Dreaming of swapping grey skies for sunshine, weekends at the beach, and a better work-life balance? You’re not alone! More and more Brits are making the move to Australia for work, drawn in by the thriving job market, relaxed lifestyle, and outdoor living. Every year, around 17,000 workers are granted a Skilled Independent visa from the Australian government, giving them permanent residency, the ability to sponsor family members, and even the chance to become an Aussie citizen one day!
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for job opportunities. Australia is facing skill shortages across a wide range of industries, from healthcare and tech to construction and trades. In this guide, we let you know the Australia jobs in demand right now, explore which states are hiring, and help you figure out where you could fit into Australia’s workforce.
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Visa Options for Skilled Migrants
There are a range of work visas for skilled migrants wanting to pursue their dream of living and working in Oz. The following visas listed are on offer for those qualified to work or train in an eligible skilled occupation and can meet all other requirements:
- Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186) – This visa grants permanent residency for skilled workers sponsored by an employer.
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (Subclass 187) – You must be nominated by your employer in regional Australia and be a skilled worker so you can eventually live and work in Australia permanently.
- Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) – This visa is eligible for those invited to apply and is based on a points-based system. You must have a job highlighted on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.
- Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) – To gain permanent residency, an Australian state or territory must nominate you to apply and your job must be included on that state’s skilled occupation list.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – This visa allows skilled workers who are nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative to live and work in regional Australia. You can gain permanent residency after three years.
- Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) – Core Skills Stream – This visa enables skilled workes to fill roles that can’t be filled by skilled Australian workers.
ANZSCO Skill Level Explained
The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZCO) skill level assesses the skill level needed for different jobs. Here is a breakdown of the skill levels, ranging from Skill Level 1 to Skill Level 5.
Skill Level 1
- Level 1 is classed as highly skilled jobs such as GPs and registered nurses
- You must have a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification
- You must have at least five years of relevant experience
Skill Level 2
- Level 2 is classed as skilled jobs such as web developers and plumbers
- You must have a diploma or associate degree (Australian AQF Level 5)
- You must have at least three years of relevant experience
Skill Level 3
- Level 3 is classed as trade & technical jobs such as carpenters and joiners
- You must have a certificate III or IV (Australian AQF Level 3/4)
- You must have at least three years of relevant work experience
Skill Level 4
- Level 4 is classed as semi-skilled jobs such as receptionists and delivery drivers
- You must have a certificate II or III (Australian AQF Level 2/3)
- You must have at least one year of relevant experience/training
Skill Level 5
- Level 5 is classed as low-skilled jobs such as fruit and vegetable pickers and factory workers
- You must have a Certificate I (Australian AQF Level 1) or short-term training
18 Most In-Demand Jobs Across Australia For 2025
Australia is currently experiencing significant demand in several key sectors, driven by factors such as technological advancements, an ageing population, and infrastructure development. There is a particular need for highly skilled workers in roles such as nursing, GPs, and teachers.
According to Australia’s 2024 Occupation Shortage List, the following occupations are among the most in-demand and therefore employers in Australia are seeking the following skilled workers to fill the shortage.
| Occupation | Skill Level | ANZSCO |
| Registered Nurses | 1 | 2544 |
| General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers | 1 | 2531 |
| Aged and Disabled Carers | 4 | 4231 |
| Physiotherapists | 1 | 2525 |
| Psychologists | 1 | 2723 |
| Software and Applications Programmers | 1 | 2613 |
| ICT Business and Systems Analysts | 1 | 2611 |
| Cybersecurity Experts | 1 | 2621 |
| Civil Engineering Professionals | 1 | 2332 |
| Electrical Engineers | 1 | 2333 |
| Construction Managers | 1 | 1331 |
| Electricians | 3 | 3411 |
| Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers | 1 | 2411 |
| Primary School Teachers | 1 | 2412 |
| Secondary School Teachers | 1 | 2414 |
| Plumbers | 3 | 3341 |
| Carpenters and Joiners | 3 | 3312 |
| Metal Fabricators | 3 | 3223 |
What Are The Top Industries in Demand in Australia?
The following industries are experiencing a shortage of workers and therefore there is a demand to employ the following.
Healthcare and Social Assistance
An increased demand for medical services and an ever-ageing population are currently causing pressure on the healthcare sector. Qualified nurses from the UK, U.S., and Canada are encouraged to apply to help with the shortage of roles.
Information Technology and Cybersecurity
IT professionals, in particular software developers and cyber security roles, are in demand across Australia. An increasing reliance on digital tools and services across many industries has led to a shortage of skilled professionals. The Australian government aims to have 1.2 million people employed in the tech industry by 2030
Engineering and Construction
The change to become sustainable in Australia by using renewable energy means there is a high demand in the engineering and construction sectors. At present, electrician roles are seeing a significant shortage. It’s estimated that the country will need 32,000 to 42,500 more electrician roles by 2030.
