Top 15 Occupations in Demand in Australia in 2026

Australia's 2025–26 Migration Program allocated 132,200 places, 71% of the total 185,000 permanent visas, to the skilled migration stream. The message is clear: Australia needs skilled professionals, and occupations in demand in Australia 2026 will dominate visa invitation rounds throughout the year.

According to the 2025 National Occupation Shortage Report, 139 occupations have been in persistent shortage every year from 2021 to 2025. These shortages span healthcare, technology, engineering, education, and trades, fields where skilled migrants can fast-track PR pathways through the Skilled Occupation List Australia.

This guide reveals the top 15 jobs in Australia for migrants based on combined data from the 2025 Occupation Shortage List, state nomination priorities, and invitation round trends.

Top 15 In-Demand Occupations in Australia (2026)

• Registered Nurses (ANZSCO 2544)

Healthcare professionals topped South Australia's January 2026 invitation round with 69 invitations,  more than any other occupation group. Registered nurses remain in acute shortage across metro and regional Australia, with consistent demand for five consecutive years. Nurses qualify for Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas.

Average Salary: AUD $75,000–$95,000

• Software Engineers (ANZSCO 261313)

With NSW and ACT prioritising "Digital and Cyber" occupations in 2026, software engineers dominate ICT invitation rounds. This occupation appears on the MLTSSL, granting access to all major visa pathways, including the highly competitive Subclass 189.

Average Salary: AUD $95,000–$130,000

• Electricians (ANZSCO 341111)

Electricians are in extremely high demand across Australia, particularly in regional areas supporting infrastructure projects. Tradespeople often face lower point thresholds and receive faster state nominations than professionals in accounting or IT.

Average Salary: AUD $70,000–$95,000

• Secondary School Teachers (ANZSCO 2414)

Education professionals are heavily represented among occupations in long-term shortage. Secondary school teachers, particularly those specialising in STEM subjects, qualify for multiple visa pathways. Registration requirements vary by state.

Average Salary: AUD $70,000–$100,000

• Civil Engineers (ANZSCO 233211)

Infrastructure development across Australia, especially in Western Sydney and regional hubs, drives persistent demand for civil engineers. This occupation appears on the MLTSSL and receives regular invitation rounds.

Average Salary: AUD $80,000–$120,000

• Cybersecurity Specialists (ANZSCO 262112)

ACT's Nominated Migration Program Occupation List reports that tech security roles are dominating invitation rounds. With rising cyber threats, cybersecurity specialists command premium salaries and strong visa pathways.

Average Salary: AUD $100,000–$150,000

• Carpenters (ANZSCO 331212)

To address Australia's housing crisis, the government added specialised trade roles to the Core Skills stream. Carpenters qualify for regional and state-nominated visas with strong employment prospects across all territories.

Average Salary: AUD $65,000–$90,000

• General Practitioners (ANZSCO 253111)

Regional and metro Australia both face acute GP shortages. Qualified general practitioners enjoy some of the fastest visa processing times and lowest points thresholds due to critical workforce gaps.

Average Salary: AUD $120,000–$200,000+

• Mechanical Engineers (ANZSCO 233512)

Mechanical engineers support Australia's manufacturing, mining, and infrastructure sectors. Persistent demand across multiple states makes this a reliable pathway for skilled migration.

Average Salary: AUD $85,000–$115,000

• Early Childhood Teachers (ANZSCO 2411)

With Australia's population growth, early childhood education faces ongoing shortages. Early childhood teachers qualify for multiple state nomination programs and receive priority processing in several territories.

Average Salary: AUD $65,000–$85,000

• ICT Business Analysts (ANZSCO 261111)

As digital transformation accelerates, ICT business analysts bridge technology and business strategy. This occupation appears on the MLTSSL with consistent invitation rounds.

Average Salary: AUD $90,000–$125,000

• Plumbers (ANZSCO 334111)

Plumbers remain in shortage across metro and regional areas. Tradespeople in this field often secure employer sponsorship or state nomination with relative ease compared to professional occupations.

Average Salary: AUD $70,000–$100,000

• Data Scientists (ANZSCO 261399)

Data-driven decision-making fuels demand for data scientists across finance, healthcare, government, and tech sectors. This occupation qualifies for MLTSSL visas with strong salary prospects.

Average Salary: AUD $95,000–$140,000

• Construction Project Managers (ANZSCO 133111)

Major infrastructure projects, particularly in Parramatta (projected population 286,470 by the end of 2026) and other growth corridors, drive demand for construction project managers. Employer sponsorship opportunities are abundant.

Average Salary: AUD $100,000–$140,000

• Aged Care Workers (ANZSCO 4231)

Australia's ageing population creates a persistent demand for aged care workers across all states. While typically requiring different visa pathways than professional occupations, this field offers strong employment security and pathways through regional nomination.

Average Salary: AUD $55,000–$75,000

Key Industry Trends for 2026

Healthcare Dominates: Care roles remain difficult to fill across metro and regional Australia, with demand sustained for five consecutive years. Nurses, GPs, and aged care workers lead invitation rounds.

Regional Demand Growing: 21 occupations were in shortage only in regional Australia in 2025 (up from 12 in 2024), highlighting the importance of Subclass 491 regional pathways.

Digital and Cyber Priority: NSW and ACT have formally prioritised cybersecurity, software engineering, and ICT business analysis in the 2026 occupation lists.

How to Leverage the Skilled Occupation List

Step 1: Verify Your Occupation Match

Search your occupation on the official Skilled Occupation List. Match your job duties to the ANZSCO description; job titles alone don't count.

Step 2: Get Skills Assessment

Each occupation has a designated assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia for engineers, ACS for ICT, ANMAC for nurses). Complete your skills assessment before lodging an EOI.

Step 3: Choose Your Visa Pathway

MLTSSL occupations qualify for Subclass 189, 190, and 491. STSOL occupations typically require state nomination (190/491). Check state-specific occupation lists for nomination opportunities.

Step 4: Calculate Your Points

Use the official points calculator to determine your competitiveness. In 2026, scores of 75–90 are typical for receiving invitations across most in-demand occupations.

The Bottom Line

The occupations in demand in Australia 2026 reflect genuine workforce gaps: healthcare's ageing population pressures, infrastructure booms requiring trades and engineers, digital transformation driving ICT demand, and education workforce shortages. With 139 occupations in persistent shortage for five consecutive years, opportunities remain strong for qualified migrants.

The key is strategic positioning: matching your occupation to the Skilled Occupation List Australia, understanding state nomination priorities, and choosing visa pathways that maximise your competitive points score. In 2026, success favours those who align their profile with Australia's documented workforce needs.

For comprehensive occupation information and state-specific lists, visit the Department of Home Affairs occupation page and review individual state nomination programs.

Is Your Occupation in Demand?

At Migration Star, our registered migration agents help skilled professionals identify the fastest PR pathways based on occupation demand, state priorities, and competitive points thresholds. We match your qualifications to in-demand occupations, optimise your points score, and navigate state nomination strategies to maximise your chances of Australian permanent residency. Contact us today for a comprehensive occupation assessment and strategic migration planning tailored to the 2026 market.