Australia’s construction industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom, with major infrastructure projects, residential developments, and commercial buildings creating massive demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers. In 2026, construction jobs with visa sponsorship are offering salaries starting from AUD $65,000 ($42,900 USD) and reaching up to AUD $150,000 ($99,000 USD) for experienced workers. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about securing high-paying construction jobs in Australia with full visa sponsorship support.
Why Australia’s Construction Industry Needs You
Australia is investing heavily in infrastructure development, with projects worth over $200 billion AUD ($132 billion USD) currently underway or planned. Major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are experiencing construction booms in residential housing, commercial buildings, roads, railways, and renewable energy projects. This massive expansion has created a critical shortage of construction workers across all skill levels, forcing employers to offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and visa sponsorship to attract international talent.
The construction sector offers some of the highest wages for workers without university degrees. Entry-level laborers start at $65,000 AUD ($42,900 USD) annually, while experienced tradespeople and specialized workers earn $85,000-$120,000 AUD ($56,100-$79,200 USD). Supervisors and project coordinators can command salaries of $110,000-$150,000 AUD ($72,600-$99,000 USD). When you factor in overtime, penalty rates for weekend and night work, and allowances, many construction workers earn significantly more than their base salaries.
High-Paying Construction Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
General Construction Laborers
Base Salary: $65,000-$80,000 AUD ($42,900-$52,800 USD) annually. Monthly take-home: $4,600-$5,700 AUD($3,036-$3,762 USD) after taxes. General laborers perform essential tasks including site preparation, material handling, equipment operation, and assisting tradespeople. Overtime is common, with rates of $45-$55 AUD ($30-$36 USD) per hour, potentially adding $15,000-$25,000 AUD ($9,900-$16,500 USD) annually. Weekend work attracts penalty rates of 150-200%, significantly boosting earnings.
Scaffolders and Scaffolding Laborers
Base Salary: $75,000-$95,000 AUD ($49,500-$62,700 USD) annually. Monthly take-home: $5,300-$6,800 AUD($3,498-$4,488 USD). Scaffolders erect and dismantle scaffolding structures on construction sites. This role requires physical fitness and attention to safety. With overtime and height allowances, total earnings can reach $110,000-$130,000 AUD ($72,600-$85,800 USD). Basic scaffolding certification costs $800-$1,500 AUD ($528-$990 USD) and takes 2-4 weeks to complete.
Concrete Workers and Concreters
Base Salary: $70,000-$90,000 AUD ($46,200-$59,400 USD) annually. Monthly take-home: $5,000-$6,400 AUD($3,300-$4,224 USD). Concrete workers prepare, pour, and finish concrete for foundations, floors, and structures. Experienced concreters with formwork skills earn $95,000-$115,000 AUD ($62,700-$75,900 USD). Overtime and weekend work can push total earnings to $120,000-$140,000 AUD ($79,200-$92,400 USD) annually.
Steel Fixers and Reinforcement Workers
Base Salary: $75,000-$95,000 AUD ($49,500-$62,700 USD) annually. Monthly take-home: $5,300-$6,800 AUD($3,498-$4,488 USD). Steel fixers install reinforcing steel bars (rebar) in concrete structures. This specialized skill is in high demand, with experienced workers earning $100,000-$125,000 AUD ($66,000-$82,500 USD) including overtime and allowances.
Demolition Workers
Base Salary: $70,000-$90,000 AUD ($46,200-$59,400 USD) annually. Monthly take-home: $5,000-$6,400 AUD($3,300-$4,224 USD). Demolition workers dismantle buildings and structures safely. Danger pay and specialized equipment operation can increase earnings to $95,000-$120,000 AUD ($62,700-$79,200 USD). Demolition certification costs $500-$1,000 AUD ($330-$660 USD).
Excavator and Heavy Equipment Operators
Base Salary: $80,000-$105,000 AUD ($52,800-$69,300 USD) annually. Monthly take-home: $5,700-$7,500 AUD($3,762-$4,950 USD). Operators of excavators, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery are highly sought after. With multiple equipment licenses and experience, operators earn $110,000-$140,000 AUD ($72,600-$92,400 USD). Equipment operation licenses cost $1,500-$3,000 AUD ($990-$1,980 USD) per machine type.
