In this post
- What jobs are in demand in Australia in 2022?
- Digital and soft skills dominating
- 1. Receptionists, administrative assistants, and customer service representatives
- 2. Sales assistants
- 3. Programmers
- 4. Registered nurses
- 5. Marketing, advertising and PR managers
- 6. Other miscellaneous labourers
- 7. Construction managers
- 8. Waiters
- Healthcare in high demand
- What jobs are the most resilient?
- Top jobs in each industry
What Jobs Are In Demand In Australia? High Demand Jobs in Every Industry
In this post Show
- What jobs are in demand in Australia in 2022?
- Digital and soft skills dominating
- 1. Receptionists, administrative assistants, and customer service representatives
- 2. Sales assistants
- 3. Programmers
- 4. Registered nurses
- 5. Marketing, advertising and PR managers
- 6. Other miscellaneous labourers
- 7. Construction managers
- 8. Waiters
- Healthcare in high demand
- What jobs are the most resilient?
- Top jobs in each industry
Wondering what jobs are in demand in Australia?
High demand jobs in Australia are spread across many different skill sets and industries. There are job opportunities for all kinds of job seekers, if you know where to look.
Though the pandemic has hit many industries hard over the last year and a half, the job market in many sectors has bounced back — and then some, particularly in healthcare.
So where are these high-demand roles? Today, you’ll discover:
- Which jobs have the highest number of job advertisements
- Which healthcare roles are most in-demand
- The most resilient jobs throughout the pandemic
- The top jobs in each industry
What jobs are in demand in Australia in 2022?
These jobs have the highest number of new job opportunities posted on major job boards.
Occupation | Job vacancies | Average salary | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|
Receptionists, administrative assistants, and customer service representatives | 11900 | $55,796 | |
Sales assistants | 9600 | $49,972 | |
Programmers | 7600
| $104,156 | |
Registered nurses | 7400 | $63,648 | |
Marketing, advertising and PR managers |
6100 | $115,648 | |
Labourers (non-construction) | 4500 | $63,648 | |
Construction managers | 4000 | $179,400 | |
Waiters | 3800 | $50,700 |
Source: National Skills Commission, Internet Vacancy Index, three-month average data, Jul-21
From LMIP Internet Vacancy Report
Salary data from JobOutlook.gov.au
Digital and soft skills dominating
After nearly eight years in recruitment, Petra Zink, Future of Work specialist and founder of ImpaCCCt, has seen “a steady increase in demand” for digital skills and roles in technology.
Some digital roles and skills, in particular, have seen a surge in demand, along with talent shortages.
These sought-after roles include “especially data science, AI, cyber security and web and mobile app development,” she says.
1. Receptionists, administrative assistants, and customer service representatives
Average salary
$55,796
Qualification: Certificate III in Business Administration
Good support workers are in demand everywhere — in all sectors, all over Australia. So, with solid skills in reception, administration and customer service, you’ll be able to find work wherever you go, whether that’s behind the desk of a glossy skyscraper or in a local physiotherapist’s office.
Looking to get into an admin support role?
Get your cover letter in ship-shape by using this example as a guide.
Cover Letter Example for Administration2. Sales assistants
Average salary
$49,972
Qualification: Certificate III in Retail
Sales assistants are the face of a retail business. In this fast-paced and sociable role, the plentiful job opportunities can take you in lots of different directions. Whether that’s a hardware store or a high-end beauty counter, you can follow your interests to something you love. The main requirements are people skills, the ability to sell, and a flair for excellent service.
Considering becoming a sales assistant?
You’ll need a great cover letter to land the job. Luckily, you can use this example as a guide.
Example Cover Letter for Retail3. Programmers
Average salary
$104,156
Qualification: Programming Courses
Computer programmers work in software development teams to design, develop and test code according to user requirements and system specifications. While the average programmer already commands a six-figure salary, you can further boost your employability (and pay packet) by learning rare, in-demand coding languages. Plus, it’s increasingly common to learn code through online courses and boot camps, perfect if you’re looking for a new career sans the new degree.
