Top 10 Occupations Australian Immigration Is Prioritising Right Now

Australia’s skilled migration system is designed to attract talent that meets current labour market needs. With ongoing workforce shortages and economic challenges, the government has made it clear: skilled migrants are essential for Australia’s future prosperity.

If you’re considering moving to Australia, knowing which occupations are being prioritised can significantly boost your chances of visa success.

In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll cover:

• An overview of how priority occupations are selected
• Changes in immigration policy and trends (2024–2025)
• The top 10 in-demand occupations right now
• Specific visa pathways for each occupation
• Average salaries and career outlook
• What kind of candidates Australia is seeking
• How a migration agent can help you apply
• Bonus: Tips for boosting your visa application success

How Are Priority Occupations Decided?

The Australian Government updates its Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and related lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL) based on:

• Labour market needs
• Skill shortages
• Employer feedback
• Industry growth forecasts
• Regional development goals

These lists influence skilled migration visa pathways like:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
• Employer Sponsored visas (subclass 482, 186)
• Global Talent visa (subclass 858)

In 2025, the focus has shifted to critical sectors such as healthcare, technology, engineering, education, and trades.

Top 10 Occupations Australia Is Prioritising in 2025

Based on the latest policy shifts, state nomination updates, and Department of Home Affairs announcements, here are the top 10 occupations in demand right now.

1. Registered Nurses (All Specialisations)

Australia continues to face a massive shortage of healthcare workers, particularly nurses in aged care, mental health, and emergency care.

🩺 Common specialisations:

• Aged Care Nurse
• Mental Health Nurse
• Critical Care & ICU Nurse
• Medical Practice Nurse

📄 Visa pathways:

• Subclass 189, 190, 491
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482)

💰 Average Salary: $80,000 – $110,000 AUD/year

🎓 Tip: You must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and meet AHPRA standards.

2. ICT Professionals (Cybersecurity, Software, AI)

The digital economy is booming. Cyber threats are rising. Australia needs skilled professionals in cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering.

💡 In-demand roles:

• Cybersecurity Specialist
• Software Engineer
• Data Analyst
• AI/ML Specialist
• Cloud Architect

📄 Visa pathways:

• Global Talent Visa (subclass 858)
• Subclass 189, 190, 491
• Employer Sponsored 482 / 186

💰 Average Salary: $100,000 – $150,000 AUD/year

🎓 Tip: Consider targeting the Global Talent Independent (GTI) program under the DigiTech sector.

3. Electricians and Electrical Engineers

With growing investment in renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and housing, the demand for skilled electrical professionals has surged.

🔌 In-demand roles:

• General Electricians
• Electrical Engineers
• Solar Electricians
• Industrial Electricians

📄 Visa pathways:

• Subclass 190, 491 (State nomination)
• Employer Sponsored 482
• TRA skills assessment required

💰 Average Salary: $75,000 – $130,000 AUD/year

🎓 Tip: Offshore applicants must go through a skills assessment via TRA or Engineers Australia depending on the role.

4. Teachers (Secondary, STEM, Special Education)

Schools across Australia, especially in regional and rural areas, are struggling to fill teaching positions in STEM, special education, and language studies.

🏫 High-priority subjects:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Special Education
• Languages (e.g., Japanese, Indonesian, French)

📄 Visa pathways:

• Subclass 189, 190, 491
• Employer Nomination (186)
• DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreements)

💰 Average Salary: $75,000 – $115,000 AUD/year

🎓 Tip: Teachers must be accredited by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

5. Construction Managers and Civil Engineers

With major infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and renewable energy plants underway, there’s a growing need for project managers and civil engineers.

🛠️ In-demand roles:

• Construction Manager
• Civil Engineer
• Site Supervisor
• Quantity Surveyor

📄 Visa pathways:

• Subclass 189, 190, 491
• Employer Sponsored 482 / 186
• Global Talent (for senior roles)

💰 Average Salary: $90,000 – $140,000 AUD/year

🎓 Tip: Registration with Engineers Australia is essential for engineers.

6. Aged and Disability Support Workers

Australia’s ageing population is driving demand for personal care assistants and community support workers.

