Aged Care Worker Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship (2026) – Estimated Pay AUD 25–35/hour

Australia’s aged care sector is one of the fastest-growing employment markets in the country, driven by an ageing population, increased life expectancy, and ongoing workforce shortages.

For international job seekers, particularly skilled and semi-skilled workers from Africa and other developing regions, aged care worker jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship represent a realistic and in-demand pathway to lawful employment, stable income, and long-term relocation opportunities in 2026.

Why Australia Needs Aged Care Workers in 2025

Australia is experiencing a structural shortage of aged care workers across residential care facilities, home care services, and disability support programs. According to workforce planning projections, tens of thousands of additional aged care workers will be required over the next decade to meet demand.

Key factors driving demand include:

• A rapidly ageing population (over 4.5 million Australians aged 65+)
• Expansion of home-based and community care services
• Increased government funding for aged care reforms
• High turnover and skills gaps within the local workforce

As a result, aged care has become one of the most visa-sponsorable occupations under Australia’s skilled and semi-skilled migration programs.

What Does an Aged Care Worker Do in Australia?

Aged care workers provide essential daily support to elderly individuals who need assistance due to age, illness, or disability. Roles may vary depending on the setting—residential care homes, private homes, or community facilities.

Typical Responsibilities

• Assisting with personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Helping with mobility and daily activities
• Meal preparation and feeding support
• Medication reminders (not administration unless qualified)
• Emotional companionship and social support
• Maintaining hygiene and safety standards
• Reporting health or behavioral changes to supervisors

Common Job Titles

• Aged Care Worker
• Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
• Care Assistant
• Support Worker
• Community Care Worker

These roles are critical, respected, and increasingly professionalized within Australia’s healthcare system.

Estimated Salary: How Much Do Aged Care Workers Earn in Australia?

In 2025, aged care workers in Australia earn competitive wages compared to many other entry-to-mid-level occupations.

Average Pay Rates

• Hourly wage: AUD 25 – AUD 35 per hour
• Weekly earnings: AUD 950 – AUD 1,300 (full-time)
• Annual salary: AUD 50,000 – AUD 72,000+

Factors That Influence Pay

• Location (regional areas often pay more)
• Shift type (night, weekend, or public holiday rates)
• Employer (private vs government-funded providers)
• Qualifications and experience
• Type of care (disability, dementia, palliative)

Additional benefits may include penalty rates, overtime pay, paid leave, superannuation (retirement contributions), and training support.

Visa Sponsorship Explained: How It Works

One of the most important questions international job seekers ask is how visa sponsorship actually works for aged care roles.

Visa sponsorship means an Australian employer is legally approved to nominate a foreign worker for a work visa because they cannot find enough local workers to fill the role.

Key Points to Understand

• Sponsorship is employer-driven, not automatic
• You must first receive a genuine job offer
• Employers must meet government sponsorship criteria
• The role must meet skill and salary thresholds
• You must meet health, character, and English requirements

Visa sponsorship is regulated and transparent—there are no shortcuts or guaranteed approvals.

Australian Visa Options for Aged Care Workers (2025)

1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

• Employer-sponsored temporary work visa
• Valid for up to 2–4 years
• Pathway to permanent residence in some cases
• Commonly used by aged care employers

2. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

• Permanent residency pathway
• Requires relevant experience and employer nomination
• Often used after working on a temporary visa

3. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

• Points-tested regional visa
• Sponsored by state, territory, or eligible family member
• Encourages settlement in regional Australia

4. Training or Labour Agreement Pathways

• Some aged care providers operate under special labour agreements
• These can allow sponsorship with flexible skill requirements

Visa eligibility depends on your background, experience, English level, and the employer’s approval status.

Qualifications and Skills Required

One advantage of aged care work is that it is accessible compared to many other overseas jobs—but it is not unskilled.

Minimum Requirements (Typical)

• Secondary school education
• Relevant experience in caregiving, healthcare, or support roles
• Basic English communication skills
• Willingness to complete Australian-recognized training

Preferred or Required Qualifications

• Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care or Disability)
• Equivalent caregiving or nursing assistant qualifications
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Police clearance and health checks

Many employers support on-the-job training or assist international workers in completing required certifications after arrival.

English Language Requirements

Most visa pathways require proof of English proficiency. Accepted tests may include:

• IELTS
• PTE Academic
• OET (for healthcare-related roles)

Required scores vary depending on the visa type and employer, but functional English is essential for patient safety and workplace communication.

Where Are Jobs Most Available in Australia?

While aged care jobs exist nationwide, regional and semi-urban areas offer the strongest sponsorship opportunities due to worker shortages.

High-Demand Locations

• New South Wales (regional areas)
• Victoria (aged care hubs outside Melbourne)
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Tasmania

Regional employers are often more open to sponsoring overseas workers and may offer relocation assistance.

How to Apply for Aged Care Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare a professional CV tailored to aged care roles
2. Obtain relevant caregiving or healthcare experience
3. Search for approved Australian aged care employers
4. Apply through official job portals and employer websites
5. Attend interviews (online or in person)
6. Receive a formal job offer
7. Employer initiates visa sponsorship process
8. Lodge visa application with supporting documents

Trusted Job Platforms

• Australian government job portals
• Major recruitment agencies specializing in healthcare
• Employer career pages of aged care providers

Avoid unofficial agents promising guaranteed jobs or visas.

Benefits of Working in Australia’s Aged Care Sector

Beyond wages, aged care jobs offer long-term professional and personal benefits:

• Stable employment in a growing industry
• Opportunity for permanent residency
• High worker protections and labor rights
• Multicultural and inclusive workplaces
• Career progression into nursing or healthcare roles
• Access to Australia’s healthcare and social systems

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can foreigners apply for aged care jobs in Australia?

Yes. Many aged care employers actively recruit international workers due to shortages.

• Is visa sponsorship guaranteed if I get a job?

No. Sponsorship depends on employer approval and meeting immigration requirements.

• Do I need nursing qualifications?

No. Aged care workers are different from registered nurses, though healthcare experience is beneficial.

• Can aged care jobs lead to permanent residency?

In many cases, yes—especially through employer-sponsored or regional pathways.

• Is experience from Africa or overseas accepted?

Yes, provided it is relevant, verifiable, and well-documented.

Conclusion

For international job seekers seeking legal employment, fair wages, and long-term relocation opportunities, aged care worker jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship in 2026 remain one of the most realistic and accessible pathways.

If you are serious about working abroad and contributing meaningfully, Australia’s aged care sector deserves your attention.