Factory Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship 2026

Australia’s manufacturing and production sectors are steadily hiring as demand for industrial output grows. For foreign job seekers in 2026, there are multiple opportunities for factory jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship, especially for roles with employers willing to sponsor qualified overseas workers through employer-backed visas like the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) or other employer-sponsored pathways.

Why Factory Jobs in Australia Are Available With Visa Sponsorship

Australian factories often struggle to find enough local workers to fill key positions, particularly in regional areas. To address these shortages, many employers list visa sponsorship jobs for production and manufacturing support roles that involve packaging, assembly, quality control, machine operation, and logistics.

You can find these jobs posted on major job sites like SEEK, Indeed, Jora, and LinkedIn under “visa sponsorship factory worker jobs” or “production worker visa sponsorship.”

Also Check: Factory Helpers Jobs in Canada for Foreigners 2026

Types of Factory Jobs Commonly Offering Visa Sponsorship

Here are some of the factory and manufacturing roles employers are currently hiring for with visa sponsorship support:

📦 1. Factory Worker / Production Worker

Involved in general production tasks including assembly, sorting, packaging, and operating basic machinery.

🛠 2. Packaging and Assembly Line Worker

Workers assigned to packaging products, assembling parts, and maintaining production line workflow.

🔧 3. Machine Operator / Production Technician

Runs specialized production equipment; may require some mechanical aptitude or prior training.

📦 4. Warehouse & Logistics Support

Supports factory operations by handling stock, preparing outbound goods, and assisting with inventory tasks.

🪛 5. Factory Hand / General Helper Roles

All-round production support such as moving materials, assisting team members, quality checks, and cleanup.

Australia Visa Sponsorship Explained

To work in Australia legally as a foreign factory worker, you typically need a work visa supported by an employer. Most commonly this is done via:

🧑‍💼 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

This employer-sponsored visa allows Australian companies to bring in overseas workers when they can’t find locals to fill roles. Employers must be approved sponsors and demonstrate labour market need.

There are also regional employer sponsorship schemes (such as subclass 494) that allow employers in designated areas to sponsor workers for manufacturing or production jobs when local staff aren’t available.

Important Note: Traditionally, factory jobs are more likely to be eligible for sponsorship when they involve semi-skilled duties (e.g., machine operation, supervisory production support) that can meet visa requirements rather than purely unskilled roles.

How Much You Can Earn (2026 Estimates)

Factory worker pay in Australia varies widely depending on role, location, and experience:

💰 Factory Worker / Production Assistant: Around AUD $28–$35+ per hour
🛠 Machine Operator or Skilled Production Roles: Often AUD $30–$40+ per hour
📦 Warehouse & Logistics Support: Typically AUD $27–$34 per hour

These are general estimates; exact wages depend on employer, shift work, overtime, and the industry. Australia’s minimum wage laws and award rates help ensure fair pay for sponsored workers.

Skills and Requirements Employers Look For

To be competitive for factory jobs with visa sponsorship:

✔ capable of physical work and standing for long hours
✔ good English communication skills
✔ ability to follow instructions and safety rules
✔ previous production, assembly, or machine operation experience is a plus
✔ relevant trade certificates or training (often helpful for machine operator roles)

Some roles may require licences (e.g., forklift certification).

Popular Locations for Factory Sponsorship Jobs

Factory employers offering visa sponsorship are spread across Australia, though many are in regions with strong industrial bases, including:

📍 New South Wales – Sydney and regional hubs
📍 Victoria – Melbourne manufacturing zones
📍 Queensland – Brisbane and regional factories
📍 Western Australia – Perth and industrial belts
📍 South Australia – Adelaide and regional centres

These areas often have employers recruiting on job platforms and actively sponsoring overseas applicants.

How to Find & Apply for Factory Jobs With Visa Sponsorship

Here’s a practical job-search strategy:

🔎 Search Job Boards: Use SEEK, Indeed, Jora, and LinkedIn with filters like “factory worker visa sponsorship” or “production worker sponsorship” to find current listings.

📄 Prepare an Australian-style Resume: Highlight any factory, logistics, production, or machinery experience.

✉ Apply directly to employer listings that mention visa sponsorship support or LMIA equivalents for Australia.

🤝 Consider contacting recruitment agencies that specialise in sponsoring overseas workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can unskilled factory workers get visa sponsorship in Australia?
Factory roles that require semi-skilled or machine operation duties are more likely to be sponsored. Purely unskilled roles may be harder to sponsor unless part of a broader operational role that meets visa criteria.

Do I need experience to get sponsored?
Experience in manufacturing, assembly lines, machine operation, or warehouse support improves your chances, though some employers may hire and train enthusiastic candidates.

Is this a pathway to permanent residency?
Yes — if you secure a long-term employer-sponsored visa and meet eligibility requirements, some sponsored workers can transition to permanent residency later, depending on the visa pathway.

Final Takeaway

Factory jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship in 2026 are real and ongoing opportunities — especially for roles involving production work, machine operation, packaging, and industrial support. By focusing on positions that mention employer-backed sponsorship and preparing a strong application, international job seekers can build a meaningful career in Australia’s manufacturing sector.