The Australian government has published its 2025 Labour Market Report, which outlines significant employment trends, high-demand occupations, and skill shortages across the nation.
This report offers essential insights for foreign skilled workers looking for jobs in Australia, detailing the sectors experiencing job growth and the areas where migrants can secure work visas.
The findings reflect Australia’s ongoing economic prosperity while highlighting shifts in industry demand.
It points out growing sectors, jobs under short supply, and regional differences that may impact migrants’ employment opportunities.
This data is vital for skilled migrants aiming to enter the Australian job market and secure the necessary employment visas.
Industries Experiencing Growth
Australia’s labour statistics indicate growth across various sectors due to increasing demand for skilled workers. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) notes substantial development in healthcare, education, and accommodation. Key sectors projected to see significant job growth by 2025 include:
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: over 70,200 jobs
- Education and Training: over 54,900 jobs
- Accommodation and Food Services: over 42,700 jobs
- Electricity, Gas, Water, and Waste Services: 8.0% growth rate
- Rental, Hiring, and Real Estate Services: 6.1% growth rate
These sectors are anticipated to continue expanding through 2025, offering numerous opportunities for skilled migrants.
Declining Sectors
Conversely, some industries are experiencing job losses:
- Manufacturing: reduced 16,400 jobs
- Financial and Insurance Services: reduced 7,800 jobs
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: reduced 7,200 jobs
This trend indicates a shift away from traditional white-collar roles, leading to a greater demand for hands-on and service-oriented skills.
High-Demand Occupations for Skilled Migrants
The Australian Government’s Occupation Shortage List (OSL) identifies roles with a significant shortage of qualified personnel. By 2025, the following occupations are expected to be in high demand among skilled migrants:
- Engineering Professionals: Civil, electrical, mechanical, and mining engineers
- Healthcare Workers: Registered nurses, aged care workers, and medical practitioners
- Education: Early childhood educators, secondary school teachers (math/science), and vocational education trainers
- Trades and Technicians: Electricians, plumbers, and construction workers
- Hospitality Professionals: Chefs, hotel managers, and event planners
These roles are crucial for Australia’s economic stability, and migrants with the appropriate skills and experience are encouraged to explore work visa opportunities.
Regional Job Opportunities for Migrants
Employment trends vary across Australia’s states and territories, with some regions providing greater opportunities for skilled workers. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has the highest concentration of skilled workers, making up 61% of its workforce. Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) follow closely, accounting for over 54% of employment in high-demand roles.
In contrast, Queensland and the Northern Territory have shown less growth in essential skilled industries. However, Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA) are experiencing growth, especially in healthcare and construction. Migrants may consider seeking skilled employment in the ACT, Victoria, and NSW, as well as trade and technical jobs in WA and SA.
Unemployment Patterns and Migrant Employment
The national unemployment rate in Australia stands at 4.0%, a slight increase from 3.9% in 2023. The ACT boasts the lowest rate at 3.2%, while Victoria and the Northern Territory have the highest at 4.4%. Migrants, particularly recent arrivals, face higher unemployment due to challenges such as language barriers and limited local experience.
For instance, migrants from North-West Europe have an unemployment rate of 3.0%, while those from North Africa and the Middle East report higher rates at 6.9%.
Visa Options for Skilled Immigrants
Due to high demand in various sectors, the Australian government has streamlined the work visa application process for qualified candidates. Some key visas for 2025 include:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): Suitable for engineers, healthcare professionals, and tradespeople; requires employer sponsorship and potential pathway to permanent residency.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Available to skilled migrants nominated by an Australian state or territory, offering a route to permanent residency.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): For those wishing to live and work in regional Australia, with priority processing for in-demand professions.
- Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858): Designed for highly skilled individuals in engineering, technology, and healthcare, providing a fast track to permanent residency.
Skilled migrants who align their expertise with Australia’s occupational shortage list and pursue the appropriate visa will have improved chances of securing employment and permanent residency in Australia.
