Top 10 Careers For South Africans Thriving In Australia And New Zealand – With demand for skilled professionals on the rise in Australia and New Zealand, South Africans are increasingly drawn to the opportunities available in these countries.
From healthcare to skilled trades, South Africans are filling critical roles, enjoying competitive salaries, and accessing the promise of permanent residency and an enviable quality of life.
Sarah Hewitt, migration advisor at New World Immigration, shares, “Australia and New Zealand have become prime destinations for South Africans seeking economic stability, a supportive community, and accessible residency options. Both countries offer professionals a chance at a truly fulfilling life.”
Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 occupations for South Africans in both Australia and New Zealand, with their average earnings and lifestyle benefits.
1. Registered Nurses
- Average Salary: ~R1,000,000 – R1,140,000 per year
- Appeal: With consistent demand for healthcare professionals, both Australia and New Zealand provide high job security and residency pathways. “Healthcare workers are highly valued, with ample opportunities for professional development and support,” Hewitt says.
2. Electricians
- Average Salary: ~R1,125,000 – R1,400,000 per year
- Appeal: Infrastructure projects drive a need for electricians. Safe work environments, high standards, and residency opportunities make these countries especially attractive to tradespeople.
3. Carpenters and Joiners
- Average Salary: ~R840,000 – R1,100,000 per year
- Appeal: Skilled carpenters can build fulfilling careers in construction-heavy areas, enjoying competitive wages, high training standards, and pathways to residency.
4. Software Developers and Programmers
- Average Salary: ~R1,080,000 – R1,240,000 per year
- Appeal: The tech sectors in Australia and New Zealand provide advanced work environments with high-quality work-life balance. “Both countries offer robust opportunities in tech, residency potential, and vibrant, collaborative workspaces,” Hewitt notes.
5. School Teachers
- Average Salary: ~R1,056,000 – R1,200,000 per year
- Appeal: Teachers are in demand, especially in rural and regional areas, with career advancement and permanent residency for educators, along with quality schooling options for families.
6. Engineers
- Average Salary: ~R1,350,000 – R1,620,000 per year
- Appeal: Significant infrastructure projects are a draw for civil engineers, with competitive salaries and strong residency options. “Engineers can make a real impact here, working on world-class projects in beautiful, well-developed regions,” Hewitt highlights.
7. Automotive Mechanics
- Average Salary: ~R740,000 – R980,000 per year
- Appeal: Both urban and regional areas offer career growth for mechanics, with advanced, safe environments and options for permanent residency.
8. Construction Managers
- Average Salary: ~R1,560,000 – R1,800,000 per year
- Appeal: As construction booms, managers are highly sought after, with strong salaries and a path to residency. For many, this profession offers long-term career growth in expanding cities.
9. Accountants
- Average Salary: ~R1,140,000 – R1,280,000 per year
- Appeal: Accountants enjoy career stability with high demand across industries and excellent residency pathways. “Finance professionals are well-supported, with opportunities for both professional and personal growth,” says Hewitt.
10. Plumbers
- Average Salary: ~R800,000 – R1,040,000 per year
- Appeal: This essential trade is in high demand in both countries, offering great salaries, residency options, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Why South Africans Are Choosing Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand offer a lifestyle balancing work with family time, outdoor activities, and a safe environment.
Most of these professions are on both nations’ Skilled Occupation Lists, allowing eligible candidates to secure long-term visas and eventually gain permanent residency.
“Both countries have high standards across industries, creating a secure, stable work environment. For South Africans, this is more than a job change—it’s a lifestyle upgrade in some of the world’s most beautiful regions,” Hewitt concludes.
For those looking for a new beginning, these top 10 professions provide the perfect path to a thriving future in Australia or New Zealand.