High Paying Unskilled Jobs in Australia 2026 – No Degree Required, Earn $70K+

Today, earning $70K or more in Australia doesn’t have to mean spending years in university. With labor shortages across key industries, unskilled jobs, once seen as entry-level, are now paying surprisingly high wages.

From mining and construction to logistics and security, employers are offering premium pay, overtime, and hazard bonuses to attract reliable workers.

The best part is that many of these positions require little to no formal qualifications. What is required is a willingness to work hard, learn on the job, and sometimes pick up a basic certification.

Whether you’re a local looking to boost your income or a foreign worker seeking opportunities in Australia, these roles can provide financial stability and career growth without the burden of student debt.

In this guide, we’ll break down the high paying unskilled jobs in Australia, how to land them quickly, and strategies to maximize your earnings so you can start earning $70K+ sooner than you think.

Why Unskilled Jobs Can Pay $70K+ in Australia

Contrary to popular belief, “unskilled” doesn’t mean low-paying. Many industries in Australia are facing severe labor shortages, which drives wages up for workers willing to step in and fill the gaps.

Sectors like mining, construction, logistics, security, and aged care are desperate for reliable staff, often offering salaries well above $70K, plus overtime, bonuses, and shift premiums.

Several factors contribute to these high wages. Hazardous work environments, night shifts, and physically demanding roles require higher pay to attract talent.

Geographic demand also plays a role: regions like Western Australia and Queensland, home to mining hubs and large construction projects, often pay significantly more than metropolitan areas.

Additionally, some unskilled roles include certifications or licenses, like forklift operation, security licensing, or white card safety training that increase earning potential with minimal upfront cost.

For foreign workers, certain unskilled jobs may even provide visa sponsorship, making them doubly valuable.

Essentially, the combination of high demand, challenging conditions, and low entry barriers has transformed traditional unskilled roles into some of Australia’s most lucrative opportunities today.

Top Highest Paying Unskilled Jobs in Australia 2026

If you’re looking to earn $70K+ in Australia without a degree, these unskilled jobs are your best options. Many of these roles come with overtime, bonuses, and fast-track career growth, making them highly sought after.

1. Mine Worker – $85K+

What they do:

• Operate and maintain heavy machinery such as drills and excavators.
• Transport raw materials from mine sites to processing areas.
• Conduct routine safety checks and equipment inspections.
• Assist with blasting and excavation operations.
• Maintain accurate logs of production and machinery use.

Why it pays well: Hazardous conditions, remote locations, and long shifts.
Where to work: Western Australia (Pilbara), Queensland, South Australia.

2. Forklift Operator: $75K+

What they do:

• Load and unload pallets in warehouses and factories.
• Transport goods safely across storage facilities.
• Perform daily inspections of forklifts and report issues.
• Follow strict safety procedures and warehouse protocols.
• Assist with inventory management and stock organization.

Why it pays well: High demand in manufacturing, logistics, and e-commerce.
Where to work: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane.

3. Construction Laborer: $70K+

What they do:

• Assist tradespeople with on-site building tasks.
• Prepare and clear construction sites.
• Handle materials like bricks, cement, and steel.
• Operate basic machinery under supervision.
• Follow safety standards and regulations on-site.

Why it pays well: Overtime, shift work, and premium rates for high-demand projects.
Where to work: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth.

4. Security Guard (Armed/High-Risk): $72K+

What they do:

• Monitor and patrol assigned areas for safety.
• Control access points and verify identification.
• Respond to alarms, emergencies, or incidents.
• Report incidents to management or authorities.
• Maintain logs of daily security activities.

Why it pays well: Night shifts, risk exposure, and licensing requirements.
Where to work: CBDs, construction sites, entertainment venues.

5. Truck Driver (Long Haul): $80K+

What they do:

• Transport goods across cities and states.
• Plan routes efficiently to meet delivery schedules.
• Inspect vehicles and maintain basic safety checks.
• Load and unload cargo safely.
• Maintain accurate delivery logs and paperwork.

Why it pays well: Long hours, overnight trips, and specialized routes.
Where to work: National routes connecting major cities and ports.

