If you want to work in Australia in 2026 but don’t have a university degree or years of experience, factory jobs with visa sponsorship are one of the most realistic and legal pathways. These roles offer stable income, lawful employment, and employer-supported visas, especially for foreign workers willing to do hands-on work. Australia offer a competitive hourly wage of $24 to $32
In short: yes, factory jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship are real, active, and hiring in 2026, particularly in food processing, manufacturing, packing, welding, and general labor roles.
Read Also: Visa Sponsorship Paint Factory Worker Jobs in Australia
Why Australia Is Hiring Foreign Factory Workers
Australia’s manufacturing sector continues to face a serious labor shortage, especially in regional and industrial zones. According to industry reports, thousands of factory roles remain unfilled each year because local supply cannot meet demand.
Key industries relying on overseas workers include:
- Food and beverage processing
- Meat and dairy production
- Packaging and warehousing
- Plastics and steel manufacturing
- Agricultural and export processing plants
Factories in regional Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania are especially dependent on international labor, making them more open to visa sponsorship.
What Does a Factory Worker Do in Australia?
Factory work varies by industry, but most sponsored roles include practical, task-based duties such as:
- Packing finished goods into cartons or crates
- Operating production or conveyor machines after training
- Loading and unloading materials
- Cleaning and maintaining workstations
- Labeling, sorting, and inspecting products
- Cutting, trimming, or processing food items (meat, poultry, dairy)
The work is usually shift-based, team-oriented, and safety-focused. Employers provide protective equipment like gloves, boots, aprons, and helmets.
It’s repetitive work, but it is legal, structured, and paid fairly, with overtime and penalty rates.
Who Can Apply for Factory Jobs With Sponsorship?
Most factory jobs do not require a degree. Many employers accept unskilled or semi-skilled workers.
Basic eligibility requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Valid passport
- Physically fit for manual work
- Basic English understanding (for safety instructions)
- Willingness to work shifts (day, night, rotating)
- Clean criminal record
Previous factory, warehouse, farm, or labor experience is helpful but not mandatory. Many employers provide on-the-job training.
Which Visa Is Used for Factory Jobs in Australia?
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
- Employer sponsors your visa
- Valid for up to 4 years
- Allows full-time work in Australia
- Family members may be included
- Common for food processing and manufacturing roles
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
- For jobs in regional Australia
- Employer sponsorship required
- Pathway to Permanent Residency
- Strong option for long-term settlement
Important: Only government-approved sponsors can legally offer visa sponsorship. Always verify the employer before accepting any offer.
Factory Worker Salary in Australia
Factory workers in Australia are protected by minimum wage laws and industry awards.
Average pay rates:
- Hourly wage: AUD $24 – $32
- Weekly income: AUD $960 – $1,280
- Monthly income: AUD $3,800 – $5,000+
Additional benefits often include:
- Overtime and night shift penalties
- Paid sick leave and annual leave
- Superannuation (retirement savings)
- Safe and regulated working conditions
All sponsored workers are covered under Australian Fair Work laws.
Where Are Factory Jobs With Sponsorship Located?
Most opportunities are found in:
- Victoria: Melbourne, regional Victoria
- New South Wales: Sydney outskirts, processing hubs
- Queensland: Brisbane, food production zones
- South Australia: Adelaide, manufacturing plants
- Western Australia: Mining and metal processing areas
- Tasmania: Meat and dairy factories
Regional locations are more likely to sponsor visas due to local labor shortages.
How to Apply for Factory Jobs in Australia (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
- CV/resume in English
- Passport copy
- Work references (if available)
- Police clearance
- Medical fitness report (if requested)
Step 2: Search on Trusted Job Portals
Use verified Australian job sites:
- Seek.com.au
- Indeed Australia
- Workforce Australia (government platform)
- Adzuna Australia
Search using terms like
- “Factory jobs with visa sponsorship Australia”
- “Food processing jobs Australia foreign workers”
- “482 visa factory jobs Australia”
Step 3: Apply Directly to Employers
Well-known companies that regularly hire overseas workers include:
- JBS Foods
- Teys Australia
- Inghams Enterprises
- Visy Industries
- Pact Group
- Fonterra
Always confirm their sponsorship status.
Step 4: Interview Process
- Usually online (Zoom or Skype)
- Simple questions about availability, fitness, and work attitude
- Be honest and show willingness to relocate and work shifts
A Typical Day as a Factory Worker in Australia
You start early, clock in, and receive your task briefing. The work is structured and supervised. Breaks are scheduled, safety is enforced, and teamwork is encouraged.
By the end of the day, you’re tired but earning well, legally employed, and building a future in Australia. For many workers, this job becomes a long-term pathway to stability and residency.
Conclusion
Factory worker jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship for 2026 represent a significant and legitimate opportunity for international workers. Addressing critical labor shortages in key manufacturing and processing sectors, these roles offer competitive wages, strong employment benefits, and legal entry through visas like the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) pathways. For dedicated individuals seeking stable employment and a high standard of living, Australia provides a respected and rewarding career foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are factory jobs in Australia available with visa sponsorship?
Yes. Many manufacturing and food processing companies sponsor foreign workers due to ongoing labor shortages.
Do I need a degree for factory jobs in Australia?
No. Most roles require no degree and minimal experience.
What is the average salary for factory workers in Australia?
AUD $24–$32 per hour, depending on role, shift, and location.
Can factory jobs lead to permanent residency?
Yes. Regional sponsored visas like Subclass 494 can provide a pathway to PR.
