Finding the right job in Australia doesn't just depend on how demanding the job market is. You need to know which areas require your expertise, what requirements employers have set, and whether your skills and background match the opportunities available. The list of jobs in Australia is a good starting point for this review, but having a job on this list does not mean that you are guaranteed employment.
In this guide from Newox Exchange, we compare selected occupations based on the latest official labor shortage data in 2026, income, required documentation, and geographic location. Whether you're an experienced professional, have a foreign degree, or plan to change your career path, you can start with the job comparison table and then weigh the terms of the options more closely. Don't forget that labor shortages don't eliminate requirements for document verification, professional licenses, legal right to work, and employers' employment requirements.
Career Path Choice: Comparing Jobs ← Examining Geographic Location ← Knowing Entry Requirements ← Planning for Next Action
When a job is in need in Australia, it doesn't necessarily mean that there are more job opportunities or easier to get into. To carefully examine the list of in-demand jobs in Australia, you'll need to separate four concepts:
The important thing is that the assessment of a shortage depends on time and geographical location; a job may be understaffed in one state, but not so in another; so when comparing opportunities, in addition to market demand, look at professional conditions and the cost of living, including changes the Australian dollar rate. Even jobs off the shortage list can be a good choice, and the presence of a shortage does not guarantee employment.
Latest list of Australia's required jobsIt was published on October 21, 2026 by the Australian Jobs and Skills Authority (JSA). The results show that labor shortages have decreased overall, but continue to persist in some specialties, particularly technical, construction, and health care jobs. According to the official report, out of a total of 1,021 jobs surveyed, 279 jobs, equivalent to 27 percent, are facing labor shortages. This share was 29 percent in 2025 and about 36 percent in 2023. Such changes indicate that the labor market situation is not static, and it is important to examine new data to choose a career path. Three important points in the 2026 assessment are:
These changes, along with developments The Australian economy, show that career choices should be made based on specific expertise, individual circumstances and up-to-date information, not simply the reputation of an industry.
This article is based on the JSA Official 2026 Listing and the OSCA Occupational Classification. Selected occupations will be reviewed according to manpower shortage status, geographic location, qualifications, and entry requirements. Data on job titles will be segregated independently of broader occupational groups. This list is selective and is not an official job ranking; a comparison of statistics for different years should be made according to possible differences in the assessment and classification methodology.
To choose the right job, it is not enough to be aware of the labour shortage alone. When reviewing the list of in-demand jobs in Australia, you should also consider the amount of income, entry requirements, required documents, and the difference in job opportunities in different states. The table below introduces the 14 selected occupations for initial comparison. Note that this list is not an official ranking and the labour shortage status for each job should be checked based on the 2026 data and the target region.
|
Job Address |
Lack of manpower status and geographical location |
Weekly Earnings (AUD) |
Common Entry Route |
The main obstacle |
|
Registered Nurse |
Persistent Shortages: Differences in Need in States |
2,192 |
Nursing Degree and Professional Registration |
Qualification Verification |
|
mom |
Needs to review the specialized and state situation |
— |
Related Education and Professional Registration |
Activity Permit |
|
Physiotherapist |
Depending on the specialty and regionActivity |
— |
Specialized Degree and Professional Registration |
Degree Assessment |
|
middle school teacher |
Shortages in some specialties and regions |
— |
Teacher Training Certificate and Professional Registration |
Registration Requirements |
|
Electrician |
Persistent shortage of technical jobs |
2,191 |
Technical training and apprenticeships |
State License |
|
Plumber |
Requires a specialty and state review |
— |
Technical training and apprenticeships |
Professional License |
|
Construction Carpenter |
Shortages in some construction jobs |
1,760 |
Technical training and practical experience |
Proof of proficiency |
|
Automotive Mechanics |
Difficulty in recruiting skilled workers in some areas |
— |
Technical Course and Repair Shop Experience |
Practical Skills |
|
Civil Engineer |
Shortage in some engineering specialties |
— |
Engineering Degree & Experience |
Competency Assessment |
|
Construction Manager |
Depending on the expertise and location of the project |
3,751 |
Related education or project management experience |
Managerial experience |
|
Caring for the Elderly and the Disabled |
The pressure of recruiting and retaining staff in the care unit |
1,761 |
Related Training and Job Reviews |
Care Requirements |
|
Cloud Computing Engineer |
Shortage of specialist manpower at the national level |
— |
Cloud proficiency and expert experience |
Project Experience |
|
DevOps Engineer |
Shortage of specialist manpower at the national level |
— |
Infrastructure and Automation Skills |
Practical Expertise |
|
Cybersecurity Architect |
Shortage of specialist manpower at the national level |
— |
Security and system design experience |
Specialized Background |
Income Description: The amounts included are the median weekly earnings of full-time non-manager employees at the adult pay rate, before tax and in Australian dollars and are related to the May 2025 data. The status of the superannuation calculation in the figures presented is unclear. The "—" sign means that there is no confirmed and comparable figure for that job title in this table.
