Migrant Salary in Australia: What You Can Really Earn (It May Surprise You)

If you’re a migrant or international student in Australia, it’s easy to believe you must start small — low pay, junior roles, casual work. Many people think they need to “pay their dues” for years before earning a decent salary.

The truth? Skilled migrants can earn far more than they expect, often sooner than they think. The real barrier isn’t always your visa — it’s often your beliefs, job search approach, and how you present your value to employers.

In this guide, I’ll share real salary figures from my own career and my clients’ success stories, show you common salary myths holding people back, and give you the mindset and strategy shifts you need to position yourself for a higher-paying role.

My Own Salary Journey (And Why It Matters to You)

A few years ago, as a skilled migrant with English as my second language, I landed a full-time role paying $132,000 per year. Many of my clients — both skilled migrants and recent international graduates — have gone on to earn similar or even higher salaries.

These are not inflated “report” numbers. They are real salaries earned by people who started out just like you — new to Australia, unfamiliar with the local job market, and often lacking “local experience.” If we could do it, you can too.

Common Salary Myths Among Migrants

Many international students and migrants assume they have to:

Start with a $45K job just to get “local experience”
Accept underpaid roles because they don’t have PR
Work for free or do unpaid internships to get noticed

These beliefs are outdated and damaging. I’ve seen clients land $65K–$90K roles before PR because they positioned themselves correctly, told a strong career story, and targeted the right opportunities.

What Skilled Migrants Can Actually Earn

While salaries vary by industry, here’s what I’ve seen in recent years:

Entry-level roles (0–2 years’ experience): $45K–$55K
Mid-level professionals (3–7 years’ experience): $70K–$95K
Manager level: $90K–$100K+
Senior professionals (10+ years): $130K–$140K or more

On top of base salary, you may also receive superannuation (currently 11% of your salary by law) and other benefits such as bonuses, incentives, and commissions. These can add 10%–25% to your total package.

Why You Might Be Undervaluing Yourself

The biggest salary barrier I see isn’t your visa status — it’s your mindset.

Migrants often:

Compare themselves only to others in the same visa situation
Avoid applying for jobs they think are “too senior”
Accept low offers out of fear that no one else will hire them

When you shift your thinking from “Do I deserve this?” to “How can I show my value?”, your applications change — and so does your income.

The “First Job” Strategy That Pays Off Later

If you’re a fresh graduate or new migrant, you might feel disappointed if your first offer is slightly below market average. For example, if the average entry-level role in your field is $50,000 and you’re offered $45,000, it’s tempting to hold out for more.

But here’s the reality: turning down that $45K offer could cost you much more in the long run. That first role gives you local experience, professional references, and a network — the exact things that help you secure your next job at $65K, $80K, or more.

In other words: get your foot in the door first, then leverage the experience to move up.

Breaking the “Locals Earn More” Myth

One of the most damaging myths is that migrants and international graduates can’t earn the same as locals. It’s simply not true.

I and my clients — all migrants or graduates, most with English as a second language — have earned salaries that match or exceed those of local professionals in the same roles. Hiring managers care about whether you can deliver results, not whether English is your first language.

When to Ask for Help

Trying on your own at first is fine — I encourage it. But if you’ve been sending applications for months without interviews, it’s a sign your current strategy isn’t working.

I’ve seen too many graduates come to me with only a few months left on their visa. At that point, turning things around becomes much harder. Like going to a doctor too late, you might still get help, but the situation could have lasting consequences.

Don’t wait until it’s “almost too late.” If you’re not getting results, get help sooner — it can save you months (or years) of missed opportunities and lost income.

Real Client Examples

Marketing graduate on a 485 visa — went from months of casual work to an $80K marketing coordinator role in 6 weeks
IT professional with 5 years’ overseas experience — landed a $95K role before PR approval
Civil engineer with career gaps — secured a $90K full-time job within 2 months of starting coaching

The pattern? They had the skills but needed the right strategy to showcase them.

Action Steps to Position Yourself for a Higher Salary

Build a results-based resume — Focus on measurable achievements, not just responsibilities.
Target skilled roles strategically — Apply for positions that match your skills, not just “what you think you can get.”
Upgrade your LinkedIn profile — Recruiters use it as a screening tool before calling you.
Prepare for interviews — Have strong examples ready to prove your value.

Want to Position Yourself for a Higher-Paying Skilled Job?

Download the Skilled Job Starter Kit — designed for international students and migrants in Australia.

Inside, you’ll get:

A resume template that highlights your value
Interview strategies to show your impact
A LinkedIn checklist to attract the right employers

👉 Get it free here: theaho.co/free

FAQs

What is the average salary for migrants in Australia?
It varies by industry, but many skilled roles start between $65K–$90K. With the right job search approach, migrants can earn on par with locals.

Do I need PR to earn a good salary in Australia?
Not necessarily. Many employers hire graduates or 485 visa holders, especially if your skills are in demand.

How can I increase my salary as a migrant?
Build a strong resume, apply strategically, and prepare for interviews so you can clearly demonstrate your value.