Last Updated: 27th March 2026
Australia continues to face significant skill shortages across healthcare, construction, technology, education and trades, creating strong opportunities for UK workers with the right qualifications. According to the Occupation Shortage List from Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), 29% of assessed occupations (293 out of 1,022) are currently in national shortage. While that’s an improvement from 33% in 2024 and a peak of 36% in 2023, substantial gaps remain, particularly in frontline healthcare, skilled trades and teaching.
For UK workers considering a move to Australia, understanding which occupations are in demand, what they pay, and which visa pathways they open up is essential for planning a successful move.
In this guide, we cover the most in-demand occupations for 2026, the visa options available to skilled migrants, typical salary ranges and state-by-state shortages to help you identify where your skills are needed most.
Table of Contents
How Australia’s Skilled Occupation System Works
Australia uses two related but distinct systems to manage skilled migration:
The Occupation Shortage List (OSL) is produced annually by Jobs and Skills Australia. It assesses which occupations are in shortage based on employer surveys, vacancy fill rates and labour market data. An occupation is typically considered “in shortage” if employers can fill fewer than two-thirds of advertised vacancies. The OSL informs government policy, training investment and migration priorities, but it does not directly determine visa eligibility.
The Skilled Occupation Lists determine which occupations are eligible for specific visa pathways. Since December 2024, the main list for employer-sponsored migration is the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which contains 456 occupations. For points-tested visas (subclass 189 and 190), the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and related lists continue to apply.
The strongest position for a skilled migrant is when an occupation appears on both the OSL (confirming genuine labour market demand) and an eligible skilled occupation list (confirming visa eligibility). Occupations in this overlap tend to see faster visa processing, more state nomination opportunities and better employment prospects.
Key Changes for 2025/26: The New CSOL and Skills in Demand Visa
The Australian skilled migration landscape underwent its most significant overhaul in years on 7 December 2024. If you’ve been researching this topic using older guides, some of the information may be outdated. Here’s what changed:
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa was replaced by the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa. It retains the subclass 482 number but operates under a new three-tier structure based on salary:
- Core Skills stream: For occupations on the CSOL, with salaries between $73,150 and $135,000 (from 1 July 2025: $76,515 to $141,210). This is the main pathway for most skilled workers.
- Specialist Skills stream: For highly paid workers earning above the upper threshold, in any occupation (except trades workers, machinery operators, drivers and labourers). No occupation list required.
- Essential Skills stream: For lower-income essential workers. Expected to replace the current labour agreement stream (details still being finalised).
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) replaced the previous patchwork of occupation lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL) for employer-sponsored migration. The CSOL consolidates 456 occupations into a single list and also applies to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa, meaning all 456 occupations now have a pathway to permanent residency through employer sponsorship.
Work experience requirements were reduced from two years to one year for employer-sponsored visas.
These changes are broadly positive for skilled migrants, as they simplify the system and expand permanent residency pathways to more occupations.
Visa Options for Skilled Workers
The main visa pathways for skilled UK workers moving to Australia are:
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189): A points-tested permanent visa. You do not need employer sponsorship or state nomination, but you must score at least 65 points (realistically 85+ to be competitive) and your occupation must be on the MLTSSL.
Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190): A points-tested permanent visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory. Your occupation must appear on that state’s skilled occupation list. Nomination adds 5 points to your score.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491): A provisional visa for regional Australia, requiring state/territory nomination or family sponsorship. Adds 15 points. After three years of living and working in a regional area, you can apply for permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa.
Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482): The new employer-sponsored temporary visa (replacing the TSS). Allows you to live and work in Australia for up to four years. All occupations on the CSOL now have a pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 186 visa.
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186): A permanent visa for workers nominated by their employer. Available through the Direct Entry stream (using the CSOL) or the Temporary Residence Transition stream (after working on a 482 visa).
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494): For employer-sponsored workers in regional Australia. Leads to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa after three years.
Note: The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) is effectively closed to new applicants. Only transitional holders of old 457 or 482 visas remain eligible under the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
ANZSCO Skill Levels Explained
Each occupation in Australia is classified under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), with a skill level from 1 (highest) to 5 (lowest). Most skilled migration pathways require Skill Levels 1 to 3, though the new CSOL includes some Skill Level 4 roles.
| Skill Level | Qualification Required | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bachelor’s degree or higher | GPs, registered nurses, engineers, teachers, psychologists |
| 2 | Diploma or associate degree | Web developers, chefs, enrolled nurses, dental technicians |
| 3 | Certificate III or IV (trade qualification) | Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics |
| 4 | Certificate II or III | Aged care workers, dental assistants, child care workers |
Skill Level 5 occupations (requiring only short-term training) are generally not eligible for skilled migration visas and are not assessed in the Occupation Shortage List.