Important: The labor shortage situation across all rows of the table has not yet been independently matched with the JSA's six-digit data in 2026. Therefore, businesses whose situation needs further investigation should not be considered a definitive labor shortage.
This comparison shows that higher earnings do not necessarily mean easier entry into a profession. For example, construction management requires managerial experience, while some technical occupations can be entered through an apprenticeship, although obtaining a professional license will still be necessary. To choose from the jobs required in Australia, first determine the options that suit your skill and background. Then the employment requirements in the destination state,Check the validity of professional qualifications and requirements. In the following sections, we will introduce each career area in more detail.
Knowing the job opportunities in each field will help you explore the actual employment conditions beyond the job title. In this section of the list of Australia's required jobs, we explore professional duties, manpower shortage status, necessary documents, and barriers to entry by industry so that you can identify opportunities that suit your expertise and experience.
Health is one of the sectors that continues to face staffing shortages in some specialist occupations in the 2026 assessment by the Australian Jobs and Skills Organisation (JSA). According to the assessment, 21 health occupations were consistently understaffed from 2021 to 2026. However, these statistics do not mean that there is a shortage of staff in all specialties in medicine, nursing or healthcare settings. To take a closer look at Australia's list of in-demand occupations in health, consider the differences between the following professions:
Most of these clinical professions require accredited university education and supervised practical courses. Professional registration is also carried out through the Ahpra organisation and the relevant specialist board, such as the Australian Board of Nursing and Midwifery (NMBA).
Applicants who have obtained their degree outside of Australia should review their profession-specific assessment pathway. For example, overseas-trained nurses and midwives may need to assess qualifications, prove English language proficiency and take prescribed tests. Physiotherapists also usually need to go through the Australian Physiotherapy Council assessment process. Certification for immigration purposes does not necessarily mean obtaining a license to practice in clinical practice.
According to data published in the JSA Jobs Atlas, the median weekly earnings of the group of registered nurses for full-time employees is reported to be around AUD 2,192. This is not the guaranteed salary amount for novice nurses or all nursing specialties.
Job opportunities should be explored separately in municipal hospitals, regional medical centers, rehabilitation services, and geriatric care centers. Night shifts, vacations, direct contact with the patient, accurate recording of medical information, and physical or mental strain are realities of some work situations.
Important question: In addition to having a degree, are you prepared for clinical work conditions, professional registration, and work shift patterns?
Education also ranks high on Australia's list of in-demand jobs, but employment requirements are not the same for all teachers. In the 2026 reports, preschool and secondary school teachers are among the titles with evidence of a shortage. The status of primary and special education teachers should be assessed by independent job title and the state in question.
The duties of these professions also vary. Preschool teachers focus on the development and learning of young children; primary teachers teach several subject areas; secondary teachers usually specialise in specific subjects, and special education teachers work with students with different educational needs. Entry into the teaching profession usually requires a valid teacher training qualification, supervised teaching internship, and registration with the responsible state or territory body. Teachers trained outside Australia should also check the qualifications for their qualifications, English language proficiency and apprenticeship experience.
