Migrating and Working in Perth in 2025: Jobs, Lifestyle, and Visa Guide
Migrating to Perth, Western Australia, is always a sweet song for skilled migrants. Perth’s booming industries, affordable cost of living, and government-backed migration programs are just a few reasons why Perth has become a perfect destination for migrating and working.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about working and migrating to Perth. We will explain in detail the jobs in demand, available visa options, the cost of living in Perth, and how ONEderland Consulting can help you secure your future in Western Australia.
Why choose Perth, WA, for work and migration?
Perth is known for its high quality of life and multicultural community, making it an appealing choice for skilled migrants. Unlike the fast-paced lifestyle of the eastern states, Perth offers:
- A more relaxed lifestyle with beautiful beaches and natural attractions.
- A lower cost of living compared to other big cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
- Plenty of career opportunities in mining, engineering, healthcare, IT, and construction.
- Strong government support for skilled migration, including the latest subsidy program for skilled migrants working in construction.
Key highlights from the WA labour market in 2025
Resources and energy sectors heavily drive Western Australia’s economy, but in 2025, the jobs in demand have expanded across multiple industries. Here are the key highlights of WA’s labour market in 2025:
- The mining and resources sector is still the backbone of WA’s economy, with high demand for engineers, geologists, and tradespeople.
- Healthcare and social assistance are growing with an ageing population, which is driving demand for nurses, carers, and allied health professionals.
- The large-scale projects and housing growth in WA are driving the demand for jobs in the construction and infrastructure sectors, especially for builders, electricians, and surveyors.
- Information technology is also growing rapidly, which requires professionals in cybersecurity, software development, and data analysis.
- There’s also high demand for teachers in both primary and secondary schools, particularly in regional areas.
Read more: Skilled Jobs in Demand Australia 2025 – Updated List & Visa Guide
Cost of living in Perth compared to other cities
While living costs in Australia have risen in 2025, Perth remains more affordable than Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
Here is the comparison of average living expenses in Perth and other big cities in Australia:
Key insight:
- Housing: Rental prices in Perth are about 30% lower than in Sydney.
- Groceries & food: the prices in WA are slightly above the national average due to WA’s distance from eastern states.
- Transport: WA provides affordable public transport and discounted fares for students.
- Lifestyle: WA offers more access to outdoor activities, like free beaches and affordable dining, compared to eastern capitals.
The balanced affordability and quality of life make Perth an excellent destination for skilled migrants looking to settle long-term with their families.
Jobs in demand in Perth for skilled migrants (updated 2025)
Western Australia has its Skilled Migration Occupation List, called WASMOL (Western Australia Skilled Migration Occupation List) and GOL (Graduate Occupation List), and both of them highlight professions that the state highly needs. WASMOL and GOL are also used as a skilled jobs list reference if you’re migrating to Perth under the state nomination program.
Here are some of the most in-demand jobs in Perth in 2025:
- Healthcare sector includes registered nurses, aged care workers, midwives, and physiotherapists.
- Trades & construction sector includes electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and civil engineers.
- IT & technology sector includes software developers, systems analysts, and cybersecurity specialists.
- Education sector includes secondary school teachers, special needs educators, and childcare workers.
- Mining & engineering sector includes mining engineers, mechanical engineers, drillers, and geologists.
If you have one of these skills, you are likely to have a higher chance in the state nomination program or employer sponsorship in WA.
Visa pathways and options for migrating to Perth
If working and migrating to Perth is on your list, here are the main visa options and pathways you should consider:
1. Skilled visas with the WA state nomination program
This program requires you to score at least 65 points in your EOI (Expression of Interest). Additionally, you must meet the state nomination requirements set by the WA government, which include having your occupation listed on WASMOL or GOL. Two visa subclasses you can choose from under this program:
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) offers direct permanent residency once the visa is approved.
- Skilled Regional Provisional Visa (subclass 491) offers a pathway to permanent residency through the 191 visa after holding the visa for 3 years.
2. Employer-sponsored visas
This program requires you to be sponsored and nominated by an Australian business operating in Perth, Western Australia. You must ensure the business meets the requirements to be an approved sponsor. Some visa subclasses you should consider:
- Skills In Demand Visa (subclass 482) offers flexible work experience and age requirements.
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186) offers both a direct and a pathway to permanent residency for 482 holders.
- Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa (subclass 494) is specifically designed for skilled workers whose occupation is in a regional area.
3. Designated Area migration Agreements (DAMA) program
Two regional areas in Western Australia, Pilbara and Goldfields, are registered under the DAMA program, which provides flexible visa options for migrants in niche industries.
Read more: Reason to Live and Work in Australian Regional Area – Complete Information
How to find work in Perth as a migrant
You must take a proactive approach to find a job in Perth. Here are some tips from us:
- Use job boards such as SEEK, Indeed, and the WA Government jobs portal.
- Engage with recruitment agencies, especially those who are specialised in placing skilled migrants in healthcare, IT or the trades sector.
- Build a strong network, as many jobs in WA are filled through referrals. Consider attending industry or job fair events.
- Do skills assessment to ensure your overseas qualifications are recognised in Australia.
Migrating to Perth can be complex, especially with frequent changes to visa requirements and state nomination rules. At ONEderland Consulting, our Perth-based registered Migration Agents specialise in helping skilled workers navigate the process. We offer:
- Expert advice on the best visa pathway for your situation.
- Assistance with skills assessment and state nomination applications.
- Guidance in handling complex cases or visa refusal histories.
- Step-by-step support until you achieve your Australian permanent residency.
So, are you ready to make Perth your new home in 2025? Don’t let confusing vsia processes stand in your way. Book an appointment with our Registered Migration Agent now to start the process:
We’re here to help you.
Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting will assist you, ensuring a smooth and stress-free application for migrating to Perth, Western Australia.
With a 98% success rate and being one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents, we provide the confidence and security you need. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews to see how we’ve helped others like you.
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.
Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are honest, accountable and professional. Contact us via email at visa@onederland.com.au, by phone at 1300 827 159, or through WhatsApp at +61494372414. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee Program.