Crane Operators and Dogmen
Base Salary: $90,000-$120,000 AUD ($59,400-$79,200 USD) annually. Monthly take-home: $6,400-$8,600 AUD($4,224-$5,676 USD). Crane operators and dogmen (riggers who direct crane operations) are among the highest-paid construction workers. Tower crane operators on major projects earn $130,000-$150,000 AUD ($85,800-$99,000 USD). Crane operator licenses cost $3,000-$6,000 AUD ($1,980-$3,960 USD) and require 6-12 months training.
Formwork Carpenters
Base Salary: $75,000-$95,000 AUD ($49,500-$62,700 USD) annually. Monthly take-home: $5,300-$6,800 AUD($3,498-$4,488 USD). Formwork carpenters build temporary molds for concrete structures. Experienced workers with complex formwork skills earn $100,000-$125,000 AUD ($66,000-$82,500 USD) including overtime.
Traffic Controllers and Traffic Management
Base Salary: $65,000-$85,000 AUD ($42,900-$56,100 USD) annually. Monthly take-home: $4,600-$6,100 AUD($3,036-$4,026 USD). Traffic controllers manage vehicle and pedestrian flow around construction sites. Night shifts and weekend work attract premium rates of $40-$55 AUD ($26-$36 USD) per hour, pushing annual earnings to $90,000-$110,000 AUD ($59,400-$72,600 USD). Traffic control certification costs $200-$400 AUD ($132-$264 USD) and takes 2-3 days.
Site Supervisors and Leading Hands
Base Salary: $95,000-$130,000 AUD ($62,700-$85,800 USD) annually. Monthly take-home: $6,800-$9,300 AUD($4,488-$6,138 USD). Workers with 3-5 years experience can advance to supervisory roles, coordinating teams and managing site operations. Senior supervisors on major projects earn $140,000-$150,000 AUD ($92,400-$99,000 USD).
Detailed Take-Home Pay Calculations
Entry-Level Construction Laborer ($65,000 AUD annually)
- Gross Annual Salary: $65,000 AUD ($42,900 USD)
- Annual Tax: Approximately $12,547 AUD ($8,281 USD)
- Medicare Levy: $1,300 AUD ($858 USD)
- Net Annual Income: $51,153 AUD ($33,761 USD)
- Monthly Take-Home: $4,263 AUD ($2,813 USD)
- Weekly Take-Home: $984 AUD ($650 USD)
- Superannuation (Employer Contribution): $7,150 AUD ($4,719 USD) annually
Mid-Level Construction Worker ($85,000 AUD annually)
- Gross Annual Salary: $85,000 AUD ($56,100 USD)
- Annual Tax: Approximately $18,547 AUD ($12,241 USD)
- Medicare Levy: $1,700 AUD ($1,122 USD)
- Net Annual Income: $64,753 AUD ($42,737 USD)
- Monthly Take-Home: $5,396 AUD ($3,561 USD)
- Weekly Take-Home: $1,245 AUD ($822 USD)
- Superannuation (Employer Contribution): $9,350 AUD ($6,171 USD) annually
Experienced Construction Worker ($110,000 AUD annually)
- Gross Annual Salary: $110,000 AUD ($72,600 USD)
- Annual Tax: Approximately $26,297 AUD ($17,356 USD)
- Medicare Levy: $2,200 AUD ($1,452 USD)
- Net Annual Income: $81,503 AUD ($53,792 USD)
- Monthly Take-Home: $6,792 AUD ($4,483 USD)
- Weekly Take-Home: $1,567 AUD ($1,034 USD)
- Superannuation (Employer Contribution): $12,100 AUD ($7,986 USD) annually
Senior Construction Worker/Supervisor ($140,000 AUD annually)
- Gross Annual Salary: $140,000 AUD ($92,400 USD)
- Annual Tax: Approximately $36,667 AUD ($24,200 USD)
- Medicare Levy: $2,800 AUD ($1,848 USD)
- Net Annual Income: $100,533 AUD ($66,352 USD)
- Monthly Take-Home: $8,378 AUD ($5,529 USD)
- Weekly Take-Home: $1,933 AUD ($1,276 USD)
- Superannuation (Employer Contribution): $15,400 AUD ($10,164 USD) annually
Cost of Living for Construction Workers
Accommodation
Shared Housing: $700-$1,200 AUD ($462-$792 USD) monthly in regional areas, $1,000-$1,600 AUD ($660-$1,056 USD) in major cities. One-bedroom apartment: $1,400-$2,200 AUD ($924-$1,452 USD) in cities, $900-$1,400 AUD($594-$924 USD) in regional areas. Bond (security deposit): 4 weeks’ rent, typically $2,800-$8,800 AUD ($1,848-$5,808 USD).
