engineer Salary in Brisbane: Brisbane mechanical engineer
- SEEK Registered Nurse Salary in Australia: National RN salary data
- SEEK General Practitioner Salary in Australia: GP salary data
- SEEK Marketing Manager Salary in Sydney: Marketing manager averages
- SEEK Lawyer Salary in Sydney (May 2026): Sydney lawyer data
- SEEK Accountant Salary in Melbourne: Accountant pay data
- SEEK Electrician Salary in Australia: Electrician national data
- SEEK Aged Care Worker Salary: Aged care pay data
- Hays Salary Guide FY25/26 (Australia): Cross-industry salary benchmarks
- Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List: National shortage data
- Australian Government Department of Health: Distribution Priority Area: DPA classification for doctors
- Section 19AB and 10-year moratorium (health.gov.au): OTD Medicare restrictions
- APSC: Citizenship in the APS: APS citizenship requirement
- Australian Submarine Agency: Submarine Industry and Workforce: AUKUS Adelaide workforce
- Migration South Australia: Skilled Occupation List: SA state nomination occupations
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