Introduction
Australia’s economy is booming, leading to a shortage of labours in certain occupations in Australia. To address this, the Australian government has introduced various visa options for skilled professionals to come and work in the country. Each year, Australia updates its “Occupation Shortage List” to reflect changes in the labour market, offering guidance for employers seeking skilled workers and for professionals considering new opportunities, particularly those looking to migrate to Australia.
What is the Occupation Shortage List?
The Occupation Shortage List, issued by Jobs and Skills Australia, highlights the occupations in which Australia is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. This list is reviewed annually to provide up-to-date information on current and future demands in the Australian labour market.
It serves as a valuable guide for the Department of Home Affairs in adjusting visa programs, for international students and workers to plan their study and career pathways, and for individuals considering migration to Australia to identify the most suitable pathway.
What occupations are listed in the 2024 Shortage List?
The list identifies some core industries and occupations where the demand for skilled professionals is high.
Occupations in Healthcare
Similar to previous years, Australia is still facing the shortage in healthcare system. Below are the occupations listed in the 2024 Shortage List:
- Registered Nurse
- General Practitioners
- Aged Care Workers
- Physiotherapists
- Mental Health Professionals
Construction and Engineering
Given the strong development of infrastructure, construction and engineering occupations are still consistent in the skill shortage list.
- Civil Engineers
- Construction Project Managers
- Project Builder
- Quantity Surveyors
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenter
Information Technology
Although there are many students graduating from Information Technology/Computer Science in Australia each year, IT related occupations are still in high demand.
- Software Engineers
- Developer Programmer
- Data Analysts
- Cybersecurity Specialists
- Cloud Computing Experts
Education and Training
The Australian government has implemented numerous policies to encourage Australians to pursue careers in the education sector, yet the country continues to face a persistent gap in this field. As skilled educators and teachers are crucial to support Australia’s growing population, the country continues to attract qualified professionals from abroad to work and settle in Australia. Roles in demand includes:
- Early Childhood Educators
- Primary School Teachers
- Secondary School Teachers (especially in STEM subjects)
- Special Needs Teachers
Top 20 Occupations in Shortage in 2024
The table below lists the top 20 occupations identified as being in shortage in 2024.
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation Title |
| 423111 | Aged or Disabled Carer |
| 241213 | Primary School Teacher |
| 241411 | Secondary School Teacher |
| 733111 | Truck Driver (General) |
| 341111 | Electrician (General) |
| 421111 | Child Care Worker |
| 131112 | Sales and Marketing Manager |
| 331212 | Carpenter |
| 351311 | Chef |
| 321211 | Motor Mechanic (General) |
| 271311 | Solicitor |
| 323211 | Fitter (General) |
| 133111 | Construction Project Manager |
| 261313 | Software Engineer |
| 391111 | Hairdresser |
| 253111 | General Practitioner |
| 133112 | Project Builder |
| 261312 | Developer Programmer |
| 322311 | Metal Fabricator |
| 423313 | Personal Care Assistant |
Implications for international skilled professionals
The shortage of skilled professionals in Australia presents significant opportunities for international individuals seeking employment and migration in this country.
Australia’s visa programs, including the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491), are often aligned with the Occupation Shortage List. If your occupation is listed, there are multiple pathways for migrating to Australia. For more information, contact our experienced Migration Agent at 07 30031899.
The list also offers strategies for those looking to re-skill. If you’re considering a career change, focusing on occupations in high demand could provide better job security and enhanced growth opportunities.
Implications for international students
The occupations listed above have been on the shortage list for several years, indicating that Australia may face long-term gaps in these fields. If international students are planning to study, stay, and potentially migrate to Australia, it may be beneficial to consider courses that lead to careers in these high-demand occupations.
Contact our experience Education Counsellors at 07 3003 1899 or hello@soledu.net to discuss your study plan. We will offer you free consultations and free admission processes.