The following sectors have been listed by the Australian labour market that are going to be in high demand until 2023:
- Health Care and Social Assistance (252,600 jobs by 2023)
- Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (172,400 jobs by 2023)
- Education and Training (113,700 jobs by 2023)
- Construction (118,800 jobs by 2023)
With over 200 occupations listed on the Skilled Migration list, we have chosen the top 50 most in-demand jobs in Australia based on the Occupation ceilings updated by the government recently.
Understand how you can use this to your advantage and learn about the ways to migrate to Australia as a skilled professional in this read.
What are Occupation Ceilings?
An Occupation Ceiling is the restriction on the amount of Expression of Interest (EOI) or invites issued by the Australian Government for a specific occupation group.
This establishes uniformity among the different occupations made available to skilled professionals.
Until the next year, no additional invitations will be sent for the occupation group that has exceeded the limit.
Note: Ceilings do not apply to State or Territory Nominated Occupation, Employer Sponsored or Business Innovation and Investment visa subclasses.
Australia’s Top 50 Jobs in Demand in 2024-25
Rank |
Job In demand |
Occupation ID |
Occupation Ceiling 2023-24 |
1 |
Registered Nurses |
2544 |
17,859 |
2 |
Secondary School Teachers |
2414 |
8,716 |
3 |
Software and Applications Programmers |
2613 |
8,405 |
4 |
Electricians |
3411 |
8,021 |
5 |
Construction Managers |
1331 |
7,145 |
6 |
Carpenters and Joiners |
3312 |
6,812 |
7 |
Metal Fitters and Machinists |
3232 |
6,335 |
8 |
Plumbers |
3341 |
5,861 |
9 |
Motor Mechanics |
3212 |
5,205 |
10 |
University Lecturers and Tutors |
2421 |
5,042 |
11 |
Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers |
3223 |
4,866 |
12 |
Solicitors |
2713 |
4,535 |
13 |
Management consultants |
2247 |
4,526 |
14 |
General Practitioners and Resident Medical officers |
2531 |
4,257 |
15 |
Other Specialist Managers |
1399 |
4,188 |
16 |
Civil Engineering Professionals |
2332 |
3,919 |
17 |
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers |
2411 |
3,321 |
18 |
Painting Trades Workers |
3322 |
3,303 |
19 |
Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers |
2335 |
2,682 |
20 |
Database and Systems Administrators and ICT Security Specialists |
2621 |
2,667 |
21 |
ICT Business and Systems Analysts |
2611 |
2,273 |
22 |
Chefs |
3513 |
2,256 |
23 |
Computer Network Professionals |
2631 |
2,245 |
24 |
Electronics Trades Workers |
3423 |
2,047 |
25 |
Social Workers |
2725 |
1,862 |
26 |
Special Education Teachers |
2415 |
1,721 |
27 |
Bricklayers and Stonemasons |
3311 |
1,712 |
28 |
Cabinetmakers |
3941 |
1,694 |
29 |
Physiotherapists |
2525 |
1,685 |
30 |
Health and Welfare Services Managers |
1342 |
1,666 |
31 |
Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers |
2212 |
1,619 |
32 |
Air conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics |
3421 |
1,581 |
33 |
Psychologists |
2723 |
1,545 |
34 |
Medical Laboratory Scientists |
2346 |
1,536 |
35 |
Engineering Managers |
1332 |
1,474 |
36 |
Occupational Therapists |
2524 |
1,461 |
37 |
Architects and Landscape Architects |
2321 |
1,452 |
38 |
Plasterers |
3332 |
1,452 |
39 |
Electrical Engineers |
2333 |
1,348 |
40 |
Midwives |
2541 |
1,333 |
41 |
Environmental Scientists |
2343 |
1,295 |
42 |
Sports Coaches, Instructors and Officials |
4523 |
1,262 |
43 |
Animal Attendants and Trainers |
3611 |
1,239 |
44 |
Other Medical Practitioners |
2539 |
1,168 |
45 |
Medical Imaging Professionals |
2512 |
1,161 |
46 |
Other Natural and Physical Science Professionals |
2349 |
1,056 |
47 |
Accountants |
2211 |
1,000 |
48 |
Wall and Floor Tilers |
3334 |
1,000 |
49 |
Artistic Directors, and Media Producers and Presenters |
2121 |
1,000 |
50 |
Actors, Dancers and Other Entertainers |
2111 |
1,000 |
The Australian Skilled Migration program is the best pathway for a work visa to obtain employment in the country.