Note that teachers, child educators, and instructional support staff are not the same in terms of professional duties and requirements. Also, teaching expertise, teaching experience, and willingness to work in different areas can affect employment opportunities. Before choosing this path, compare professional registration requirements, credentials, type of contract, salary, and educational responsibilities with the actual needs of
employers.
Electricians, plumbing, cooling installations, and some construction occupations are among the specialty occupations that continue to see a shortage of skilled workers in some parts of the 2026 assessment. However, the demand for a profession may vary based on the state, the type of project, and the skill required by the employer.
In reviewing the list of jobs required in Australia, these occupations should not be seen as options without the need for expertise or quick paths to enter the job market. Operating in them requires technical training, hands-on experience, and in many cases, legal licence.
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For newbies, the common path to entry into many of these professions is through an apprenticeship with vocational training and supervised activity. In contrast, people with work experience outside Australia need to specify how their skills will be assessed and what additional steps are required to obtain an activity permit.
Trades Recognition Australia introduces pathways for some licensed occupations, including skills assessments, supplementary training compliant with Australian regulations, and supervised work. Therefore, foreign work experience, even if it is extensive, is not on its own a legal license to operate in Australia.
|
Profession |
Training and Skill Verification |
The main barrier to entry |
|
Electrician |
Technical training, skills assessment and practical experience |
Obtaining an electrician's license |
|
Plumbing |
Professional training and proof of practical ability |
Permit for the type of activity |
|
Office Refrigeration & Ventilation |
Specialized training and skills assessment |
Related Technical Licenses |
Construction work usually requires physical strength, compliance with safety regulations, proper use of equipment, and sometimes moving between project sites. A White Card is also necessary to enter many construction environments, but it does not replace a professional license. According to JSA data, the median weekly earnings of a full-time electrician group is reported to be around AUD 2,191. This figure does not include all employment requirements or interns' salaries. Before accepting a job offer, check the guaranteed hours, overtime, tool cost, contract type, and project duration. Finally, the choice between residential, commercial, industrial, or maintenance projects should be made based on your actual experience and the conditions of the region's labor market.
Engineering job opportunities in Australia depend on specialisation, industry experience and project type. According to an October 2026 report by the Society of Engineers Australia, labour shortages persist in some civil, structural, electrical, transport and mining specialties.Shortages have been observed in mechanical and electronics engineering. However, the status of each job title must be matched with official JSA data.
To check the list of Australia's required engineering jobs, it is important to distinguish between professional engineer, engineering technologist and technician. Engineers usually require a four-year university degree, while the educational path and responsibilities of technologists and technicians vary.
In addition to a degree, employers pay attention to design experience, project implementation, familiarity with technical standards, and the ability to solve specialized problems. Job opportunities also vary depending on the location of the construction, industrial, or mining projects.
Applicants with foreign qualifications must check the qualifications assessment requirements by Engineers Australia and the requirements for professional registration in the relevant state. For example, in the Civil Engineer immigration pathway, the confirmation of qualifications, relevant experience and legal requirements of the activity must be reviewed separately.
Care Jobs, Disability Services and Social Services
In the field of care and social services, job titles play an important role in determining employment duties and conditions. According to the JSA's 2026 assessment, three job titles related to aged care and disability services have been continuously understaffed since 2021. However, the growth of this industry does not mean a shortage of manpower in all of its occupations. In reviewing the list of in-demand jobs in Australia, a few career paths can be differentiated:
For many support positions, the Certificate III in Individual Support is considered a relevant training path. The course includes practical training, but employment requirements vary depending on the occupation and employer. Some positions also require background checks and qualification verification under NDIS regulations. The ability to communicate effectively, maintain privacy, patience, and be prepared for physical and emotional pressures are important requirements for these professions.
Employment opportunities in accommodation and home care services vary depending on the location, hours of operation, and level of supervision. Before accepting an offer, check the type of permanent, part-time or case-by-case contract, guaranteed hours, and commuting costs between clients. These jobs are not difficult or guaranteed pathways to immigration and should be chosen according to individual ability and circumstances.
