Labor market in Australia in 2026: professions most in demand
Australia entered 2026 with a labor market that combines economic resilience and a structural shortage of skilled workers. The country recorded record employment figures in January, with unemployment steady at 4.1% and 150,000 more jobs than in the same period of the previous year. For foreigners who plan to study and work in the country, this context opens a real window of opportunity.
In this article, you will find an updated map of the most in-demand professions in Australia in 2026, the sectors with the most openings for foreigners, salary requirements for work visas, and how the Australian market is organizing itself to attract international talent.
How is the Australian job market in 2026?
The government agency Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) continuously monitors demand for professionals across the country. According to the most recent data, 29% of the occupations assessed (293 of 1,022) are in a national shortage. That means Australia cannot fill almost one third of roles with local candidates, which opens direct doors for skilled workers from other countries.
Employment growth is projected mainly in three sectors:
- Health care and social assistance: expected growth of up to 301,000 roles
- Professional, scientific and technical services: growth of up to 206,000 roles
- Education and training: growth of up to 149,000 roles
These figures point to a structural shift in the Australian market toward knowledge-intensive sectors and human care.
Which professions are most in demand in Australia in 2026?
Health care and care services
Health leads the shortage list. According to the Labour Supply Index from September 2025, registered nurses and general practitioners (GPs) are the categories with the largest deficit in every Australian state and territory.
Health professions with the most openings include:
- Nurses and nursing technicians
- General practitioners, especially in regional areas
- Mental health professionals
- Aged care workers
- Physiotherapists and speech pathologists
The accelerated aging of the Australian population sustains this demand over the long term. Professionals with a recognized degree and fluent English have priority migration pathways available.
Information technology
The technology sector projects more than 58,000 new openings through 2028. Roles with the strongest demand include:
- Cybersecurity specialists
- Software engineers
- Data scientists and artificial intelligence analysts
- Cloud systems architects
- Mobile and full-stack developers
Sydney and Melbourne concentrate the largest offer, but Brisbane and Perth also show accelerated growth in technology.
Skilled trades and construction
Skilled trades (Skill Level 3) are the category with the lowest fill rate in the country in 2026: only 54.3% of open roles are filled. Construction is under pressure from population growth, infrastructure investment, and green energy targets.
Among the trades with the most openings:
- Electricians (estimated deficit of 32,000 to 42,000 professionals by 2030)
- Plumbers and hydraulic installers
- Welders and metallurgy technicians
- Carpenters and joiners
- Solar energy installation technicians
Engineering
Engineering keeps steady demand, especially in specialties linked to the energy transition and urban infrastructure:
- Civil engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Mining and natural resources engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Infrastructure project management
Education
Australia faces a chronic teacher shortage, especially in mathematics, science, and early childhood education. Teaching roles are eligible for skilled work visas in several states.
Accounting and finance
Accountants and financial analysts rank among the most in-demand professions in 2026. Financial services remain strong, with demand in major urban centers and in growing regions.
What is the Skilled Occupation List and why does it matter?
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is the official list maintained by the Australian government that defines which professions are eligible for skilled migration visas. Being on the list means the professional has access to specific immigration pathways, with differentiated points and priority processing.
The list is reviewed periodically. The most up-to-date version is available on the official portal of the Australian Department of Home Affairs at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
For anyone evaluating a career project in Australia, checking whether the profession is on the list is the first step before any visa planning.
How much do you need to earn for an Australian work visa?
Employer-sponsored work visas require the offered salary to meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). In 2025/2026, the amount is AUD 76,515 per year.
From July 2026, that threshold is expected to rise by about 3.8%, reaching approximately AUD 79,499. Employers must also ensure that the salary offered to the foreign worker matches what is paid to Australians in the same role.
For highly specialized professions, the Specialist Skills Income Threshold is AUD 141,210 per year.
Do regional areas offer more opportunities?
Yes. Regional areas of Australia show a vacancy fill rate of 64.3%, while metropolitan areas sit at 71.6%. Shortages are more acute outside major cities, which creates concrete incentives for those willing to work in the regions.
Regional visas offer important advantages:
- 15 extra points in the points system (versus 5 for states)
- Lower competition with other candidates
- A path to permanent residence after 3 years of work in the region
States such as Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia run specific state programs to attract skilled workers to regions with declared shortages.
Is English enough to work in Australia?
For most professions, yes. Australia does not require a second language beyond English, which simplifies preparation for anyone who already has functional or advanced English. Recognized English tests for visa processes include IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL.
What are the main work visa types for foreigners in Australia?
The visas most used by skilled professionals who do not yet hold permanent residence include:
- Subclass 482 (TSS): temporary employer-sponsored visa, valid for 2 to 4 years
- Subclass 189: permanent independent visa, points-based with no sponsor required
- Subclass 190: permanent state-nominated visa, requires an invitation from the state government
- Subclass 491: temporary regional visa, with differentiated points for regional areas
For international students already in Australia, it is common to transition from a student visa to work visas after finishing the course, especially in shortage occupations.
FAQ
Which professions have the fastest path to permanent residence in Australia?
Shortage occupations with high scores in the SkillSelect system, especially in health, IT, and engineering, have faster pathways. Working in regional areas speeds the process further.
Does Australia accept degrees from Latin American countries?
Yes, provided the degree is assessed by the Australian body responsible for the profession (skills assessment authority). Each field has its own assessor, such as VETASSESS for business, ACS for IT, and AHPRA for health.
Is it possible to work in Australia without employer sponsorship?
Yes, through points-based visas such as Subclass 189 and 190. The candidate registers in SkillSelect and waits for an invitation based on the accumulated score.
Can international students work during their course in Australia?
Yes. The Australian student visa allows work for up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and without restriction during school holidays.
Does the Australian market require prior experience to hire foreigners?
It depends on the profession and the level of the role. For skilled work visas, most require at least 1 to 2 years of proven experience. For technical trades, formal qualification may replace part of the professional history.
Be Easy: boutique exchange consultancy
Australia has one of the most active labor markets in the world for skilled professionals, but turning that opportunity into a real project requires structured planning: the right visa, degree recognition, solid English, and the right city for your profile. Be Easy supports every decision in this process with specialized consultancy from start to finish. To move forward with clarity and confidence, contact us and speak with a dedicated senior consultant.
