We reveal the top 50 needed occupations on the Skilled Occupation Shortage List that give you the best chance of getting a PR visa invitation for migrating to Australia

 

Are your skills in high demand in Australia? Check below to see jobs that are most needed in Australia in 2023. With the coronavirus pandemic ending and Australia looking to get its economy back on track, this is the best opportunity for improving your job chances and moving to Australia in years. Australia is currently experiencing a national skills shortage in several occupations. The government plans to fill this gap by training local Australians and recruiting immigrants.

The Skilled Migration Programme lists jobs in Australia for foreigners and has largely been on hold since March 2020. It is now, however, being given a reboot as Australia looks to fill numerous vacancies. The net overseas migration is forecasted to be 400,000 in 2023-23 and 315,000 in 2023-24.

So if your dream of starting a new life down under has been on hold, now is the time to revive it and see when job opportunities are available in Australia.

We have compiled an updated list of the top 50 jobs most in demand for migrants in Australia for 2023, based on the previously released Occupation Ceilings for the Skilled Migration Shortage List. Whilst this has not been updated recently, it still gives a very good indication of the work opportunities available.

We also highlight the top 10 critical skills shortages as just released by the Australian government. They reveal the areas with the greatest job opportunities in the immediate future.

Latest Update

The ​​​​Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL), which was released during the coronavirus epidemic, has effectively been scrapped, and the webpage has been removed from the Australian Home Affairs website. However, the highest priority for employer-sponsored visas will now be healthcare or teaching professionals, followed by applications lodged by approved sponsors with accredited status. The next priority is for regional sponsored roles.

27 job roles have been removed from the PMSOL list, including ICT security specialists, analyst programmers, developer programmers, software engineers, software and applications programmers, chief executives, accountants, engineers, veterinarians and chefs. However, these roles are still in high demand and can be applied via the usual Skilled Migration route.

Would you like information on job vacancies and visa sponsorship if you’re moving to Australia? Click Here

Moving to Australia for work – the most needed jobs for immigrants

There has always been an attraction for non-Australian residents looking to work there. Much of that concerns the lifestyle, the salary and, obviously, the stunning weather. Australia has always had a transparent and fair policy on immigration. It welcomes foreign and migrant workers, so if you plan a move down under and meet the criteria, you’ll feel more than accepted.

With international travel to Australia resumed, many migrants and job seekers are beginning the application process now as the Australian economy starts to recover.

In fact, thousands of migrant workers try to apply for a working visa in Australia every year. The best way you can secure employment and a work-based visa is through the Australian Skilled Migration program. This applies to the occupations listed in the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) – Australia’s job shortage list.

The list is updated regularly by the DoHA, and there are over 200 occupations on there. This list governs the job shortage areas where migrant skilled workers are most sought after in the country, so you can see if your skills are in demand in the Land of Oz.

Although there are a high number of UK migrant workers in the country, it’s important to remember that the job shortage list is not just for the UK but for foreigners all over the world. Before we go any further and discuss some of the occupations and industries where there is the most demand for migrant workers, it may be worth explaining what is precisely meant by the term ‘occupation ceilings’, as it’s likely to be unfamiliar to many.

The Top 10 Jobs With Critical Shortages in Australia (2023-2027)

1. Construction managers
2. Civil engineering professionals
3. Early childhood teachers
4. Registered nurses
5. ICT (information and communications technology)
6. Software and applications programmers
7. Electricians
8. Chefs
9. Child carers
10. Age and disability carers

The above high-demand list was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. These occupations are expected to be most in need over the next 5 years and so the government is looking to attract skilled foreign workers to help fill the gap.

Would you like information on jobs and visas if you’re moving to Australia? Click Here

The Top 50 Jobs Most In-Demand for Migrants in Australia 2023

The top 50 jobs below are based on the Occupation Ceilings, which are a restriction on the amount of Expression of Interest (EOI) or invites that will be issued by the Australian Government for a particular occupation group. Whilst these figures for  have not been updated recently, they still provide a reliable source of in-demand occupations.