Contrary to popular belief, not all IT jobs in Australia are facing a labor shortage. According to the 2026 report, six distinct specialties in this area are understaffed. In contrast, software engineering was not in a labor shortage situation in the same year's assessment.
In Australia's list of in-demand occupations, the following specialties are notable according to the OSCA classification:
Entry into these professions usually requires relevant education, hands-on experience, and mastery of specialized tools. Presenting a portfolio, project documentation, and measurable results can demonstrate an applicant's ability. Taking a short course or obtaining a certificate alone is not enough to take on all specialized positions. Also, the requirements for attendance at the workplace, the expected background, and the type of contract should be reviewed separately for each employment opportunity.
Technical occupations related to automotive and industrial manufacturing are also part of Australia's list of in-demand occupations. According to the JSA, in 2026, nine occupations in the field of automotive technicians and technical occupations were facing a persistent shortage, although the status of each specialty should be examined separately 331131 351231 351433.
These professions require technical and vocational training, experience working with specialized equipment, and troubleshooting or manufacturing skills. Applicants with foreign experience should also check their skills and qualifications. Work conditions vary depending on the workshop, factory or project location. Physical strength, safety, familiarity with equipment, and sometimes shift work are some of the things that should be checked before being hired.
In addition to the areas introduced, some food and hospitality industries also have credible evidence of labor shortages. According to the JSA 2026 report, five occupational titles related to professional cooking and food occupations have faced persistent labor shortages. For example, chefs are responsible for planning, preparing, and managing the cooking process. However, the conditions for chefs, cooks, and kitchen service workers are not the same. When looking at these opportunities in Australia's list of in-demand jobs, pay attention to professional qualifications, kitchen experience, workplace, shift hours, and contract terms. Also, compare the amount of income with the volume of responsibilities, overtime, and statutory benefits. In addition to the areas introduced, the list of in-demand jobs in Australia also includes opportunities in agriculture, aviation, veterinary medicine, and the food industry.The force should be checked for each job title separately.
To select these jobs, check the place of operation, the validity of the documents, and the actual terms of employment, in addition to the status of the application.
Geographical location is one of the important factors when choosing a job and exploring employment opportunities in Australia. A profession may face a shortage of labour at the national level, but the demand for it may not be the same in different cities and states. Therefore, when reviewing the list of jobs required in Australia, you should also check the labour market conditions in your area in addition to the country situation.
Importantly, the JSA has not published an independent labour shortage assessment for each state and territory in its 2026 Job Shortage List. For this reason, it is not possible to determine the status of jobs in different states solely on the basis of country statistics. The table below is a guide to job openings in eight Australian states and territories.
|
State or Territory |
Careers to Consider |
Data History |
Practical Tips for Checking the Position |
|
New South Wales |
Need to check local ads |
October 2026* |
Comparing Sydney's Opportunities with CitiesRegional and Housing Cost |
|
Victoria |
Need to check local ads |
October 2026* |
Exploring Melbourne Opportunities, Other Regions and Professional Registration Requirements |
|
Queensland |
Need to check local ads |
October 2026* |
Comparison of cities, workplace distance, and shift conditions |
|
Western Australia |
Need to check local ads |
October 2026* |
Investigating the Difference Between Urban and Project Jobs and Commuting Costs |
|
South Australia |
Need to check local ads |
October 2026* |
Comparing Adelaide's Opportunities with Other Regions and Access to Education |
|
Tasmanian |
Need to check local ads |
October 2026* |
Examining the number of employers, transportation, and the possibility of professional supervision |
|
Australian Capital Territory |
Need to check local ads |
October 2026* |
Paying attention to employers' requirements, permits, and cost of living |
|
Northern Territory |
Need to check local ads |
October 2026* |
Comparison of Darwin and Other Areas, Housing and Occupational Support Conditions |
Before making a decision, compare actual job postings in the destination city, the number and variety of employers, the cost of rent, commute, licensing requirements, and access to training or professional supervision. The type of contract, shift hours, and the necessity of business trips can also affect the suitability of a job opportunity.