👵 In-demand roles:

• Aged Care Worker
• Disability Support Worker
• Community Care Worker
• Personal Carer

📄 Visa pathways:

• Subclass 491 (regional sponsorship)
• DAMA agreements
• Employer Sponsored (limited roles)

💰 Average Salary: $55,000 – $75,000 AUD/year

🎓 Tip: Having a Certificate III or IV in Individual Support or related qualifications helps your visa eligibility.

7. Plumbers and Carpenters

The housing boom and infrastructure growth have increased demand for skilled tradespeople across all states and territories.

🪚 In-demand trades:

• Plumber (General)
• Carpenter
• Roof Plumber
• Cabinet Maker

📄 Visa pathways:

• Subclass 190, 491 (State nomination)
• Subclass 482 (Employer-sponsored)
• DAMAs for regional trades

💰 Average Salary: $70,000 – $100,000 AUD/year

🎓 Tip: You’ll need to complete a skills assessment through TRA, often including a practical component.

8. Chefs and Cooks

Hospitality has been hit hard by worker shortages, especially in regional areas and tourist zones. Australia is actively recruiting experienced chefs.

👨‍🍳 In-demand roles:

• Chef (not cook)
• Pastry Chef
• Head Chef (with managerial skills)

📄 Visa pathways:

• Subclass 482 (TSS)
• Subclass 186 (ENS)
• Subclass 491 (Regional)

💰 Average Salary: $60,000 – $90,000 AUD/year

🎓 Tip: The Chef occupation is on the MLTSSL, meaning it’s eligible for more permanent visa pathways than Cooks (which may be on STSOL or DAMAs only).

9. Early Childhood Educators

A booming childcare sector and universal preschool programs are creating ongoing demand for early childhood teachers and educators.

📘 In-demand roles:

• Early Childhood (Pre-Primary) Teacher
• Childcare Centre Manager

📄 Visa pathways:

• Subclass 190, 491
• Employer Sponsored 482
• DAMA for regional childcare

💰 Average Salary: $60,000 – $85,000 AUD/year

🎓 Tip: Qualification must be approved by ACECQA and skills assessed by AITSL.

10. Medical Practitioners (Doctors, GPs, Specialists)

Australia continues to face doctor shortages, particularly in rural and remote areas. GPs, psychiatrists, and anaesthetists are among the most sought after.

⚕️ In-demand medical roles:

• General Practitioners
• Emergency Medicine Specialists
• Radiologists
• Anaesthetists

📄 Visa pathways:

• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
• Subclass 482 (TSS visa)
• Subclass 494 (Regional)

💰 Average Salary: $150,000 – $300,000+ AUD/year

🎓 Tip: You must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and often pass AMC exams.

Visa Pathways At A Glance

Tips to Strengthen Your Visa Application

1. Get your skills assessed early. Each occupation has a designated assessing body (e.g., TRA, AITSL, Engineers Australia).
2. Improve your English score. Higher IELTS/PTE scores can boost your points and employability.
3. Gain work experience. Most skilled visas require at least 2–3 years of post-qualification experience.
4. Consider regional migration. Many occupations are easier to nominate via regional areas (subclass 491, DAMA).
5. Consult a registered migration agent. They can help you plan strategically and avoid costly mistakes.

Final Thoughts

If your occupation is on the priority list, you’re in a strong position to migrate to Australia under a skilled visa program. But remember, it’s not just about being qualified. It’s about presenting a strong, complete, and compliant application.

Thousands of applications are delayed or refused every year due to:

• Incorrect documentation
• Missed deadlines
• Incomplete work histories
• Skills assessment issues
• Low points scores

That’s why many people choose to work with a migration agent in Australia, to maximise their chances and navigate the ever-changing immigration landscape.

Ready to Migrate?

If you work in one of these high-demand fields, now is the perfect time to apply. Australia is actively welcoming skilled professionals, especially those who can contribute to priority sectors and regional development.

Want a custom eligibility assessment or help with choosing the right visa pathway?

📩 Get in touch with a registered migration agent today and start your journey to Australia with confidence.