Transportation
Vehicle purchase: Used work vehicles cost $8,000-$20,000 AUD ($5,280-$13,200 USD). Fuel: $250-$400 AUD ($165-$264 USD) monthly for commuting. Insurance: $100-$180 AUD ($66-$119 USD) monthly. Registration: $800-$1,200 AUD ($528-$792 USD) annually. Public transport: $150-$220 AUD ($99-$145 USD) monthly in cities.
Food and Groceries
Single person: $350-$500 AUD ($231-$330 USD) monthly. Family of four: $900-$1,300 AUD ($594-$858 USD) monthly. Work lunches: Budget $10-$15 AUD ($7-$10 USD) daily or $200-$300 AUD ($132-$198 USD) monthly.
Utilities and Services
Electricity: $100-$180 AUD ($66-$119 USD) monthly. Gas: $40-$90 AUD ($26-$59 USD) monthly. Internet: $60-$90 AUD ($40-$59 USD) monthly. Mobile phone: $40-$70 AUD ($26-$46 USD) monthly. Total utilities: $240-$430 AUD($158-$284 USD) monthly.
Work-Related Expenses
Work boots: $150-$300 AUD ($99-$198 USD) every 6-12 months. Work clothes: $200-$400 AUD ($132-$264 USD) annually. Safety gear: Often provided by employer, otherwise $100-$250 AUD ($66-$165 USD). Tools: Basic tools cost $300-$800 AUD ($198-$528 USD) initially.
Total Monthly Living Expenses
Budget living (single, shared housing): $2,200-$2,900 AUD ($1,452-$1,914 USD). Comfortable living (single, own apartment): $3,200-$4,200 AUD ($2,112-$2,772 USD). Family living (2 adults, 2 children): $5,000-$6,800 AUD($3,300-$4,488 USD).
Savings Potential
Entry-Level Worker ($65,000 AUD annually)
Monthly take-home: $4,263 AUD ($2,813 USD). Monthly expenses: $2,500 AUD ($1,650 USD). Monthly savings: $1,763 AUD ($1,164 USD). Annual savings: $21,156 AUD ($13,963 USD). Plus superannuation: $7,150 AUD ($4,719 USD). Total annual wealth accumulation: $28,306 AUD ($18,682 USD).
Mid-Level Worker ($85,000 AUD annually)
Monthly take-home: $5,396 AUD ($3,561 USD). Monthly expenses: $2,800 AUD ($1,848 USD). Monthly savings: $2,596 AUD ($1,713 USD). Annual savings: $31,152 AUD ($20,560 USD). Plus superannuation: $9,350 AUD ($6,171 USD). Total annual wealth accumulation: $40,502 AUD ($26,731 USD).
Experienced Worker ($110,000 AUD annually)
Monthly take-home: $6,792 AUD ($4,483 USD). Monthly expenses: $3,200 AUD ($2,112 USD). Monthly savings: $3,592 AUD ($2,371 USD). Annual savings: $43,104 AUD ($28,449 USD). Plus superannuation: $12,100 AUD ($7,986 USD). Total annual wealth accumulation: $55,204 AUD ($36,435 USD).
Senior Worker ($140,000 AUD annually)
Monthly take-home: $8,378 AUD ($5,529 USD). Monthly expenses: $3,800 AUD ($2,508 USD). Monthly savings: $4,578 AUD ($3,021 USD). Annual savings: $54,936 AUD ($36,258 USD). Plus superannuation: $15,400 AUD ($10,164 USD). Total annual wealth accumulation: $70,336 AUD ($46,422 USD).
