Jobs in South Australia

A growing economy with genuine skill shortages — from health and defence to trades and agriculture. Here's where the work is.

Where the opportunities are

South Australia is investing heavily in defence, space, health and clean energy, creating steady demand for skilled workers. Combined with a lower cost of living, it's a genuinely rewarding place to build a career.

Health & medical

Nurses, aged-care workers and allied health are in strong, ongoing demand statewide.

Defence & space

Adelaide is Australia's defence and space hub, driving jobs in engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Trades & logistics

Construction, transport and skilled trades keep a growing state moving.

Agriculture & food

Wine, grain and premium produce underpin one of SA's largest export sectors.

Occupations in demand

A sample of roles regularly sought across South Australia. If yours is on a skilled list, a state-nominated pathway may be open to you.

Registered NursesAged Care WorkersElectriciansMotor MechanicsChefsEarly Childhood TeachersCivil EngineersSoftware EngineersCarpentersWeldersTruck DriversPhysiotherapistsSocial WorkersICT Analysts

Salary snapshot

Indicative base salary ranges for common roles in South Australia — and remember, a dollar earned here stretches further than in Sydney or Melbourne.

Health & Care

Registered Nurse$72,000 – $95,000

Aged / Disability Carer$55,000 – $70,000

Physiotherapist$75,000 – $100,000

Engineering & Defence

Mechanical Engineer$85,000 – $130,000

Electrical Engineer$90,000 – $135,000

Systems / Software Engineer$90,000 – $145,000

Trades & Construction

Electrician$80,000 – $110,000

Carpenter$70,000 – $95,000

Heavy Vehicle Driver$65,000 – $90,000

Hospitality & Food

Chef$60,000 – $85,000

Winemaker$80,000 – $120,000

Farm Supervisor$60,000 – $85,000

* Indicative ranges, excluding superannuation. Actual salaries depend on experience, location and employer.

Looking for work in South Australia?

Through our jobs partner Newland Jobs, we connect skilled candidates with genuine Australian employers.

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From a job to a visa

Finding work in South Australia often opens a migration pathway — employer sponsorship or state-nominated skilled visas. Explore our Jobs in Australia hub and Migrate to SA guide to see how the two connect.

Build your career in South Australia

We'll help match your skills to SA's in-demand roles.

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