Also note that regional areas are not necessarily remote or cheaper. On some migration routes, cities such as Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart also fall within the boundaries of regional areas. However, the definition of reregional in immigration regulations differs from the geographical division of the labour market and should be examined separately.
A university degree is not required to enter some Australian occupations, but this does not mean that you can be employed without skills, a professional degree or work experience. A distinction should be made between short-term courses, vocational training, and paid apprenticeships in the list of jobs in Australia. Each pathway has its own training requirements, fees and legal requirements.
Electrician, plumbing, and some mechanical jobs are professionsIt is possible to enter them without a university degree. A common route to enter these occupations is an apprenticeship, which combines technical training with employment and supervised practical experience.
For example, the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician course is usually offered in the form of a four-year internship. During this time, the trainee receives a salary and learns the necessary skills in the real work environment. However, the completion of the course alone does not mean that you receive an independent electrician's license.
To start an internship, you usually need to have a receiving employer, a valid training contract, and legal terms of employment. Applicants with foreign experience may also be able to take the skills assessment pathway, but will still need additional training or licensing. The eligibility for internship grants also depends on the applicant's status, the type of course, and the sponsorship program regulations.
Some care occupations and support services are also available through vocational training. For example, the Certificate III in Individual Support is applicable to work in some care settings for the elderly and people with disabilities. The course includes person-centred care training and a minimum of 120 hours of practical activity. The duration of the training will vary depending on the institution; for example, TAFE SA offers a full-time course with an approximate duration of 9 months. Obtaining this certification does not imply a nursing licence. Some care positions also require background checks, qualifications and screening of staff under NDIS regulations. People who have previously trained outside of Australia or have relevant experience can check the possibility of a Prior Learning and Skills Assessment (RPL). However, the acceptance of the records depends on proof of the required abilities. Tuition fees for courses and the possibility of receiving training subsidies also vary depending on the state, visa type and individual circumstances.
The following table compares the two entry paths without a college degree:
|
Entry Path |
Educational Term and Commitment |
Training in the Workplace |
Professional License or Registration |
The Most Important Thing to Consider |
|
Electrician Internship |
About 4 years with employment |
It has a salary, along with a salary |
An electrician license is required |
Finding an Employer and Licensing Requirements |
|
Certificate III Individual Care |
Sample 9-month course |
At least 120 hours of hands-on training |
Job Appropriate Qualification Check |
Internship Requirements and Degree Validity |
When comparing these pathways, in addition to tuition, consider the cost of tools, commute, internships, and possible income during the course of training. Grants are also not the same for all applicants. None of these options are necessarily faster or cheaper without considering individual circumstances.
<h2style="text-align: justify;" >What conditions should experts with foreign documents examine?
Having a university degree and work experience outside of Australia alone is not enough to enter the country's job market. Even if your expertise is on Australia's list of jobs required, you should check the credentials, conditions of professional activity, legal right to work, and employment requirements separately. For this, the following eight-step path can be a good guide.
Skills assessment, professional registration, visa eligibility and employment acceptance are four independent reviews.
Success in one of these steps is not an automatic confirmation of the other steps.
The cost of entry into the Australian labour market is not the same for all professionals. Before you act, specify the cost of qualifications assessment, professional registration, document translation, language tests, specialised tests and supplementary training. Also include the cost of tickets, temporary accommodation, housing deposit, transportation and equipment required for the job in your budget. If you need to train for a while or wait for a licence, calculate the cost of living for the possible period without income. It is also a good idea to set out your employer's expenses and financial obligations in writing before you sign a contract. Setting a fixed budget for all applicants is not reliable without knowing the profession and individual circumstances.
Having a profession on Australia's list of jobs can help identify job opportunities, but it alone does not mean that you are eligible for a visa. For each type of visa, the Australian Department of Home Affairs sets specific requirements regarding job title, skills, qualifications, and other requirements.
To check the work immigration requirements, you need to know the difference between the following lists:
Another important point is the difference between the versions of the job classification. The Ministry of Home Affairs uses ANZSCO 2022 for visas 482 and 186 and ANZSCO 2013 for other subcategories of skilled visas. Therefore, you should check the job code in accordance with the visa in question.