Visa Sponsorship Options
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
Costs: Main applicant $1,290 AUD ($851 USD), partner $1,290 AUD ($851 USD), each child $325 AUD ($214 USD). Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy: $1,200-$1,800 AUD ($792-$1,188 USD) annually (paid by employer). Processing time: 3-6 months. Duration: 2-4 years with pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Visa (Subclass 494)
Costs: Main applicant $4,045 AUD ($2,670 USD), partner $2,025 AUD ($1,336 USD), each child $1,015 AUD ($670 USD). Processing time: 6-9 months. Benefits: Pathway to permanent residency after 3 years in regional areas, often with higher salaries and lower living costs.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)
Costs: Main applicant $4,240 AUD ($2,798 USD), partner $2,120 AUD ($1,399 USD), each child $1,060 AUD ($700 USD). Processing time: 8-12 months. Benefits: Immediate permanent residency for workers with 2-3 years experience with sponsoring employer.
Total Relocation Costs
Pre-Arrival Expenses
Visa application: $1,290-$4,240 AUD ($851-$2,798 USD). Medical examinations: $350-$500 AUD ($231-$330 USD) per person. Police clearances: $50-$150 AUD ($33-$99 USD). Skills assessment: $300-$800 AUD ($198-$528 USD) for trade qualifications. Flights: $800-$3,500 AUD ($528-$2,310 USD). Total pre-arrival: $2,790-$9,190 AUD ($1,841-$6,065 USD).
Initial Settlement Costs
Rental bond: $2,800-$8,800 AUD ($1,848-$5,808 USD). First month’s rent: $700-$2,200 AUD ($462-$1,452 USD). Furniture: $800-$2,500 AUD ($528-$1,650 USD). Vehicle purchase: $8,000-$20,000 AUD ($5,280-$13,200 USD) or initial transport $200-$400 AUD ($132-$264 USD). Work gear: $300-$800 AUD ($198-$528 USD). Initial groceries: $200-$400 AUD ($132-$264 USD). Total settlement: $4,800-$15,300 AUD ($3,168-$10,098 USD) without vehicle, $12,800-$35,300 AUD ($8,448-$23,298 USD) with vehicle.
Total Investment
Single person (no vehicle): $9,000-$26,000 AUD ($5,940-$17,160 USD). Single person (with vehicle): $17,000-$46,000 AUD ($11,220-$30,360 USD). Family of four (no vehicle): $15,000-$40,000 AUD ($9,900-$26,400 USD). Family of four (with vehicle): $23,000-$60,000 AUD ($15,180-$39,600 USD).
How to Find Construction Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
Online Job Platforms
Seek.com.au: Search “construction visa sponsorship” for hundreds of listings. Indeed Australia: Filter by “visa sponsorship” and location. Jora: Specializes in construction and trades positions. LinkedIn: Connect with construction companies and recruitment agencies directly.
Specialized Construction Job Boards
Construction Jobs Australia: Dedicated platform for building and infrastructure positions. Trade Jobs: Focuses on skilled trades and construction roles. Infrastructure Jobs: Lists positions on major government projects.
Major Construction Companies Offering Sponsorship
Lendlease: Major projects across Australia, salaries $70,000-$130,000 AUD ($46,200-$85,800 USD). Multiplex: Commercial and residential construction, $68,000-$125,000 AUD ($44,880-$82,500 USD). CPB Contractors: Infrastructure projects, $75,000-$140,000 AUD ($49,500-$92,400 USD). John Holland: Rail and road projects, $70,000-$135,000 AUD ($46,200-$89,100 USD). CIMIC Group: Diverse construction projects, $72,000-$145,000 AUD($47,520-$95,700 USD).
Recruitment Agencies
Programmed: Specializes in construction placements, $65,000-$120,000 AUD ($42,900-$79,200 USD). Chandler Macleod: Construction and infrastructure roles, $68,000-$130,000 AUD ($44,880-$85,800 USD). Hays Construction: Trade and labor positions, $70,000-$140,000 AUD ($46,200-$92,400 USD).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What qualifications do I need for construction jobs with visa sponsorship paying $65,000+?
