Nursing and Healthcare
Overview
As of 2026, the most in-demand healthcare professions in Australia include Registered Nurses (especially in acute and aged care), Midwives, General Practitioners (GPs), Allied Health Professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists), and Early Childcare / Aged Care/Disability Support Workers. Driven by an aging population, these roles offer high job security, migration pathways, and strong growth.
Top In-Demand Healthcare Professions (2026)
- Registered Nurses (RN) & Midwives: Consistently the highest demand. Shortages are projected, with a need for roughly 80,000 more nurses by 2035.
- Aged Care & Disability Support Workers: Extremely high demand due to an aging population, requiring 17,000 new workers annually.
- Allied Health Professionals:
- Physiotherapists & Occupational Therapists (OTs): Crucial for rehabilitation and chronic disease management.
- Speech Pathologists & Dietitians: High demand for specialized care and community support.
- Podiatrists: Growing need due to increased diabetes rates and preventative care focus.
- Mental Health Professionals: Psychologists and specialized mental health nurses are in high demand to combat growing mental health challenges.
- General Practitioners (GPs): High demand nationwide, with significant opportunities in regional and rural areas.
- Pharmacists: Growing demand, with roles expanding into chronic disease management.
- Allied Health Assistants: Supporting clinicians across hospitals, aged care, and community settings.
Key Factors Driving Demand
- Aging Population: Increased prevalence of chronic diseases requires more long-term care.
- Regional Shortages: Significant incentives are offered for workers willing to work outside major cities.
- Government Investment: Heavy focus on enhancing the healthcare sector through funding, such as $7.9 billion for GP access.
- Bricklayers & Plasterers: Experiencing shortages.
For professionals looking to migrate, these roles are frequently prioritized by the Australian immigration department.