Jobs for engineers: salary outlook in Australia and post-study visa benefits

With engineering job vacancies at an all-time high in a decade in Australia, you’re in luck! Embarking on your engineering career in Australia is a ticket towards job stability with exciting growth opportunities.

This high demand stems from Australia’s investment in large and complex public infrastructure projects, the maintenance of infrastructure assets as well as the rapid development of new industries such as renewable energy.

Apart from standing a higher chance of securing a job thanks to the engineer shortage, you can now work even longer in Australia after graduating.

Why pursue an engineering career in Australia

If you are studying abroad in Australia, there are policies designed to let you work and establish your career in the country upon completing your degree.

As of July 2023, the government has extended post-study work rights by an additional two years for international graduates with eligible qualifications, to address a shortage of skilled workers in areas such as education, healthcare, technology and agriculture.

The change includes:

• Selected bachelor’s degrees (extended to 4 years, up from 2 years)
• Selected master’s degrees (extended to 5 years, up from 3 years)
• All doctoral degrees (extended to 6 years, up from 4 years)

For an international student looking to launch a career Down Under, this is great news because it translates to more opportunities to accumulate valuable work experience in Australia.

Read on for some of the most in-demand engineering jobs in Australia that can allow you to work longer after graduation.

5 engineering careers that will benefit from Australia’s work rights extension

1. Chemical engineer

As a trained chemical engineer in Australia, your career will revolve around the production or use of chemicals, food, drugs as well as fuel, among others.

This means embarking on an exciting career that can span across the oil and gas industry to pharmaceuticals and environmental protection.

Your daily tasks will be to develop and design chemical manufacturing processes, analyse processes and data, perform research and tests as well as develop plans to optimise plant operations.

Average annual salary: AU$106,000

Career designation: Chemical Engineer (ANZSCO code 233111)

2. Civil engineer

Civil engineers have a responsibility to create, protect and improve our immediate environments. If you have a calling to build innovative structures and functional spaces, pursuing a civil engineering career in Australia might be the right move for you.

You’ll tap into computer modelling software and data from surveys, tests as well as maps to create project blueprints. This will help guide the construction of magnificent buildings, sturdy bridges and vital transport links that help service communities.

On top of that, you’ll also oversee the rebuilding and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, tunnels, bridges, power plants and airports.

Average annual salary: AU$105,000

Career designation: Civil Engineer (ANZSCO code 233211)

3. Environmental engineer

As an environmental engineer working in Australia, you will play a vital role in preserving our environment and protecting public health. This is an exciting career path that will lead you to create innovative solutions to environmental issues by using the principles of engineering, chemistry, biology and soil science.

In addition to novel innovation, your daily tasks include collecting and analysing environmental data as well as studying human influences and how they shape the environment.

If you decide to work in government agencies, you’ll also be helping to improve waste disposal, recycling, water and air pollution control.

Average annual salary: AU$103,000

Career designation: Environmental Engineer (ANZSCO code 233915)

4. Electrical engineer

Looking for a career that combines practicality with problem-solving? Then consider becoming an electrical engineer in Australia.

You’ll specialise in the design and development of electricity-related products such as household appliances and power systems. Electrical engineers also work closely with electronics and transmission to develop essential components for modern living.

This skill set allows you to build a career in a spectrum of industries including telecommunications, IT, manufacturing and aerospace.

If working on Tesla cars or rocket ships is your dream, an electrical engineering career is one of the few pathways you can take to reach your end goal!

Average annual salary: AU$115,000

Career designation: Electrical Engineer (ANZSCO code 233311)

5. Mining engineer

Geology is more than just rocks, and if that interests you, Australia is a perfect destination to pursue your career as a mining engineer.

The country is a hub for copper, gold and silver extraction, giving you a myriad of opportunities to become a professional mining engineer.

As a mining engineer in Australia, you’ll be tasked to coordinate activities and projects on mine sites. These include digging, extracting and transporting resources from the ground. In addition, you’ll also have opportunities to work with other geologists in identifying prospective mining sites rich in minerals.

Average annual salary: AU$145,000

Career designation: Mining Engineer (ANZSCO code 233611)

Get closer towards an engineering career working in Australia

Australia is both an engineering hub and a global commodity producer, allowing you to get unrivalled exposure to the industry.

Not only will your skills be in high demand, there’s the added benefit of working longer in the country post-graduation. You’ll be able to establish a professional career in one of the best engineering destinations in the world.

Ready to take the next step? We can help!

At IDP, our team of education counsellors can give you tailored guidance and assist you throughout every step of your application process – from selecting a course to preparing your accommodation.

Book your free counselling session today to get started. Enquire with us or hit the message button to drop us a question!