The Most In-Demand Occupations in Australia for 2026
Based on the current Occupation Shortage List and the Core Skills Occupation List, the following occupations are among the most consistently in demand. We’ve included typical salary ranges and the primary visa pathways for each.
| Occupation | Skill Level | Typical Salary (AUD) | Key Visa Pathways |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | 1 | $70,000 to $110,000+ | 189, 190, 482, 186 |
| General Practitioners | 1 | $180,000 to $300,000+ | 189, 190, 482, 186 |
| Aged and Disabled Carers | 4 | $50,000 to $65,000 | 482 (CSOL), 186 |
| Software Engineers | 1 | $100,000 to $155,000 | 189, 190, 482, 186 |
| Cybersecurity Specialists | 1 | $110,000 to $150,000 | 189, 190, 482, 186 |
| Civil Engineers | 1 | $85,000 to $140,000 | 189, 190, 482, 186 |
| Electricians | 3 | $80,000 to $130,000 | 189, 190, 482, 491 |
| Plumbers | 3 | $75,000 to $120,000 | 189, 190, 482, 491 |
| Carpenters and Joiners | 3 | $65,000 to $100,000 | 189, 190, 482, 491 |
| Construction Managers | 1 | $120,000 to $180,000 | 189, 190, 482, 186 |
| Secondary School Teachers | 1 | $75,000 to $110,000 | 189, 190, 482, 186 |
| Early Childhood Teachers | 1 | $65,000 to $90,000 | 189, 190, 482, 186 |
| Primary School Teachers | 1 | $70,000 to $105,000 | 189, 190, 482, 186 |
| Physiotherapists | 1 | $70,000 to $110,000 | 189, 190, 482, 186 |
| Psychologists | 1 | $80,000 to $130,000 | 189, 190, 482, 186 |
| Metal Fabricators | 3 | $60,000 to $90,000 | 482, 491 |
| Midwives | 1 | $75,000 to $110,000 | 189, 190, 482, 186 |
| ICT Business and Systems Analysts | 1 | $90,000 to $140,000 | 189, 190, 482, 186 |
Salary ranges are approximate and vary by state, employer and experience. Sources: Seek, Indeed, Payscale (2025/26 data).
Of the 293 occupations in shortage nationally, 139 have been in persistent shortage every year since 2021, indicating these are long-term structural gaps rather than temporary fluctuations. Healthcare, trades and education roles dominate this persistent shortage group.
A note on trades
Skilled trades deserve particular attention. According to the 2025 OSL, Skill Level 3 occupations (trades and technical roles) are now the hardest category to recruit in Australia, with a fill rate of just 54.3%, significantly below the national average of 70.2%. This means that for every three trade vacancies advertised, employers are only managing to fill about one and a half.
For qualified UK tradespeople, particularly electricians, plumbers, carpenters and welders, Australia offers some of the strongest demand and highest earning potential relative to the UK.
Top Industries Experiencing Shortages
Healthcare and Social Assistance
Healthcare is the single largest source of shortage occupations in Australia. Registered nurses remain in critical shortage across all states and territories, and the ageing population is driving sustained demand for aged care workers, GPs, allied health professionals and mental health practitioners. Regional areas face particularly acute shortages. The sector offers strong job security, competitive salaries, and clear permanent residency pathways.
Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, ICT business analysts and data professionals remain in strong demand. The Australian government’s target of 1.2 million tech workers by 2030 and increasing cybersecurity investment are driving continued growth. The sector is projected to need over 58,000 new positions by 2028.
Construction and Skilled Trades
Population growth, infrastructure investment and housing supply pressure have created a construction boom across Australia. Electricians face the deepest shortages, with an estimated 32,000 to 42,000 additional electricians needed by 2030 according to Jobs and Skills Australia and industry bodies. Plumbers, carpenters, welders, and construction managers are all in high demand. The federal government’s Key Apprentice Program (launched July 2025) offers AUD $10,000 in incentive payments to housing construction apprentices over the life of their apprenticeship, and regional areas often offer additional incentives to attract skilled workers.
Education and Training
Teacher shortages span all levels, from early childhood through to secondary education. There is particularly acute demand for secondary teachers in STEM subjects (mathematics, sciences, technology) and in regional and remote schools. The profession offers stable employment, good working conditions and salaries comparable to the UK, with additional incentives often available for regional placements.
Engineering
Civil, electrical and mechanical engineers are in sustained demand, driven by renewable energy projects, infrastructure development and mining sector activity. Engineering roles offer high salaries and strong permanent residency pathways, particularly through the 189 and 190 visa routes.
Jobs in Demand by State and Territory
Shortage patterns vary significantly across Australia’s states and territories. Some occupations are in national shortage, while others are concentrated in specific regions. Below is a selection of occupations in shortage in each state, based on the 2025 OSL.
