We’re currently experiencing technical issues with our internet, so customers may temporarily be unable to contact us via phone or email. Our team is working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, and we thank you for your patience.
Moving overseas advice
What Jobs are in Demand in Australia: Skilled Occupation List 2026
Key takeaways
- Jobs in demand in Australia are baristas, cleaners, pharmacy assistants, warehouse workers, and customer services representatives.
- The Australian Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is an official publication by the country's government that outlines in-demand roles and training opportunities for immigrants.
- The fastest-growing jobs in Australia are AI engineers, chief risk officers, mechanical engineers, directors of artificial intelligence, and organisational development managers.
- The ANZSCO code is a six-digit classification number assigned to occupations in each nation's labour markets.
Australian Skilled Occupation List explained
The Australian Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is an official publication by the country's government that outlines in-demand roles and training opportunities for immigrants moving to Australia. It helps regulate skilled migration by selecting candidates with expertise in sector shortages.
The SOL includes each occupation's Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code, its applicable visa types, and its assessing authority.
It also breaks down each occupation into the following:
- Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): high-demand roles that qualify for independent, employer-sponsored, and state-nominated skilled visas,
- Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): occupations for short-term employer-sponsored visas with limited pathways to permanent residency,
- Regional Occupation List (ROL): in-demand roles in regional areas of Australia.
To immigrate to Australia under the skilled migration program, applicants must have their skills assessed by a Department of Home Affairs-authorised body, such as Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS), or Engineers Australia. Assessments typically include verifying qualifications, work experience, and competency in the relevant profession.
For the 2025-26 program, Australia allocated
185,000 visas
via the skilled migration stream
Fastest growing jobs in Australia
The fastest-growing jobs in Australia are AI engineers, chief risk officers, mechanical engineers, directors of artificial intelligence, and organisational development managers, according to LinkedIn Australia's Jobs on the Rise 2026.
In an ever-changing employment landscape, anticipating future trends is essential. The rise of AI continues to affect job closures, the importance of upskilling, and the creation of brand-new roles. LinkedIn Australia based their results on millions of recent job postings experiencing positive growth.
Here are the top 10 roles and their most applicable skills:
- AI engineers: machine learning, deep learning, programming (Python, R, TensorFlow), data analysis, algorithm development.
- Chief risk officers: risk assessment, regulatory compliance, financial analysis, strategic planning, crisis management.
- Mechanical engineers: CAD design, thermodynamics, material science, manufacturing processes, problem-solving.
- Directors of artificial intelligence: AI strategy, team leadership, project management, data-driven decision making, ethical AI implementation.
- Organisational development managers: change management, leadership development, talent management, organisational design, performance improvement.
- Legal directors: corporate law, contract negotiation, compliance, litigation management, risk mitigation.
- Founders: entrepreneurship, strategic planning, fundraising, business development, leadership.
- Media directors: content strategy, digital marketing, brand management, project management, audience engagement.
- Regulatory affairs consultants: regulatory compliance, documentation management, policy interpretation, risk assessment, stakeholder communication.
- Power system engineers: power system analysis, grid design, electrical engineering, protection and control systems, renewable energy integration.
What jobs are in demand in Australia in 2026?
Jobs in demand in Australia in 2026 are baristas, cleaners, pharmacy assistants, warehouse workers, customer services representatives, chefs, cabinet makers, security guards, painters, and early childhood teachers, according to Indeed Australia. The job listing website compiled a list of 40 in-demand roles across multiple sectors.
Indeed Australia's results highlight a wide range of opportunities from entry‑level and service roles to professional and technical careers. Entry‑level positions such as barista (making coffee and serving customers) and cleaner (maintaining cleanliness in buildings) appeal to those entering the workforce or seeking flexible hours.
Skilled trade and hospitality roles also feature. Chefs plan menus and prepare meals, cabinet makers design and build custom furniture, and security guards monitor premises for safety. Early childhood teachers support learning and care for young children, reflecting continued demand in education.