6. Aged Care Worker: $70K+

What they do:

• Assist elderly residents with daily activities.
• Administer basic personal care like bathing and dressing.
• Monitor residents’ health and report changes.
• Plan and support recreational activities.
• Maintain hygiene and safe living environments.

Why it pays well: High demand due to Australia’s aging population and government incentives.
Where to work: Nationwide, especially in metropolitan and regional areas.

How to Land These High Paying Unskilled Jobs in Australia

Landing a $70K+ unskilled job in Australia doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right strategy, certifications, and approach, you can secure high-paying roles quickly. Here’s how:

1. Identify High-Demand Roles and Locations

• Research industries currently experiencing labor shortages, such as mining, logistics, construction, and aged care.
• Focus on regions offering premium wages: Western Australia for mining, Sydney and Melbourne for logistics, and regional areas for construction projects.
• Use government labor market reports or job portals to track demand.
• Prioritize roles with fast hiring cycles to maximize earnings.
• Look for jobs that offer shift premiums, hazard pay, or overtime bonuses.

2. Get Minimal Certifications to Boost Employability

• Obtain licenses like forklift operation, security, or heavy vehicle licenses.
• Complete short courses such as a White Card (construction safety) or Certificate III in Individual Support (aged care).
• Certifications often take less than a week and significantly increase salary potential.
• Some employers cover training costs if hired.
• Keep certifications updated to remain competitive.

3. Leverage Job Portals and Recruitment Agencies

• Use Australian job boards like Seek, Indeed, and Jora.
• Register with temp agencies specializing in high-demand industries.
• Network with local employers directly to uncover hidden vacancies.
• Apply for multiple positions simultaneously to increase chances.
• Highlight flexibility and willingness to work overtime in applications.

4. Prepare a Strong Application

• Focus on reliability, work ethic, and willingness to learn rather than formal education.
• Include relevant certifications and any prior experience, even in unrelated roles.
• Tailor your resume for each role with specific duties and keywords.
• Mention availability for shifts, night work, or remote locations.
• Follow up with employers to demonstrate interest and initiative.

5. Maximize Earnings Once Hired

• Take advantage of overtime, night shifts, and weekend work.
• Consider relocating to high-paying regions if feasible.
• Combine multiple part-time roles strategically.
• Seek promotions or cross-training opportunities within the company.
• Maintain strong performance to access bonuses and long-term contracts.

Visa and Work Eligibility for Foreign Workers in Australia

For foreign workers seeking high-paying unskilled jobs in Australia, understanding visa options and work eligibility is crucial. Many of these roles offer pathways to legally work in Australia, sometimes even with sponsorship opportunities.

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

• Allows employers to sponsor foreign workers for occupations in demand.
• Some unskilled or semi-skilled roles in sectors like construction, logistics, and aged care may qualify under this visa.
• Duration: 2–4 years depending on the occupation.
• Requires nomination by an approved Australian employer.
• Can lead to permanent residency pathways in some cases.

2. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)

• Ideal for young foreign workers (18–30 years old) seeking short-term work in Australia.
• Permits work in high-demand sectors such as mining, hospitality, and agriculture.
• Allows extensions if you complete work in regional areas for 3–6 months.
• Great way to gain experience and earn $70K+ with multiple jobs or overtime.
• No formal degree required, just eligibility based on age and country of citizenship.

3. Seasonal Worker Visa (Subclass 403 & 408)

• Enables temporary work in agriculture, tourism, or hospitality.
• Employers often provide visa sponsorship for specific short-term roles.
• Useful for unskilled workers looking to earn premium wages during peak seasons.
• Can include accommodation or travel allowances in some cases.

4. Work Eligibility Requirements

• Valid visa that permits work in Australia.
• Proof of certifications or licenses if required for the role (e.g., forklift license, security license).
• Compliance with health and background checks where applicable.

Foreign workers who align with these visa pathways can legally access high-paying unskilled jobs and even leverage them toward longer-term residency, making Australia a lucrative destination for career growth without a degree.