Here's a bold prediction: Australia's job market is on the brink of a transformative shift, and it's healthcare and technical roles that will lead the charge. By 2035, these sectors are expected to dominate the employment landscape, but here's where it gets controversial—will the education system keep pace with this demand? Let’s dive in.
The 2025 Jobs and Skills Report, a collaborative effort between Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) and Victoria University, paints a compelling picture of the future. Using extensive economic and demographic data, the report forecasts a significant surge in employment. Australia’s workforce is projected to grow by 6.5% (approximately 961,000 jobs) in the next five years and by a staggering 13.3% (nearly two million jobs) by 2035. But this is the part most people miss: the healthcare and social assistance industry alone is set to account for more than one-fifth of all jobs by 2035, adding 541,900 new positions.
Why is this sector booming? Aging populations, increased life expectancy, and a growing emphasis on mental health are just a few factors driving this demand. For instance, consider the story of a Vietnamese nursing student at Queensland University of Technology—part of a wave of international students in healthcare fields who are already securing employment in Australia, as highlighted by the 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS).
Trailing closely behind is the professional, scientific, and technical services industry, expected to grow by 18.5% and add 250,100 jobs. This sector’s rise underscores the increasing reliance on technology and innovation across industries. Meanwhile, the retail trade sector, though projected to shrink slightly in its share of total employment, will remain one of the nation’s largest employers, reflecting its enduring importance.
Here’s a breakdown of the top five industries expected to drive job growth over the next decade:
- Healthcare and social assistance: 22.9% growth, 541,900 new jobs
- Professional, scientific, and technical services: 10.1% growth, 250,100 new jobs
- Construction: 11.9% growth, 160,900 new jobs
- Education and training: 12.4% growth, 157,700 new jobs
- Retail trade: 6.9% growth, 93,100 new jobs
This shift toward specialized, service-based fields is creating a major demand for highly skilled professionals. By 2035, registered nurses, accountants, and software developers are projected to be among the most in-demand occupations. But here’s the catch: more than half of all new jobs (54.3%) will require a bachelor’s degree or higher. This raises a critical question: Are Australia’s education and immigration policies adequately preparing the workforce for this future?
Every state and territory is expected to experience job growth, with Victoria leading the pack at 15.3% growth (nearly 580,000 new jobs). New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia are also forecast to see robust increases. Yet, as the demand for skilled workers rises, so does the need for strategic planning in education, training, and workforce development.
What do you think? Is Australia doing enough to meet the demands of its future job market? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about the future of work!