Education and Training
A focus on skill development in Australian schools has meant the need for teachers at all levels is high. As well as primary and secondary school teachers, there is an increasing demand for trainers in vocational education and those specialising in STEM fields.
Skilled Trades
Population growth, infrastructure investment, and a strong housing market have seen Australia experience a construction boom and the need for more skilled trade workers. There is a particular shortage of engineers and carpenters.
Jobs in Demand in New South Wales
The unemployment rate in New South Wales is low, around 3.7%, and the majority of current job listings are for full-time work. There are some challenges in the healthcare sector at present, with many hospitals seeing resignations from psychiatrists who are taking up better offers in Queensland.
Below is a selection of some of the occupations that are in shortage in New South Wales, including their ANZSCO number and skill level.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skill Level |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Worker | 422111 | 4 |
| Biochemist | 234513 | 1 |
| Carpenter and Joiner Shortage | 331211 | 3 |
| Electrical Engineer | 233311 | 1 |
| Family Day Care Worker | 421112 | 4 |
| Gasfitter | 334114 | 3 |
| Hotel Service Manager | 431411 | 2 |
| Immigration Officer | 599512 | 4 |
| Legal Executive | 599112 | 2 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technician | 312512 | 2 |
Jobs in Demand in Victoria
There are positive signs in Victoria’s current job market, with unemployment figures improving. However, there are challenges in recruitment activities and economic management.
We’ve listed a selection of some of the occupations that are in shortage in Victoria, including their ANZSCO number and skill level.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skill Level |
| Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic | 342111 | 3 |
| Bricklayer | 331111 | 3 |
| Cardiothoracic Surgeon | 253512 | 1 |
| Data Scientist | 224115 | 1 |
| Enrolled Nurse | 411411 | 2 |
| General Practitioner | 253111 | 1 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 254411 | 1 |
| Pharmacy Technician | 311215 | 2 |
| Quantity Surveyor | 233213 | 1 |
| Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health) | 254413 | 1 |
Jobs in Demand in Queensland
In 2025, Queensland’s job market shows great growth, and the Australian government has recently announced a cash incentive of AUS$10,000 for construction apprentices. Here is a selection of occupations that are currently experiencing a shortage in Queensland, including their ANZSCO number and skill level.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skill Level |
| Ambulance Officer | 411111 | 2 |
| Beauty Therapist | 451111 | 3 |
| Bus Driver | 731211 | 4 |
| Child Care Worker | 421111 | 3 |
| Engineering Professionals | 233999 | 1 |
| Fitter-Welder | 323213 | 3 |
| ICT Quality Assurance Engineer | 263211 | 1 |
| Midwife | 254111 | 1 |
| Occupational Therapist | 252411 | 1 |
| Software Engineer | 261313 | 1 |
Jobs in Demand in Western Australia
The end of 2024 saw record-breaking employment figures for Western Australia, reaching 1.63 million employed. This was an increase of 15,300 individuals from the previous month.
Below is a selection of some of the occupations that are in shortage in New South Wales, including their ANZSCO number and skill level.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skill Level |
| Aged or Disabled Carer | 423111 | 4 |
| Building Inspector | 312113 | 2 |
| Conveyancer | 599111 | 2 |
| Emergency Medicine Specialist | 253912 | 1 |
| Gasfitter | 334114 | 3 |
| Joiner | 331213 | 3 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 233512 | 1 |
| Personal Care Assistant | 423313 | 4 |
| Secondary School Teacher | 241411 | 1 |
| Train Controller | 712918 | 4 |
Jobs in Demand in Tasmania
The job market in Tasmania demonstrates resilience. They have stable unemployment rates and economic growth, but challenges persist in employment participation and job availability. Here are some of the shortages of professionals in Tasmania, including their skill level and ANZSCO number.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skill Level |
| Aeroplane Pilot | 231111 | 1 |
| Beauty Therapist | 451111 | 3 |
| Flight Attendant | 451711 | 3 |
| ICT Quality Assurance Engineer | 263211 | 1 |
| Locksmith | 323313 | 3 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technician | 312512 | 2 |
| Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) | 233611 | 1 |
| Physiotherapist | 252511 | 1 |
| Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | 254422 | 1 |
| Stonemason | 331112 | 3 |
Moving to Australia for Work
If your profession is one in demand in Australia, then why not take the leap and get your move booked? There are excellent job opportunities waiting for you. Coupled with sunnier weather, what’s not to love?
Get in touch today and the expert team at 1st Move International can get you moved to Australia in no time. We offer guaranteed weekly shipping slots from destinations all across the UK. You’ll also get a personal move manager to guide you through the intricacies of the customs process.
Simply fill out our quick and easy form with a few details of your move and you’ll get a free, personalised quote for your move to Australia.
About 1st Move International
1st Move International are a specialist international moving and shipping company offering packing, shipping and insurance for shipping household goods and personal effects overseas. We have a global reach covering over 80 countries and 6500 worldwide destinations. You can get an international removals quote here or find more information on our international removals UK to Australia service here.
