Is Australia your dream destination? Do you have truck or heavy vehicle driving experience but no formal degree? Don’t worry — you can still secure a well-paying career in Australia in 2025. The country is facing a major shortage of truck drivers, and employers are actively seeking foreign talent with visa sponsorship options available.
According to SEEK Australia, over 22,000+ truck driver vacancies were listed in early 2025, showing the severe gap in the road freight industry. This shortage is a golden opportunity for skilled international drivers. If you hold a Heavy Truck/HTV license, this job path could be your chance to live and work in Australia.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Truck Driver / Heavy Vehicle Driver
- Country: Australia
- Visa Sponsorship: Available for many roles
- Education Required: None
- Experience Required: 2–5 years (depending on employer)
- Average Salary: AUD $64,000 per year (can reach $80,000+)
- Employment Type: Full-Time / Contract
Requirements for Australia Truck Driver Jobs 2025
Unlike skilled professions, truck driving has simple eligibility criteria:
- Valid truck/heavy vehicle license (state-issued or HTV license from home country).
- 2+ years of experience driving heavy vehicles (some roles may require 3–5 years).
- Medical fitness clearance and no criminal record.
- Basic English language skills (IELTS 4.0 or equivalent recommended).
- Certificate III or IV in Driving Operations (can be achieved via local training/TAFE once in Australia).
- Work visa (subclass 482 or 491) — often sponsored by employers.
Benefits of Truck Driver Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship
- High demand ensures job stability and visa approval chances.
- Competitive salaries above Australia’s average wage.
- Health insurance, paid leave, and pension benefits (varies by employer).
- Work-life balance with regulated working hours.
- Opportunity to travel across Australia while earning.
- Pathway to permanent residency for eligible candidates.
Average Salary of a Truck Driver in Australia (2025)
Truck driver salaries vary by company, experience, and location:
- Entry-level: AUD $58,000 – $60,000/year
- Average salary: AUD $64,583/year (~$33/hour)
- Experienced drivers: AUD $80,000 – $120,000/year
💡 The highest-paying roles are often with HC & MC Trucking Companies, where experienced drivers can make six figures.
Which Australian Companies Hire Foreign Truck Drivers?
Some of the well-known companies and industries hiring truck drivers include:
- Toll Group
- Linfox Logistics
- Mainfreight
- K&S Freighters
- DHL Supply Chain Australia
- Aurizon (rail & freight transport with truck fleet)
Related: Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Canada 2025 – Apply Now for Your Career Abroad
Types of Truck Driving Jobs in Australia
- Long-haul truck drivers (interstate freight)
- Heavy combination (HC) drivers
- Multi-combination (MC) drivers
- Local delivery truck drivers
- Tanker and dangerous goods transport drivers
- Mining and construction truck drivers
Visa Pathways for Truck Drivers in Australia
If your employer doesn’t directly sponsor you, other visa options include:
- Subclass 482 Visa – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (most common).
- Subclass 491 Visa – Skilled Work Regional Visa.
- Subclass 189/190 Visas – Permanent Skilled Migration Pathways.
- Working Holiday Visa (for eligible countries, temporary).
How to Apply for Truck Driver Jobs in Australia 2025
- Search for Jobs Online: Use portals like SEEK, Indeed, Workforce Australia, JobActive, LinkedIn.
- Prepare Your CV: Highlight truck driving experience, licenses, and certifications.
- Apply Directly: Select jobs that clearly mention “Visa Sponsorship Available”.
- Attend Interview / Driving Test: Some companies may test your driving skills.
- Receive Job Offer + Sponsorship: Employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Apply for Work Visa: Submit visa application with job offer letter.
- Relocate & Start Working: Employer often helps with relocation expenses.
Final Thoughts
With Australia’s freight industry facing a huge shortage of drivers, 2025 is the best time to apply for truck driver jobs with visa sponsorship. The profession not only pays well but also offers a direct migration pathway for those without higher education.
If you’re an experienced heavy vehicle driver, this could be your ticket to Australia’s stable job market and high quality of life. Apply now and start your journey toward a rewarding career Down Under. 🚛🇦🇺