Australia’s Most In-Demand Jobs for Skilled Migration in 2026

Australia remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for skilled migrants, offering strong economic stability, high living standards, competitive salaries, and clear pathways to permanent residency. As Australia moves through 2026, the demand for skilled workers continues to exceed local supply across multiple sectors. This sustained skills shortage creates excellent opportunities for qualified overseas professionals seeking to migrate under Australia’s skilled visa programs.

Whether you are considering the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491), or employer-sponsored options, understanding which occupations are in highest demand can significantly improve your chances of success.

This blog explores Australia’s most in-demand jobs for skilled migration in 2026, the industries driving these shortages, salary expectations, and practical advice to help you plan your migration journey.

Understanding Skilled Migration Demand in Australia

Australia identifies skill shortages using labour market data, occupation shortage assessments, and visa nomination trends. Occupations that appear consistently on skilled occupation lists and receive regular state or employer nominations are considered high priority.

However, demand is not only about being listed. Priority is often given to occupations that support essential services, national infrastructure, healthcare, digital transformation, and long-term economic growth. Migrants who align their skills with these national priorities tend to receive better visa outcomes.

1. Healthcare and Social Assistance – The Highest Priority Sector

Why Healthcare Is in Demand

Australia’s ageing population, population growth, and expanding healthcare needs have created persistent shortages across nearly all healthcare professions. Healthcare remains the strongest and most reliable pathway for skilled migration in 2026.

Key Healthcare Roles in Demand

• Registered Nurses (including aged care, mental health, medical-surgical, and emergency nursing) 
• General Practitioners and Medical Doctors, especially in regional and rural areas 
• Midwives 
• Allied Health Professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and radiographers 
• Medical Laboratory Scientists and Resident Medical Officers 

Healthcare professionals often benefit from priority processing, strong state nomination support, and clearer pathways to permanent residency.

Typical salaries:
Registered nurses generally earn between AUD 85,000 and AUD 120,000, while doctors and specialists can earn significantly more depending on experience and location.

2. Technology and Digital Professionals – Rapid and Ongoing Growth

Why Tech Skills Remain Critical

Australia’s digital economy continues to expand rapidly, driving demand for professionals who can support innovation, cybersecurity, data analysis, and enterprise systems. While some areas of IT experience fluctuations, specialised and high-skill technology roles remain in strong demand nationwide.

Most In-Demand IT Roles

• Software Engineers and Developers 
• Cybersecurity Specialists 
• ICT Business and Systems Analysts 
• Data Scientists and Database Administrators 
• Cloud and DevOps Engineers 

Technology professionals are well-positioned for points-tested skilled visas as well as employer sponsorship, particularly in states investing heavily in digital transformation.

Typical salaries:
Most tech professionals earn between AUD 90,000 and AUD 140,000, with senior and niche specialists earning more.

3. Engineering and Construction – Powering National Growth

Why Engineers Are in Demand

Major infrastructure projects, renewable energy development, housing construction, and transport upgrades across Australia continue to fuel demand for engineers and construction professionals. These projects are expected to extend well beyond 2026, ensuring long-term demand.

High-Demand Engineering Occupations

• Civil Engineers 
• Electrical Engineers 
• Mechanical Engineers 
• Structural Engineers 
• Construction Project Managers 
• Quantity Surveyors 

Engineers are consistently prioritised across skilled migration programs, with strong opportunities in both metropolitan and regional Australia.

Typical salaries:
Engineering salaries usually range from AUD 90,000 to AUD 150,000, depending on discipline, experience, and location.

4. Trades and Skilled Workers – Strong Regional Opportunities

Why Trades Are in Demand

Australia faces a critical shortage of qualified tradespeople, particularly in construction, electrical, automotive, and mechanical trades. These shortages are most acute in regional areas, making trades an excellent option for regional migration pathways.

Most In-Demand Trades

• Electricians 
• Plumbers 
• Carpenters and Joiners 
• Motor Mechanics and Automotive Technicians 
• Metal Fitters, Welders, and Machinists 
• Construction Supervisors and Managers 

Tradespeople often have access to employer sponsorship and regional visas, with many states actively encouraging applications in these occupations.

Typical salaries: Skilled trades workers earn approximately AUD 70,000 to AUD 120,000, with higher earnings possible through overtime and specialised skills.

5. Education and Training Professionals

Why Educators Are Needed

Population growth, teacher retirements, and expansion of early childhood education have led to shortages across the education sector. Teachers willing to work in regional or high-growth areas are particularly sought after.

Key Teaching Roles

• Secondary School Teachers 
• Early Childhood Teachers 
• Special Education Teachers 
• Vocational Education and Training Instructors 

Teaching professionals often receive state nomination support and can access stable, long-term career opportunities.

Typical salaries:
Teachers generally earn between AUD 75,000 and AUD 110,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

6. Hospitality and Accommodation Services

Why Hospitality Remains Relevant

Hospitality continues to experience labour shortages due to tourism recovery and workforce turnover. While not always highlighted, skilled hospitality roles remain important for employer-sponsored migration pathways.

High-Demand Hospitality Roles

• Chefs 
• Cooks 
• Hotel and Restaurant Managers 

Hospitality occupations can offer practical migration options for applicants with relevant qualifications and Australian or overseas experience.

Typical salaries:
Chefs and hospitality managers earn approximately AUD 65,000 to AUD 100,000.

Skilled Migration Pathways to Consider in 2026

Prospective migrants should carefully evaluate which visa option best suits their occupation and circumstances:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Points-tested, no sponsorship required. 
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Requires state or territory nomination. 
• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): Encourages migration to regional Australia. 
• Employer-Sponsored Visas: Suitable for applicants with job offers from Australian employers. 

Each pathway has different eligibility criteria, occupation lists, and points thresholds.

Tips for a Successful Skilled Migration Strategy

• Complete your skills assessment early through the relevant assessing authority. 
• Monitor state nomination lists, as priorities vary by state. 
• Consider regional Australia, where demand is often higher and visa requirements more flexible. 
• Plan long-term, focusing on occupations with sustained demand rather than short-term trends. 

Final Thoughts

Australia’s skilled migration outlook for 2026 is strong, particularly for professionals in healthcare, technology, engineering, trades, and education. By aligning your skills with Australia’s workforce needs and choosing the right visa pathway, you can significantly improve your chances of securing permanent residency.

With careful planning, the right qualifications, and up-to-date migration knowledge, Australia continues to offer life-changing opportunities for skilled migrants ready to contribute to its future.