Some routes, such as the 482 visa, depend on employer sponsorship, and the 186 visa allows for permanent residency with an employer's referral on certain routes. In contrast, visas 189, 190, and 491 are privilege-based pathways that have different pathways depending on the type of visa, invitation requirements, state nomination, or family sponsorship. To avoid mistakes, separate the use of the following resources:
|
Source |
A question that answers. |
|
JSA Workforce Shortage List |
Which businesses are facing staffing shortages based on current evidence? |
|
Ministry of Home Affairs Eligible Occupation Lists |
Is the job acceptable for a certain type of visa?Is it? |
|
Nomination Information for States and Territories |
What are the additional requirements to receive a state nomination? |
Finally, the labour shortage neither eliminates employer protection requirements nor guarantees obtaining a visa or permanent residence. Before proceeding, check the up-to-date regulations for the chosen route on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Once you've gone through the list of jobs in Australia requirements, it's best to turn the information gathered into a plan of action. The goal is to find opportunities that best suit your skills, experience, and circumstances, rather than simply choosing a job based solely on demand. To get started, take the following five steps:
1. Choose three suitable jobs: Compare the interests, work experience, skills, and actual responsibilities of each job to your circumstances.
2. Check the demand situation: Evaluate the evidence of labor shortages on the JSA listing and the opportunities available in the cities or states in question separately.
3. Compare job postings: For your main job, check out 20 new listings, such as 10 in Sydney and 10 in Melbourne. The publication time frame and level of expertise of the ads should be the same.
4. Identify your skill gap: record frequent skills, required history, documents and permits, declared salaries, legal right to work conditions, and direct reference to employer support for the visa.
5. Choose the next action: Based on the most important obstacle, plan to complete the skill, assess the qualifications, or explore regional opportunities.
This comparison is a practical exercise, and the results are not representative of the entire Australian labour market. Finally, summarize the result of your review in four statements: my target job, the geographical location of the target, the most important obstacle, and the next action.
Choosing the right job in Australia doesn't just depend on being on the list of labour shortages. To make a better decision, you need to consider four factors at the same time: the approved demand of the labour market, the suitability of the job to your individual skills and experience, the requirements for entering the profession, and the geographical location of employment opportunities.
Before spending money on training or immigration action, choose three jobs that fit your circumstances. Then review their current situation and compare actual job postings in the two geographic locations. By identifying the most important obstacle and determining the next action, you can plan your path to the job market more realistically.
What is the difference between a job in high demand and a job that is on the list of labor shortages?
A high-demand job may have a lot of job postings or high employment growth, but being on the JSA Workforce Shortage List points to employers' difficulty in sourcing the right staff. The two situations are not the same. For a better understanding, read What is the Jobs in Australia section?
Which jobs in Australia do not require a university degree?
Some technical occupations, such as electricians and a number of caregiving positions, are accessible through an apprenticeship or vocational qualifications. However, not having a university degree does not mean that you do not need specialized training, practical experience or licensing. The conditions for these pathways are explained in the Jobs without a University Degree section.
Can foreign workers apply for jobs on the labor shortage list?
Yes, but the possibility of employment depends on the circumstances of the individual and the employer. Foreign applicants may need to have a qualification assessment, professional registration, relevant work experience, and legal right to work. Placing a job on a shortage list does not exclude these requirements. More details are provided in the Conditions section for Professionals with Foreign Qualifications.
Does having the required job guarantee sponsorship or permanent residency in Australia?
No. Labor shortage status alone does not require an employer to support the applicant and is not a guarantee of obtaining a visa or permanent residence. Each immigration route has specific requirements that must be reviewed separately. To learn about the difference between these requirements, read the section on the relationship between occupations and visas.
How do you check if a job is needed in a particular state of Australia?
It's best to look at new job postings in the destination city, the number of employers, and regional labour market information. The situation of labour shortages at the national level is not necessarily representative of a state's conditions. Australia's need for different jobs section provides a good framework for this comparison.
