Australia’s Most In-Demand Jobs in 2026
- Right Key Investment
- Jan 29
- 5 min read
Latest Skills Shortage Rankings & High-Paying Migration Occupations Explained
As Australia’s economy continues to recover, population ageing accelerates, and the government actively promotes skilled migration and infrastructure development, 2026 marks Australia’s official entry into a nationwide labour shortage era.
According to the Jobs and Skills Australia Occupation Shortage List released in October 2025, approximately 29% of assessed occupations are experiencing skills shortages, with the most acute demand found in healthcare, education, construction, and regional skilled trades.
For the 2025–26 financial year, the Australian Government allocated 185,000 permanent migration places, of which 71% (132,148 places) are reserved for skilled migration. This reflects a strong policy focus on addressing skills shortages.
Whether you are an international student, working holiday maker, career changer, or migration applicant, choosing an in-demand occupation can significantly increase your employment success rate, migration prospects, and long-term career stability.
Australia’s Migration Program by Category (2014–2025)
Year | Skill | Family | Child | Special Eligibility | Total | % Skill | % Family |
2014–15 | 127,774 | 61,085 | 0 | 238 | 189,097 | 67.6% | 32.3% |
2015–16 | 128,550 | 57,400 | 3,512 | 308 | 189,770 | 69.0% | 30.8% |
2016–17 | 123,567 | 56,220 | 3,400 | 421 | 183,608 | 68.6% | 31.2% |
2017–18 | 111,099 | 47,732 | 3,350 | 236 | 162,417 | 69.8% | 30.0% |
2018–19 | 109,713 | 47,247 | 3,248 | 115 | 160,323 | 69.8% | 30.1% |
2019–20 | 95,843 | 41,961 | 2,481 | 81 | 140,366 | 69.5% | 30.4% |
2020–21 | 79,620 | 77,372 | 3,006 | 54 | 160,052 | 50.7% | 49.3% |
2021–22 | 89,063 | 51,288 | 3,006 | 199 | 143,556 | 63.4% | 36.5% |
2022–23 | 142,344 | 52,500 | 0 | 160 | 195,004 | 73.0% | 26.9% |
2023–24 | 137,100 | 52,720 | 0 | 180 | 190,000 | 72.2% | 27.7% |
2024–25 | 132,148 | 52,500 | 0 | 353 | 185,001 | 71.4% | 28.4% |
Source: Migration program statistics data extracted and reformatted
1. Why Is Australia Facing Such Severe Labour Shortages in 2026?
Australia’s labour shortage is driven by three major structural factors:
1) Accelerating Population Ageing
The proportion of Australians aged 65 and over is expected to exceed 17% by 2026, driving rapid growth in demand for healthcare, aged care, and social services.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), vacancy rates for registered nurses and aged care workers continue to rise, exceeding 20% in some regions, placing unprecedented pressure on the healthcare system.
2) Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery
Following COVID-19, Australia’s economy rebounded strongly—particularly in tourism, hospitality, construction, logistics, and technology.
The IT sector is projected to reach AUD 146.85 billion by 2025
The software industry is expected to grow at 13.4% annually, reaching AUD 45.85 billion
However, labour demand far exceeds supply. Regional job fill rates stand at just 64.3%, compared to 71.6% in metropolitan areas, highlighting more severe shortages outside major cities.
3) Skilled Migration Policy Direction
In December 2024, the government introduced the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), replacing the former PMSOL. The new list focuses on long-term workforce needs, especially in:
Renewable energy
Technology
Healthcare
Education
Skilled occupations continue to receive priority visa processing and permanent residency allocations.
Key takeaway:
Choosing the right industry matters more than choosing the right employer. Skills shortage occupations = higher hiring rates + stronger job security + migration advantages.