Here is the top 20 of Indeed Australia's in-demand roles, and their average salary*:
| Job | Average salary |
| Baristas | AU$54,168 (US$37,651/£27,397) |
| Cleaners | AU$54,505 (US$37,886/£27,567) |
| Pharmacy assistants | AU$51,291 (US$35,652/£25,941) |
| Warehouse workers | AU$55,918 (US$38,868/£28,282) |
| Customer service representatives | AU$59,425 (US$41,306/£30,055) |
| Chefs | AU$63,085 (US$43,850/£31,907) |
| Cabinet makers | AU$65,455 (US$45,497/£33,105) |
| Security guards | AU$41,518 (US$67,413/£30,210) |
| Painters | AU$69,061 (US$48,003/£34,929) |
| Early childhood teachers | AU$69,370 (US$48,218/£35,085) |
| Mechanics | AU$71,742 (US$49,867/£36,285) |
| Sales assistants | AU$56,704 (US$39,414/£28,679) |
| Industrial engineers | AU$81,716 (US$56,800/£41,330) |
| Carpenters | AU$75,633 (US$52,572/£38,253) |
| Plumbers | AU$78,408 (US$54,501/£39,657) |
| Gardeners | AU$61,619 (US$42,831/£31,165) |
| Delivery drivers | AU$74,151 (US$51,541/£37,504) |
| Registered nurses | AU$79,118 (US$54,994/£40,016) |
| Truck drivers | AU$71,756 (US$49,877/£36,292) |
| Occupational therapists | AU$85,785 (US$59,628/£43,388) |
*Salaries and exchange rates accurate as of 2026
What is the skilled occupation list for Australia?
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for Australia lists over 600 occupations in demand nationwide. It helps determine eligibility for skilled migration visas, ensuring Australia's workforce meets current and future economic needs. The SOL is updated yearly to reflect job market changes and address skill shortages.
ANZSCO skill level
The range and difficulty of a particular occupation's expected tasks determine its ANZSCO skill level, measured by formal education and training, on-the-job training, and previous work experience. Generally, the more complex the tasks, the higher the skill level required.
ANZSCO skill levels range from 1 to 5:
Skill level 1 (doctors, engineers, IT professionals): a bachelor's or postgraduate degree and, in some cases, relevant work experience or at least five years of relevant experience.
Skill level 2 (paramedics, police officers, construction managers): a NZ registered diploma, AQF associate degree, advanced diploma, diploma or equivalent qualification, and, in some cases, relevant work experience or at least three years of relevant experience.
Skill level 3 (electricians, chefs, mechanics): a NZ register level 4 qualification, AQF certificate IV or AQF Certificate III, including at least two years of on-the-job training or equivalent qualification, and, in some cases, relevant work experience or, at least three years of relevant experience.
Skill level 4 (retail supervisors, truck drivers, security officers): a NZ register level 2 or 3 qualification or AQF Certificate II or III and, in some cases, relevant work experience or at least one year of relevant experience.
Skill level 5 (cleaners, kitchen hands, labourers): a NZ register level 1, AQF Certificate I, compulsory secondary education or equivalent qualification, and, in some cases, relevant work experience.
What is ANZSCO code?
The ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code is a six-digit classification number assigned to occupations in each nation's labour markets. ANZSCO serves various statistical purposes and programs that support government policy, including the Census of Population and Housing, and the skilled migration program.
Applicants with relevant skills and experience must nominate an occupation and include its specific ANZSCO code when applying for an Australian visa.
Each code provides detailed information, including:
- Job title and description
- Necessary qualifications and experience
- Skill level and specialisations
For example:
- Software Engineer – ANZSCO 261313 (Skill Level 1)
- Registered Nurse – ANZSCO 254499 (Skill Level 1)
- Electrician – ANZSCO 341111 (Skill Level 3)
ANZSCO categorises occupations into eight major groups: managers, professionals, technicians and trade workers, community and personal service workers, clerical and administrative workers, sales workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers. These main groups are then broken down into increasingly smaller sub-categories before resulting in the specific occupation.
To search for an ANZSCO code, visit the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website.
Learn more about moving to Australia
Removals to Australia
Our MoveCube® dedicated shipping container and moving services make removals to Australia stress-free.
Moving to Australia from UK
To move to Australia from the UK, you must apply for an Australian visa, pick a region to live in, secure employment, and ship your belongings.
Australia customs declaration: B534 form
Australia's B534 form is a mandatory document for those returning or moving to Australia that allows you to import personal effects tax-free. Learn more.
Moving to Australia
If you're considering moving to Australia, read our essential guide and learn everything from emigrating tips to finding a job and booking removals to Australia to understanding the culture.
Sign up to find outmore about our MoveCube®!
Looking for safe and secure international shipping and removals?