Keen on a career in coding?
Demystify the industry and learn what to expect in a tech career.
Top Careers in IT: Your Complete Career Guide + Salaries4. Registered nurses
Average salary
$99,268
Qualification: Bachelor of Nursing
Registered nurses provide medical care to their patients in collaboration with doctors, junior nurses and other medical staff. They help design, implement and observe care plans for patients or clients while maintaining critical medical and administrative records. As a nurse, your skills will always be in high demand.
Want to learn more about nursing?
Start with this guide into the different kinds of nurses, and the study options that will get you there.
Enrolled Nurse vs. Registered Nurse: Who's Who?5. Marketing, advertising and PR managers
Average salary
$115,648
Qualification: Bachelor of Applied Business (Marketing)
Though marketing, advertising and PR are distinct disciplines, these roles can overlap. Managers in this field, particularly in smaller organisations, are often in charge of all three.
Marketing, advertising and PR combine creativity with analytical thinking, and as a manager, you’ll head up the strategy and people management. A hefty set of responsibilities, and for that reason, these managers are usually seasoned professionals with plenty of experience. Fortunately, you can start as a marketing assistant — and if you’re hungry, you can work your way up in a few years.
Want an inside look into being a marketing manager?
Find out what it’s like to head up a content marketing team.
A Content Marketing Manager Shares: What's Your Job Like?6. Other miscellaneous labourers
Average salary
$63,648
The labour market is looking strong for these roles, many of which allow you to learn on the job. Some have flexible hours and high pay, so they’re great if you need to make some cash fast. This one’s an umbrella job, covering a whole range of handy and necessary jobs that keep our society running:
- Car park attendants
- Electrical or telecommunications trades assistants
- Mechanic’s assistants
- Sign erectors
- Trolley collectors
- Road traffic controllers
- Bicycle mechanics
- Crossing supervisors
- Leaflet or newspaper deliverers
- Railways assistants
- Ticket collectors or ushers
- Road traffic controllers
7. Construction managers
average salary
$179,400
Qualification: Diploma of Building and Construction
Construction managers have climbed the ladder of success in the building industry to the point where they are running entire building projects. Usually, they’ve got years of experience under their belt and a high level of skill with both building and project management. It’s possible to get an apprenticeship and start in an entry-level labourer role.
If you want to fast-track your way to a construction role, though, consider studying building with a project management specialisation.
Want to get into construction management?
Discover how to build your career up to the level of construction manager.
Building Your Construction Career: Your Information Toolkit8. Waiters
Average salary
$50,700
Qualification: Certificate III in Hospitality
In parts of Australia where hospitality can keep its doors open, job opportunities abound for waiters and front-of-house generalists. For those who love fast-paced, hands-on work in a social environment, being a waiter can be one of the most enjoyable jobs around. And if you do well, there are plenty of opportunities to upskill and move into a more senior role.
Love hospitality?
Learn the ins and outs of being a chef, and get some insights into how the hospitality industry works.
How to Become a Chef in Australia: Your Complete Guide to Hospitality CareersHealthcare in high demand
Wondering what jobs will be in demand in the future? Look no further than jobs in the healthcare and social assistance industries. This has been the most resilient sector for employment throughout the pandemic, and healthcare providers are singing out for capable workers.
The great news is that you don’t need to be a medical professional — support and administration roles are critical to the sector and in high demand.
The effects of COVID-19 have shifted our collective focus onto health and well-being. As a result, demand for health services has risen: 72.5% of occupations within this industry have returned and exceeded their pre-pandemic job vacancy levels.
Roles that are experiencing the most growth through the ups and downs of the pandemic include:
- Indigenous health workers
- Mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors)
- Occupational therapists
- Nurse educators and researchers
- Massage therapists
- Personal care workers
Work in Healthcare and Social Assistance? What the Great Resignation Means for You
Burnout is universal, but The Great Resignation looks — and feels — much different from the frontlines than from behind a desk. Find out how the Big Quit, spurred on by COVID-19, is affecting our biggest sector.