2. Australia’s Top 10 Most In-Demand Jobs in 2026
Rank | Occupation | Industry |
1 | Registered Nurse | Healthcare |
2 | Aged Care / Disability Support Worker | Healthcare |
3 | General Practitioner (GP) | Healthcare |
4 | Software Engineer | Information Technology |
5 | Cyber Security Analyst | Information Technology |
6 | Construction / Project Manager | Construction |
7 | Electrician | Skilled Trades |
8 | Early Childhood Teacher | Education |
9 | Data Analyst | Information Technology |
10 | Warehouse & Logistics Worker | Supply Chain |
Source: Migration program statistics data extracted and reformatted
These occupations span healthcare, technology, construction, education, and supply chains, and are considered long-term structural shortages. Most are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), offering strong permanent residency pathways via subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas.
3. Category One: Healthcare & Aged Care – The Most Stable Shortage Sector
Registered Nurse
One of Australia’s most consistently in-demand professions.
Shortage driven by population ageing and healthcare expansion
Average salary: AUD 75,000 – 110,000+
Migration prospects: Very high
Advantages: Stable, high demand, strong long-term career outlook
Aged Care & Disability Support Worker
A low entry-barrier, high-demand role, ideal for international students and working holiday makers.
Short training period
Average salary: AUD 65,000 – 75,000+
Particularly strong demand in regional areas
Can lead to nursing or social care career pathways
4. Category Two: IT & Technology – High Pay, High Demand
Australia will require an additional 286,000 tech workers by 2026, while 42% of current IT professionals are considering job changes, worsening supply-demand imbalances.
Software Engineer
Key skills: Python, Java, Cloud, AI, DevOps
Salary: AUD 90,000 – 150,000+
Remote work opportunities
Strong global skill portability
Cyber Security Analyst
Severe national shortage
Salary: AUD 100,000 – 160,000+
High specialization, low replaceability
Strong long-term stability
Data Analyst
Skills: SQL, Power BI, Python, R
Salary: AUD 85,000 – 140,000
Opportunities across finance, e-commerce, tech, and government
Highly flexible career pathways
5. Category Three: Construction & Skilled Trades – Blue-Collar to Gold-Collar
Construction / Project Manager
Salary: AUD 100,000 – 180,000
Major infrastructure and housing projects driving demand
Strong skilled migration advantages
Electrician
Key role in renewable energy and infrastructure
Salary often exceeds AUD 90,000
Extremely high regional demand
Blue-collar income comparable to white-collar professions
6. Category Four: Education & Services
Early Childhood Teacher
High government priority
Salary: AUD 85,000 – 100,000+
Strong migration advantages
Long-term social demand
Hospitality & Service Workers
Ideal for students and working holiday makers
Australia’s minimum wage: AUD 24.95/hour (before tax)
Penalty rates:
Saturday ~1.25x
Sunday ~1.5x
Public holidays up to 2x
7. Category Five: Logistics & Supply Chain – The Hidden Shortage Giant
Warehouse & Logistics Workers
Annual salary: AUD 75,000 – 90,000
Low entry barrier
Flexible shifts
Stable year-round demand
8. Migration vs Working Holiday: Which Jobs Suit Which Path?
Best for Skilled Migration
Registered Nurse
Software Engineer
Cyber Security Analyst
Early Childhood Teacher
Construction Manager
Electrician
Civil Engineer
Best for Working Holiday Makers / Students
Aged Care Worker
Hospitality Staff
Warehouse & Logistics Workers
Agriculture & Harvest Work
Retail & Cleaning Roles
Completing 88 days of regional work can extend a Working Holiday Visa to a second year, and 6 more months can qualify for a third year.
9. Key Strategies to Capitalise on the 2026 Skills Shortage
Choose long-term shortage industries, not just short-term high pay
Invest in skills and certifications for higher returns
Plan English proficiency early to maximise migration points
Leverage regional opportunities for extra migration points
Monitor CSOL updates and adjust migration strategies promptly
Conclusion: Who Should Seize Australia’s 2026 Opportunity?
2026 is one of the most favourable years in recent history for overseas talent, especially for:
Skilled professionals with migration plans
Career switchers targeting high-demand sectors
International students choosing shortage-related majors
Working holiday makers seeking long-term pathways
Australia offers high living standards, a robust healthcare system, quality education, and a fair workplace culture. By choosing the right shortage occupation, you not only increase your chances of finding work—but also of building a sustainable long-term career and migration future.
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