New South Wales
NSW has a diverse economy centred on Sydney, with strong demand in healthcare, construction, IT and professional services. Notable shortages include:
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (various specialisations) | 2544 | 1 |
| Carpenter and Joiner | 3312 | 3 |
| Electrical Engineer | 2333 | 1 |
| Software and Applications Programmers | 2613 | 1 |
| Secondary School Teacher | 2414 | 1 |
| Gasfitter | 3341 | 3 |
| Biochemist | 2345 | 1 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technician | 3125 | 2 |
Victoria
Victoria’s job market is strengthening, with Melbourne as a major hub for healthcare, education, technology and construction. Key shortages:
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| General Practitioner | 2531 | 1 |
| Registered Nurse (various specialisations) | 2544 | 1 |
| Data Scientist | 2241 | 1 |
| Enrolled Nurse | 4114 | 2 |
| Quantity Surveyor | 2332 | 1 |
| Bricklayer | 3311 | 3 |
| Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic | 3421 | 3 |
| Pharmacy Technician | 3112 | 2 |
Queensland
Queensland is experiencing strong growth, particularly in construction, mining and healthcare. The state government has introduced a $10,000 cash incentive for construction apprentices. Shortages include:
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Midwife | 2541 | 1 |
| Software Engineer | 2613 | 1 |
| Occupational Therapist | 2524 | 1 |
| Child Care Worker | 4211 | 3 |
| Ambulance Officer | 4111 | 2 |
| Fitter-Welder | 3232 | 3 |
| ICT Quality Assurance Engineer | 2632 | 1 |
| Bus Driver | 7312 | 4 |
Western Australia
Western Australia has one of Australia’s lowest unemployment rates, driven by the mining and resources sector. The state reached record employment of 1.63 million in late 2024. Key shortages:
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer | 2335 | 1 |
| Secondary School Teacher | 2414 | 1 |
| Aged or Disabled Carer | 4231 | 4 |
| Building Inspector | 3121 | 2 |
| Emergency Medicine Specialist | 2539 | 1 |
| Joiner | 3312 | 3 |
| Gasfitter | 3341 | 3 |
| Personal Care Assistant | 4233 | 4 |
South Australia
South Australia is actively recruiting skilled workers, particularly in healthcare, defence, shipbuilding and wine production. Adelaide offers a lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne, with growing employment opportunities.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | 2544 | 1 |
| Electrician | 3411 | 3 |
| Civil Engineer | 2332 | 1 |
| Primary School Teacher | 2412 | 1 |
| Plumber | 3341 | 3 |
| Physiotherapist | 2525 | 1 |
Tasmania
Tasmania has a resilient but smaller job market. Stable unemployment rates and economic growth persist, though challenges remain in employment participation. Shortages include:
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | 2544 | 1 |
| Physiotherapist | 2525 | 1 |
| Mining Engineer | 2336 | 1 |
| Stonemason | 3311 | 3 |
| Locksmith | 3233 | 3 |
| ICT Quality Assurance Engineer | 2632 | 1 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technician | 3125 | 2 |
Regional Australia
It’s worth highlighting that shortages are often more severe in regional areas. According to the 2025 OSL, 21 occupations are exclusively in shortage in regional Australia (up from 12 in 2024). The regional vacancy fill rate is just 67.1%, compared to 71.5% in metropolitan areas. For skilled migrants, regional pathways (subclass 491 and 494 visas) offer significant advantages: 15 bonus points for points-tested visas, and a clear pathway to permanent residency after three years.
How to Check if Your Occupation Qualifies
Before making plans, you should verify two things:
1. Is your occupation on an eligible skilled occupation list?
Check the Home Affairs skilled occupation list tool to see which visa pathways your occupation is eligible for. For employer-sponsored routes, check the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
2. Is your occupation in shortage?
Check the Jobs and Skills Australia Occupation Shortage List to see whether your occupation is in shortage nationally or in specific states. Being in shortage does not guarantee a visa, but it can improve your chances, particularly for state nominations.
3. Get a skills assessment
Most visa pathways require a positive skills assessment from a designated assessing authority. The relevant authority depends on your occupation. For example: ANMAC for nurses, Engineers Australia for engineers, ACS for ICT professionals, and TRA for trades. You will also typically need evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent) and relevant work experience.
State and territory nomination lists change regularly. Always check the most current lists directly with each state’s migration authority before making decisions.
Moving to Australia for Work
If your occupation is in demand, now is a strong time to plan a move. The combination of easing (but still significant) shortages, expanded permanent residency pathways through the new CSOL, and ongoing government investment in skilled migration creates a favourable environment for qualified UK workers.
When you’re ready to start planning the logistics, our removals to Australia service can help you get your belongings there safely. We offer weekly departures from the UK, professional export packing, and full customs support, so you can focus on the visa process and job search while we take care of the move.
Get a free quote for your move to Australia, or call our team on 0800 389 0784.
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- Moving to Sydney: The Complete Relocation Guide
- Australia Customs: Prohibited and Restricted Items
This guide is for general information purposes only. Visa eligibility, occupation lists, and shortage ratings change regularly. Always verify current information directly with the Australian Department of Home Affairs and Jobs and Skills Australia before making migration decisions. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent (MARA-registered) for personalised advice on your visa options.
