Thinking about a career change in 2026? New data has revealed the most in-demand jobs in Australia right now, with some roles paying as much as $225,000 per year on average.
Health, construction, and hospitality and tourism jobs are among the most sought-after at the moment, exclusive data from job platform SEEK has revealed. Overall, job ads are down 1.9 per cent year on year, while competition remains fierce with applications per ad remaining elevated.
SEEK senior economist Blair Chapman told Yahoo Finance healthcare was an area where “demand for workers remains robust”. Nursing and general practitioners have seen the biggest year-on-year job ad growth on the platform.
RELATED
“Despite the number of job ads declining relative to last year, Aged Care Nursing roles remain one of the most in-demand roles nationally,” Chapman said.
“Although the level of demand is not as great, demand has grown over the year for High Acuity and Theatre & Recovery Nursing roles.
“Job ads for General Practitioners have grown relatively steadily since mid 2021 and are likely to continue growing to support Australia’s growing population.”
Do you have a story to share? Contact [email protected]
According to SEEK, aged care registered nurses have an average salary of $90,000 and theatre nurses have an average salary of $100,000. Both have a projected five-year job growth of 13.9 per cent.
General practitioners have an average salary of $225,000 per year, with a projected five-year job growth of 10.2 per cent.
Job ads for aged and disability support workers also remain elevated, despite demand easing this year, with Chapman noting they would likely continue to be in demand for “some time” as Australia’s population ages.
Disability support workers have an average salary of $75,000, while aged care support workers have an average salary of $73,000. Both have a 28 per cent five-year projected growth.
Other sectors experiencing job ad growth include warehouse, storage and distribution roles, which Chapman noted was likely supported by the pickup in spending by households and the trend towards online shopping.
The easing of mortgage rates has also helped bolster demand for workers in the construction industry.
“With dwelling approvals trending up this year, we have also seen the increase for Construction Foreperson/Supervisor roles grow over the year. Demand for Construction Project Managers has also grown quickly of late,” Chapman said.
link