Covid-19 Impact Opens News Doors for Skilled Migrant Workers
To recover from the COVID-19 Impact on Australia’s economy, the government has announced 17 occupations to fill critical skills needs list, offering priority processing to Employer sponsored nomination and visa applications with an occupation on the PMSOL. Travel exemptions will be given to temporary visa holders.
Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)
The 17 occupations (ANZSCO code) are:
- Chief Executive or Managing Director (111111)
- Construction Project Manager (133111)
- Mechanical Engineer (233512)
- General Practitioner (253111)
- Resident Medical Officer (253112)
- Psychiatrist (253411)
- Medical Practitioner nec (253999)
- Midwife (254111)
- Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (254412)
- Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) (254415)
- Registered Nurse (Medical) (254418)
- Registered Nurse (Mental Health) (254422)
- Registered Nurse (Perioperative) (254423)
- Registered Nurses nec (254499)
- Developer Programmer (261312)
- Software Engineer (261313)
- Maintenance Planner (312911)
Priority processing on PMSOL applies to these employer sponsored visa subclasses:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187)
Other occupations on the skilled migration list 2024-25
Job Category |
Occupation ID |
Occupation Ceiling 2024-25 |
Actuaries, Mathematicians and Statisticians |
2241 |
1,000 |
Agricultural and Forestry Scientists |
2341 |
1,000 |
Automotive Electricians |
3211 |
1,000 |
Barristers |
2711 |
1,000 |
Boat Builders and Shipwrights |
3991 |
1,000 |
Cartographers and Surveyors |
2322 |
1,000 |
Chemical and Materials Engineers |
2331 |
1,000 |
Chemists, and Food and Wine Scientists |
2342 |
1,000 |
Child Care Centre Managers |
1341 |
1,000 |
Chiropractors and Osteopaths |
2521 |
1,000 |
Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians |
3122 |
1,000 |
Economists |
2243 |
1,000 |
Electrical Distribution Trades Workers |
3422 |
1,000 |
Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians |
3123 |
1,000 |
Electronics Engineers |
2334 |
1,000 |
Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists |
2344 |
1,000 |
Glaziers |
3331 |
1,000 |
Internal Medicine Specialists |
2533 |
1,000 |
Land Economists and Values |
2245 |
1,000 |
Life Scientists |
2345 |
1,000 |
Mining Engineers |
2336 |
1,000 |
Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers |
2612 |
1,000 |
Music Professionals |
2112 |
1,000 |
Optometrists and Orthoptists |
2514 |
1,000 |
Other Engineering Professionals |
2339 |
1,000 |
Other Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals |
2519 |
1,000 |
Panel beaters |
3241 |
1,000 |
Podiatrists |
2526 |
1,000 |
Precision Metal Trades Workers |
3233 |
1,000 |
Psychiatrists |
2534 |
1,000 |
Sheetmetal Trades Workers |
3222 |
1,000 |
Speech Professionals and Audiologists |
2527 |
1,000 |
Sportspersons |
4524 |
1,000 |
Surgeons |
2535 |
1,000 |
Telecommunications Engineering Professionals |
2633 |
1,000 |
Telecommunications Technical Specialists |
3132 |
1,000 |
Veterinarians |
2347 |
1,000 |
Different Programs for Skilled Australia Immigration
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) - The aspiring skilled migrants can opt for the Skilled Nominated program if they already have a job offer. You need to look out for a job in Australia.
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) - You can immigrate to Australia as a skilled independent. You don’t need the sponsorship of an employer, state, or family members.
