Skilled Migration Alert: Top 10 Highest‑Paid Jobs in Shortage in Australia for 2025

As Australia enters a critical phase of population ageing and technological transformation, its labor market is grappling with unprecedented skills shortages. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, major recruitment platforms (Seek, Indeed), and the government’s skilled occupation lists (SOL/MLTSSL), multiple sectors will experience systematic talent gaps in 2025. For skilled migrants and career professionals, this represents a rare window of opportunity.

Below is an in‑depth analysis of the Top 10 most in‑demand high‑salary professions in Australia for 2025, perfect for planning your migration or career strategy.

1. Healthcare & Nursing

In‑demand roles: Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist With over 6 million Australians aged 65+ expected by 2025 (~23% of the population), healthcare demand is skyrocketing. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) projects 70,000+ new nursing roles in 2025 alone.

• Median annual salary: AU$75,000 – AU$130,000

• Skilled migration advantage: Most healthcare professions are listed on the MLTSSL, fast‑track eligibility for skilled visas.

2. Education & Training

In‑demand roles: Early childhood teacher, Secondary school teacher, Vocational trainer By 2025, Australia will need approximately 20,000 new teachers to address student growth and retirements. Rural and Indigenous communities are particularly affected.

• Median annual salary: AU$70,000 – AU$115,000

• Skilled migration advantage: Education roles are included on most state nomination lists, offering preferential pathways.

3. Information Technology (IT)

In‑demand roles: Software Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist, Data Scientist, AI Engineer Australia’s digital transformation, remote work shifts, and AI adoption will create 200,000+ ICT vacancies by 2025 (AIIA). Starting salaries for IT roles consistently top the national average.

• Median annual salary: AU$90,000 – AU$150,000+

• Skilled migration advantage: ICT professions are long‑standing entries on skilled lists, with clear criteria for immigration.

4. Construction & Engineering

In‑demand roles: Civil Engineer, Construction Manager, Electrician, Plumber Australia has committed over AU$120 billion to infrastructure development (rail, roads, hospitals). Engineers and tradespeople are in sharp demand, with civil engineering roles slated to grow by 13% by 2025.

• Median annual salary: AU$80,000 – AU$140,000

• Skilled migration advantage: Many engineering and trade jobs are listed on MLTSSL, eligible for skilled streams and state sponsorship.

5. Renewable Energy Technologies

In‑demand roles: Wind Turbine Technician, Solar Installer, Energy Systems Engineer As Australia moves toward its 2050 net‑zero emissions goal, renewable energy sectors are rapidly expanding—11,000+ new roles expected by 2025 (Clean Energy Council).

• Median annual salary: AU$85,000 – AU$120,000

• Skilled migration advantage: An increasing number of green energy roles are being added to priority skilled occupation lists.

6. Accounting & Finance

In‑demand roles: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst Growth in small and medium enterprises and stricter financial regulations are boosting demand. CPA Australia forecasts a 15,000‑person shortage in accounting professionals by 2025.

• Median annual salary: AU$75,000 – AU$130,000

• Skilled migration advantage: Accounting roles remain consistently on the SOL and state nomination lists—ideal for skilled migration.

7. Data Analytics & Business Consulting

In‑demand roles: Data Analyst, Strategy Consultant, HR Business Consultant Data‑driven decision‑making has become central to business strategy. Deloitte estimates a 16% growth in data analytics roles by 2026. Cross‑industry experts are in high demand.

• Median annual salary: AU$95,000 – AU$135,000

8. Hospitality & Culinary Arts

In‑demand roles: Head Chef, Commercial Cook, Pastry Chef The hospitality industry is rebounding post‑pandemic, yet labor shortages are acute—expected shortfall exceeds 50,000 roles by 2025 (Tourism Australia).

• Median annual salary: AU$60,000 – AU$90,000

• Skilled migration advantage: Chefs and cooks are MLTSSL listed and often approved quickly for visas.

9. Transport & Logistics

In‑demand roles: Heavy Vehicle Driver, Logistics Supervisor, Warehouse Manager E‑commerce growth and mineral exports have fuelled demand. Logistics Australia forecasts 35,000+ new roles by 2025, particularly in remote driving.

• Median annual salary: AU$80,000 – AU$150,000

• Skilled migration advantage: Heavy vehicle drivers qualify under employer‑sponsored and regional visa programs.

10. Public Administration & Social Services

In‑demand roles: Community Service Worker, Policy Officer, Public Affairs Manager Growing multicultural populations and increased investment in community welfare translate into steady demand for policy and social care professionals. Job Outlook projects 15% growth in social work roles by 2025.

• Median annual salary: AU$85,000 – AU$110,000

Conclusion & Strategic Advice

In 2025, Australia will face critical skills shortages, particularly in healthcare, education, IT, engineering, and social services. These are not temporary trends—they reflect structural gaps offering prime opportunities for skilled migrants and professionals.

Strategic recommendations:

1. Acquire recognized qualifications (e.g., IT certifications, nursing license, trade accreditation)—these are essential to access the Australian labor market and immigration pathways.

2. Confirm your occupation appears on SOL/MLTSSL or state nomination lists—policies update annually, so regularly check the Department of Home Affairs site for updates.

3. Consider regional or remote location employment—regional areas (e.g., Tasmania, Northern Territory, South Australia) offer higher nomination points, faster processing, and less competition.

By choosing the right industry, developing in‑demand skills, and leveraging immigration policy smartly, you can significantly enhance your success in obtaining a skilled visa and building a thriving life in Australia. Now is the time to act.