15 jobs Australia really needs right now

If you’re hoping to make Australia your new home, having the right skills can open doors. From healthcare to construction and IT, these 15 in-demand occupations could help you secure the visa – and the lifestyle – you’ve been dreaming of.

Australia remains one of the world’s most popular destinations for skilled migrants, but that doesn’t mean just anyone can pack their bags and head for the sunshine. The government is highly selective about which professions it needs most, and the list changes regularly.

The current Skilled Occupation List (SOL) – published by the Department of Home Affairs – identifies the roles in demand across the country. There are now hundreds of skilled occupations eligible under Australia’s new Skills in Demand Visa and other migration pathways. The right visa will depend on your occupation, qualifications and where in Australia you plan to live. Some jobs fall under the new Skills in Demand Visa, while others qualify for regional or employer-sponsored routes.

Below, we look at 15 occupations currently sought after, along with where they’re needed and what qualifications or licences are required.

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1. Accountant

Accountants remain among the most consistently in-demand professionals in Australia. New South Wales and Victoria continue to report shortages, particularly in financial services and corporate sectors.

To practise, you’ll need a recognised accounting qualification and a positive skills assessment from an approved authority – CPA Australia, CA ANZ or the IPA – as part of your visa application.

2. Agricultural consultant, engineer or scientist

Agriculture is a backbone industry, especially across regional Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. With climate-resilient farming on the rise, demand for specialists in soil science, agri-technology and crop management is growing fast.

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a skills assessment from VETASSESS or Engineers Australia are required.

3. Architect

Sustainable design and climate-resilient projects are fuelling demand for architects, particularly in Tasmania and regional New South Wales.

You must complete both stages of the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia’s (AACA) Overseas Qualifications Assessment Process, sit the Architectural Practice Examination and register with your chosen state or territory’s architect board.

4. Civil engineer

Infrastructure remains a national priority, with major rail, road and renewable-energy projects driving recruitment. Civil engineers are highly sought-after across Queensland and the ACT.

A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is required, and your skills must be assessed by Engineers Australia. Some states require local registration to work independently.

5. Chef

Australia’s dining scene keeps growing, and skilled chefs are needed across tourism regions, major cities and hospitality hubs.

A migration skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is essential, as is experience in full-service restaurants rather than fast-food or takeaway roles. Many chefs qualify through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa.

6. Designers – graphic, web, fashion, interior and industrial

Australia’s creative industries thrive in Sydney and Melbourne, with digital design, UX and multimedia among the fastest-growing fields.

Employers typically require a degree or higher qualification, but strong portfolios and experience can substitute. Most roles appear on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), supporting temporary visas with potential to transition to permanent residency later.

7. Teachers and education professionals

Teachers remain essential, particularly early-childhood and special-needs educators in regional Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

All teachers must register with their state’s education authority and hold a recognised teaching degree.

8. Electrician (general)

With sustained construction and renewable-energy projects, licensed electricians are in strong demand across Australia.

You’ll need to complete a TRA skills assessment and apply for an electrical licence in your chosen state.

9. Hairdresser

Australia’s personal services industry continues to expand, especially in urban centres such as Sydney and Melbourne and tourist towns needing seasonal staff.

Applicants undergo a two-stage skills assessment through VETASSESS, and practical experience counts heavily.

10. Nurses and midwives

Nursing shortages persist nationwide, particularly in rural and regional areas. The most needed specialisms include aged care, emergency and mental-health nursing.

International nurses must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and complete a qualification assessment.

11. Computing and IT professionals

From cybersecurity to cloud computing, tech professionals are integral to Australia’s innovation economy. Employers in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne are competing for skilled candidates.

You’ll need your credentials assessed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). Current demand is strong for software engineers, ICT security specialists and ICT business/data analysts, with AI/ML skills increasingly valued across these roles.

12. Motor mechanics

Every state reports shortages of qualified mechanics, particularly diesel and small-engine specialists supporting logistics and agriculture.

A VETASSESS skills assessment and relevant qualifications or experience are mandatory.

13. Plumber

With continued urban growth and infrastructure upgrades, plumbers are in short supply across the country.

You’ll need trade certification, a VETASSESS assessment and a state plumbing licence.

14. Therapists – occupational, physiotherapists and radiotherapists

Healthcare continues to dominate Australia’s shortage lists, with strong demand for occupational therapists, physiotherapists and medical radiation therapists nationwide.

Registration with the relevant professional board and a skills assessment through your board’s authority are required.

15. Doctors

Doctors remain a top priority, especially in rural and remote areas where shortages are most acute. General practitioners and specialists in emergency medicine are particularly valued.

You must register with the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and AHPRA, and depending on qualifications, may need to complete bridging exams.

At-a-glance summary

Occupation	Region(s) in demand	Key visa or licence requirement
Accountant	NSW, VIC	CPA / CA ANZ / IPA registration; skills assessment
Agricultural specialist	Regional QLD, NSW, VIC, SA	VETASSESS or Engineers Australia skills check; degree in agriculture
Architect	TAS, NSW (regional)	AACA assessment; Architectural Practice Examination: state registration
Civil engineer	QLD, ACT	Engineers Australia assessment
Chef	Nationwide – tourist centres	TRA assessment; full-service experience
Designer (various)	Sydney, Melbourne	Degree or portfolio; STSOL-eligible visa
Teacher	Regional QLD, SA, WA	State teaching registration; degree
Electrician	Nationwide	TRA assessment; state electrical licence
Hairdresser	Sydney, Melbourne	VETASSESS trade assessment
Nurse / Midwife	Nationwide	NMBA registration; skills check
IT professional	Metro tech hubs	ACS assessment; relevant degree
Motor mechanic	Nationwide	VETASSESS assessment; relevant qualification or experience
Plumber	Nationwide	VETASSESS; state licence
Therapist	Nationwide	Professional registration; skills check
Doctor	Rural/remote areas	AMC + AHPRA registration; exams if required

How to get started

Before applying, check the current Skilled Occupation List and confirm the assessing authority for your profession on the Department of Home Affairs website. Each occupation links to specific visa subclasses, including the Skills in Demand Visa, Regional Skilled Work (491) and Employer Nomination Scheme (186).

Also note the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) introduced in 2025: most skilled-migration visas now require a base salary of at least AUD $76,515, while high-income specialist streams start at AUD $141,210.

Summary

If you have one of these 15 sought-after skills, now could be your time to make the move to Australia. The new Skills in Demand Visa offers a clearer route for qualified professionals, and with strong demand across healthcare, engineering and trades, opportunities abound. Do your research, get your qualifications assessed and stay up to date with the latest government guidance. Your new life down under could be closer than you think…