Most construction jobs paying $65,000+ AUD ($42,900+ USD) don’t require university degrees but do need relevant experience, certifications, or trade qualifications. General laborers need physical fitness, basic safety awareness (White Card costing $50-$100 AUD or $33-$66 USD), and willingness to learn. Specialized roles like scaffolders, concreters, and steel fixers require specific certifications costing $500-$2,000 AUD ($330-$1,320 USD) and 2-8 weeks training. Equipment operators need licenses costing $1,500-$6,000 AUD ($990-$3,960 USD) with 1-12 months training. Many employers provide on-the-job training and sponsor workers to obtain Australian certifications, with training costs of $1,000-$5,000 AUD ($660-$3,300 USD) covered by the company. International qualifications are recognized if assessed by relevant Australian authorities (costing $300-$800 AUD or $198-$528 USD). English language proficiency is required, typically IELTS 5.0-6.0 or equivalent. Previous construction experience, even informal, strengthens applications. Workers with 2-3 years experience in their home countries can secure positions at $70,000-$90,000 AUD ($46,200-$59,400 USD), while those with 5+ years and multiple certifications command $95,000-$140,000 AUD ($62,700-$92,400 USD).
2. How much can I realistically save working construction in Australia?
Construction workers can save substantial amounts due to high salaries and manageable living costs. On $65,000 AUD($42,900 USD), you’ll take home $4,263 AUD ($2,813 USD) monthly. With budget living expenses of $2,200-$2,500 AUD ($1,452-$1,650 USD), you can save $1,763-$2,063 AUD ($1,164-$1,362 USD) monthly, or $21,156-$24,756 AUD($13,963-$16,339 USD) annually. Workers earning $85,000 AUD ($56,100 USD) save $2,596 AUD ($1,713 USD) monthly or $31,152 AUD ($20,560 USD) annually. Those at $110,000 AUD ($72,600 USD) save $3,592 AUD ($2,371 USD) monthly or $43,104 AUD ($28,449 USD) annually. Additionally, employer superannuation contributions of 11% add $7,150-$15,400 AUD ($4,719-$10,164 USD) annually, claimable when permanently leaving Australia (receiving 85% after 35% departure tax). Overtime work is common in construction, with many workers earning an additional $15,000-$30,000 AUD ($9,900-$19,800 USD) annually through extra hours at $45-$75 AUD ($30-$50 USD) per hour. Over 3 years, disciplined workers accumulate $65,000-$130,000 AUD ($42,900-$85,800 USD) in accessible savings plus $20,000-$45,000 AUD ($13,200-$29,700 USD) in superannuation. Regional workers save even more due to lower living costs and employer-provided accommodation worth $800-$1,500 AUD ($528-$990 USD) monthly.
3. What is the complete visa sponsorship process and timeline for construction workers?
The visa sponsorship process takes 4-9 months from application to starting work. Month 1-2 (Job Search): Apply for 20-30 positions weekly through job boards, recruitment agencies, and direct employer applications. Tailor your resume highlighting construction experience, certifications, and physical capabilities. Expect 60-120 applications before securing interviews. Month 2-3 (Interviews and Offer): Complete 8-15 video or phone interviews. Employers assess experience, safety awareness, and English communication. Receive formal job offer specifying salary $65,000-$140,000 AUD($42,900-$92,400 USD), working conditions, and sponsorship commitment. Month 3-4 (Employer Nomination): Employer lodges nomination with Department of Home Affairs, paying SAF levy $1,200-$1,800 AUD ($792-$1,188 USD). Nomination processing takes 2-4 weeks. Month 4-5 (Visa Application): Complete medical examination $350-$500 AUD ($231-$330 USD), obtain police clearances $50-$150 AUD ($33-$99 USD), skills assessment $300-$800 AUD ($198-$528 USD), and pay visa fee $1,290-$4,240 AUD ($851-$2,798 USD). Submit comprehensive application with employment history, qualifications, and supporting documents. Month 5-8 (Processing): Department processes application (3-6 months for TSS, 6-9 months for regional visas). May request additional information or documents. Month 8-9 (Approval and Relocation): Receive visa grant notification. Book flights $800-$3,500 AUD ($528-$2,310 USD), arrange accommodation, and relocate. Most employers provide 1-2 weeks settling-in period before starting work. Total costs: $9,000-$26,000 AUD ($5,940-$17,160 USD) for singles, $15,000-$40,000 AUD ($9,900-$26,400 USD) for families.
