The Australian Labour Market for Migrants is a report published by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), designed to provide valuable insights for migrants, job seekers, and organizations interested in employment opportunities in Australia. The latest edition, released on 31 January 2025, highlights the current state of the job market, employment trends, and skill shortages affecting various industries.
Overview of the Australian Labour Market
Over the 12 months leading to November 2024, employment trends in Australia displayed significant variations across industries. While some sectors experienced strong growth, others saw a decline in job opportunities.
Industries with the Highest Employment Growth
- Health Care and Social Assistance → +70,200 jobs
- Education and Training → +54,900 jobs
- Accommodation and Food Services → +42,700 jobs
Industries with the Largest Employment Decline
- Manufacturing → −16,400 jobs
- Financial and Insurance Services → −7,800 jobs
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services → −7,200 jobs
Fastest-Growing Industries by Employment Rate
- Electricity, Gas, Water, and Waste Services → +8.0% growth
- Rental, Hiring, and Real Estate Services → +6.1% growth
- Accommodation and Food Services → +4.6% growth
- Education and Training → +4.6% growth
Top Regions for Skilled Employment
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT) → 61.0% of employees work in skilled professions such as Management, Professional Services, and Technical Trades.
- Victoria (VIC) → 54.9% skilled employment rate.
- New South Wales (NSW) → 54.0% skilled employment rate.
Migrant Employment Trends
Migrants play a significant role in the Australian workforce, particularly in states with a high demand for skilled workers.
- Western Australia has the highest proportion of overseas-born workers (42% of total employment).
- Tasmania has the lowest share of migrant employment (18%).
- The percentage of workers from non-English-speaking countries is highest in:
- Victoria (31.9%)
- Australian Capital Territory (29.6%)
- New South Wales (28.8%)
Note: English-speaking countries include the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand.
Skill Shortages in Engineering
JSA’s 2024 analysis highlights critical skill shortages in Engineering Professions, with some roles experiencing shortages in every state and territory.
High-demand Engineering Roles:
- Civil Engineers – shortages exist nationwide.
- Reliability Engineers – growing demand based on online job listings.
- Logistics Engineers – identified as an emerging occupation.
- Robotics Engineers – increasing demand due to advancements in automation and AI.
Looking Ahead
The Australian labour market continues to offer strong employment prospects, especially in healthcare, education, and engineering-related fields. However, economic indicators suggest that labour market conditions may soften, requiring careful planning for job seekers and migrants.
For a detailed breakdown of job market trends, skill shortages, and employment projections, refer to the full JSA report available on their official website.
Stay connected for upcoming updates on Skilled Visa pathways and how these employment trends impact migration opportunities.