Eligibility Requirements for Skilled Independent Visa in Australia
You need to score more than 65 points in 100.
Points are allotted basis your:
- Age: You need to be 18 to 45 years old to apply for this program.
- Education: The authorities prefer you if you have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or Ph.D.
- Work experience: You should have at least one year of experience in your occupation.
- Linguistic abilities: You need to prove English language proficiency.
- Health Certificate : Proof of good health from an authorized medical practitioner.
- Good conduct certificate : Verification of a clean criminal record from police authorities.
How to Apply for Professional Skilled Migration to Australia?
Step 1: Accreditation
Based on your occupation type, educational qualifications and work experience, an accrediting body determines if the same meets the Australian standards.
Once approved, you receive a letter of accreditation. Different occupations have different accrediting bodies. You may receive the decision within 2 to 3 months.
Step 2: English Language Test
You must score a minimum of 6 out of 9 on each 4 language skills: speaking, reading, writing and listening in your IELTS exam.
Step 3: EOI and ITA
With an Expression of Interest (EOI), you must apply for the visa via Skill Select.
The Australian Government must invite you to apply for the skilled visa. You can do this by placing an Expression of Interest under Skill Select.
Step 4: State Nomination Application
If your occupation is in-demand in a particular state, you can apply for the nomination of a state government. You may receive your nomination results in 1 to 4 weeks of application.
Step 5: Online Visa Application
Your application must include certified copies of your professional and work experience documents, certified translations, and other formal documents.
Step 6: Medical Exams and Police Certificates
Only undertake a medical examination by a local doctor who is registered with the Australian Embassy.
You will also be expected to provide a police certificate clearance stating that you have lived there for 12 months in the country over the last ten years.
Costs Involved
Fees Category |
Fees in AUD |
Primary Applicant |
4,115 |
Dependent above 18 years |
2,055 |
Dependent below 18 years |
1,030 |
State Sponsorship (If applicable) |
298.44 |
Medical Test Fees |
29.57 to 98.55 |
Visa Label Fees |
69.68 |
What is Australia PR Visa Processing Time in 2024?
The process takes 9 to 12 months to complete.
Other Important FAQs
What is the short-term skilled occupation list in Australia?
Known as STSOL in short, the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List includes a set of occupations due to skills shortage. The STSOL is determined by the Department of Employment and the Department of Home Affairs keeping in mind the employment growth factor. This list is reviewed every 6 months.
Which higher education courses are offered for international students in Australia?
Here are the top 10 courses available to international students coming to Australia:
- Architecture
- Agricultural Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Core Engineering
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science & IT
- Psychology
- Tourism & Hospitality
Is the University of Western Australia a good choice for international students?
Perth is a popular destination for international students. The University of Western Australia offers an excellent study environment for students. This university is located in one of the world’s most populous time zones shared with 30% of the global population.
How is the demand for skilled professionals in Australia?
Australia has faced a growing hard skills shortage in several industries over the past few years. Eligible skilled occupations in high demand are assessed by job growth in the labour market.
Currently, there’s a shortage of healthcare professionals, construction workers and in the education sector.
How do I undertake a skills assessment test in Australia?
Getting a skills assessment in Australia is a two-step process.
- Contact the relevant skills assessment authority for your occupation.
- Receive your assessment and provide a scanned copy with your application.
What is the Northern Territory nomination program in Australia?
The Northern Territory in Australia offers employment opportunities to highly qualified workers who are abreast of the technological change. The NT nomination program endorses professionals and skilled tradespeople to live and work in the regional Australian region.
Conclusion:
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) classifies occupations according to five skill levels. Each of the skill levels corresponds to education or formal work experience in the field.
Employment growth projection up to 2024:
- Skill level 1 occupations with Bachelor degree or higher qualification (up by 484,600 or 11.8 per cent)
- Skill level 2 occupations with Advanced Diploma or Diploma (83,400 or 8.1 per cent)
- Skill level 4 occupations with Certificate I or secondary education (276,000 or 8.1 per cent)
- Over 5 million jobs created through this turnover each year.
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