4. Which Australian cities and regions offer the best construction opportunities and salaries?
Sydney and Melbourne offer the most construction jobs with salaries of $70,000-$140,000 AUD ($46,200-$92,400 USD), but living costs are highest with rent at $1,400-$2,500 AUD ($924-$1,650 USD) monthly. Brisbane provides excellent opportunities at $68,000-$130,000 AUD ($44,880-$85,800 USD) with lower rent of $1,200-$2,000 AUD ($792-$1,320 USD). Perth’s mining-related construction pays $75,000-$145,000 AUD ($49,500-$95,700 USD) with moderate living costs. Regional areas offer the best value: Western Australia’s Pilbara region pays $90,000-$150,000 AUD ($59,400-$99,000 USD) with employer-provided accommodation worth $1,200-$2,000 AUD ($792-$1,320 USD) monthly. Queensland’s Mackay and Townsville offer $75,000-$125,000 AUD ($49,500-$82,500 USD) with rent at $800-$1,400 AUD ($528-$924 USD). Regional Victoria and New South Wales pay $70,000-$120,000 AUD ($46,200-$79,200 USD) with living costs 30-40% lower than capital cities. Regional positions often include relocation assistance of $2,000-$5,000 AUD ($1,320-$3,300 USD) and faster permanent residency pathways (3 years versus 4-5 years). Major infrastructure projects like Sydney Metro, Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop, and Brisbane’s Cross River Rail offer stable long-term employment at $75,000-$140,000 AUD ($49,500-$92,400 USD). For maximizing savings, regional mining areas are best, offering $3,000-$5,000 AUD ($1,980-$3,300 USD) monthly savings potential versus $1,500-$2,500 AUD ($990-$1,650 USD) in capital cities.
5. What career progression opportunities exist in Australian construction?
Australian construction offers excellent career progression with realistic salary increases. Entry-level laborers at $65,000 AUD ($42,900 USD) advance to experienced laborers at $75,000-$85,000 AUD ($49,500-$56,100 USD) within 12-18 months through demonstrated reliability and skill development. After 2-3 years, workers become leading hands or team leaders at $90,000-$110,000 AUD ($59,400-$72,600 USD), supervising 5-10 workers. With 4-5 years experience, advancement to site supervisor at $110,000-$140,000 AUD ($72,600-$92,400 USD) is achievable, managing entire project sections. Specialized pathways include: equipment operators starting at $80,000 AUD ($52,800 USD) reaching $120,000-$140,000 AUD ($79,200-$92,400 USD) with multiple licenses; scaffolders advancing from $75,000 AUD($49,500 USD) to senior scaffolder at $110,000-$130,000 AUD ($72,600-$85,800 USD); concreters progressing from $70,000 AUD ($46,200 USD) to formwork specialist at $100,000-$125,000 AUD ($66,000-$82,500 USD). Many employers provide paid training worth $2,000-$8,000 AUD ($1,320-$5,280 USD) including advanced certifications, safety qualifications, and leadership courses. Workers can also transition to project management, estimating, or safety officer roles at $120,000-$150,000+ AUD ($79,200-$99,000+ USD) with additional qualifications costing $3,000-$10,000 AUD ($1,980-$6,600 USD). The construction industry values experience and demonstrated capability over formal education, making it ideal for career advancement without university degrees.
Conclusion
Construction jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship offer exceptional opportunities in 2026, with salaries from $65,000 to $150,000 AUD ($42,900 to $99,000 USD). Whether you’re an entry-level laborer earning $65,000 AUD ($42,900 USD) or an experienced supervisor at $140,000 AUD ($92,400 USD), Australia’s construction boom provides stable employment, competitive wages, and clear pathways to permanent residency. With monthly take-home pay of $4,263-$8,378 AUD ($2,813-$5,529 USD) and savings potential of $1,763-$4,578 AUD ($1,164-$3,021 USD) monthly, you can build substantial wealth while establishing your future in Australia. Start your application journey today and transform your construction career in 2026
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