Read onWhat jobs are the most resilient?
The jobs listed here are the top-employing occupations that scored highest for resilience, based on the Australian government’s list of the top 20 most resilient occupations.
Occupation | # of workers | Average salary |
---|---|---|
1. Registered nurses | 298,354 | $99k |
2. Aged care and disability support workers | 221,390 | $65k |
3. Programmers | 153,701 | $104k |
4. Secondary school teachers | 148,301 | $99k |
5. Storepersons | 134,227 | $54k |
6. Solicitors | 94,454 | $85k |
7. Plumbers | 90,786 | $98k |
8. Management consultants | 89,657 | $107k |
9. Gardeners | 86,772 | $55k |
10. Human resource managers | 75,127 | $128k |
11. Delivery drivers | 72,527 | $52k |
12. Security officers and guards | 60,270 | $68k |
13. Database and systems administrators and ICT security specialists | 50,527 | $100k |
14. Supply and distribution managers | 48,698 | $130k |
15. Other information and organisation professionals | 48,603 | $98k |
16. Intelligence and policy analysts | 36,620 | $94k |
17. Psychologists | 36,142 | $96k |
18. Welfare, recreation and community arts workers | 36,088 | $71k |
19. Enrolled and mothercraft nurses | 34,772 | $74k |
20. Other building and engineering technicians | 34,332 | $146k |
Source:
National Skills Commission, JobOutlook.gov.au
Top jobs in each industry
If you’ve got a particular industry in mind for your job search, the Australian Jobs 2021 report has you covered. These occupations employ the most people in each sector:
In-demand jobs in the healthcare industry
- Registered nurses
- Aged carers and disabled carers
- Receptionists
- Child carers / early childhood educators
- Nursing support workers / personal care workers
In-demand jobs in the construction industry
- Carpenters and joiners
- Electricians
- Construction managers
In-demand jobs in the retail industry
- General sales assistants
- Retail managers
- Checkout operators and office cashiers
In-demand jobs in the professional, scientific and technical services industry
- Accountants
- Programmers
- Solicitors
In-demand jobs in the education and training industry
- Primary school teachers
- Secondary school teachers
- Education aides
In-demand jobs in the manufacturing industry
- Welders
- Production managers
- Packers
In-demand jobs in the financial and insurance services industry
- Bank workers
- Financial investment
- Financial brokers
In-demand jobs in the wholesale trade industry
- Storepersons
- Importers, exporters and wholesalers
- Purchasing and supply logistics clerks
In-demand jobs in the mining industry
- Drilling, miners and shot firers
- Metal fitters and machinists
- Other building and engineering technicians
In-demand jobs in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry
- Livestock farmers
- Crop farmers
- Mixed crop and livestock farmers
In-demand jobs in the hospitality industry
- Waiters
- Kitchenhands
- Bar attendants and baristas
In-demand jobs in the arts and recreation services industry
- Sports coaches, instructors and officials
- Fitness instructors
- Amusement, fitness and sports centre managers
In-demand jobs in the transport, postal and warehousing industry
- Truck drivers
- Automobile drivers
- Storepersons
In-demand jobs in the electricity, gas, water and waste services industry
- Truck drivers
- Electricians
- Electrical engineers
In-demand jobs in the administrative and support services industry
- Commercial cleaners
- Gardeners
- Domestic cleaners
In-demand jobs in the public administration and safety
- General clerks (admin assistants, receptionists, customer service representatives)
- Police
- Security officers and guards
In-demand jobs in the information, media and telecommunications industry
- Telecommunications trade workers
- Film, television, radio and stage directors
- Journalists and other writers
In-demand jobs in the rental, hiring and real estate services industry
- Real estate agents
- General clerks
- Managers
As more industries experience skill shortages, it’s the perfect time to learn more about your education pathways.
Stand out in the future by upskilling or change track with reskilling and do something you’ve always wanted to.
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