Rank	Job Category	Occupation ID	Occupation Ceiling
1	Registered Nurses	2544	17,859
2	Secondary School Teachers	2414	8,716
3	Software and Applications Programmers	2613	8,405
4	Electricians	3411	8,021
5	Construction Managers	1331	7,145
6	Carpenters and Joiners	3312	6,812
7	Metal Fitters and Machinists	3232	6,335
8	Plumbers	3341	5,861
9	Motor Mechanics	3212	5,205
10	University Lecturers and Tutors	2421	5,042
11	Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers	3223	4,866
12	Solicitors	2713	4,535
13	Management consultants	2247	4,526
14	General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers	2531	4,257
15	Other Specialist Managers	1399	4,188
16	Civil Engineering Professionals	2332	3,919
17	Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers	2411	3,321
18	Painting Trades Workers	3322	3,303
19	Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers	2335	2,682
20	Database and Systems Administrators and ICT Security Specialists	2621	2,667
21	ICT Business and Systems Analysts	2611	2,273
22	Chefs	3513	2,256
23	Computer Network Professionals	2631	2,245
24	Electronics Trades Workers	3423	2,047
25	Social Workers	2725	1,862
26	Special Education Teachers	2415	1,721
27	Bricklayers and Stonemasons	3311	1,712
28	Cabinetmakers	3941	1,694
29	Physiotherapists	2525	1,685
30	Health and Welfare Services Managers	1342	1,666
31	Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers	2212	1,619
32	Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics	3421	1,581
33	Psychologists	2723	1,545
34	Medical Laboratory Scientists	2346	1,536
35	Engineering Managers	1332	1,474
36	Occupational Therapists	2524	1,461
37	Architects and Landscape Architects	2321	1,452
38	Plasterers	3332	1,452
39	Electrical Engineers	2333	1,348
40	Midwives	2541	1,333
41	Environmental Scientists	2343	1,295
42	Sports Coaches, Instructors and Officials	4523	1,262
43	Animal Attendants and Trainers	3611	1,239
44	Other Medical Practitioners	2539	1,168
45	Medical Imaging Professionals	2512	1,161
46	Other Natural and Physical Science Professionals	2349	1,056
47	Accountants	2211	1,000
48	Wall and Floor Tilers	3334	1,000
49	Artistic Directors, and Media Producers and Presenters	2121	1,000
50	Actors, Dancers and Other Entertainers	2111	1,000

Would you like information on jobs and visas if you’re moving to Australia? Click Here

As you can see, there is a wide range of jobs covering every sector you can imagine so, if you are planning your move to Australia in the next year or so, there’s really no limit to the types of professions being accepted – and of course these change year to year.

Australia needs to kick-start its economy and return to economic growth. Many experts believe inviting migrants and foreigners to fill skill shortages is one of the best ways.

If you have a specific qualification that is not in demand, then with a top-up or booster course, you could change your skill level and become eligible to apply for one of the jobs on the list.

For example, suppose you are a primary school teacher in the UK. In that case, you may be able to access a Train to Teach course, which will provide you with the needed Qualified Teacher Status to teach secondary school children, a high-demand occupation.

New Critical Skills Required for Covid-19 Recovery on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List

Would you like information on jobs and visas if you’re moving to Australia? Click Here

The Australian Government announced a critical skills list of job roles urgently needed to help the country recover from Covid-19.  People with these skills in the medical, IT and construction sectors can fast-track their visa application and apply for travel restrictions exemption to enter Australia. This overcomes the most significant barrier for migrants during the coronavirus epidemic. The list has been expanded since it was originally launched and more occupations are expected to be added over time.

However, with the end of Covid restrictions and the reopening of the Skilled Migration Programme, the Australian government has effectively scrapped this list. These roles are, however, still very much in demand in 2023 and onwards.

The current 44 occupations (ANZSCO code) on ​​​​The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) were:

• Chief Executive or Managing Director (111111)
• Construction Project Manager (133111)
• Accountant (General) (221111)
• Management Accountant (221112)
• Taxation Accountant (221113)
• External Auditor (221213)
• Internal Auditor (221214)
• Surveyor (232212)
• Cartographer (232213)
• Other Spatial Scientist (232214)
• Civil Engineer (233211)
• Geotechnical Engineer (233212)
• Structural Engineer (233214)
• Transport Engineer (233215)
• Electrical Engineer (233311)
• Mechanical Engineer (233512)
• Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) (233611)
• Petroleum Engineer (233612)
• Medical Laboratory Scientist (234611)
• Veterinarian (234711)
• Hospital Pharmacist (251511)
• Industrial Pharmacist (251512)
• Retail Pharmacist (251513)
• Orthotist or Prosthetist (251912)
• General Practitioner (253111)
• Resident Medical Officer (253112)
• Psychiatrist (253411)
• Medical Practitioners nec (253999)
• Midwife (254111)
• Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (254412)
• Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) (254415)
• Registered Nurse (Medical) (254418)
• Registered Nurse (Mental Health) (254422)
• Registered Nurse (Perioperative) (254423)
• Registered Nurses nec (254499)
• Multimedia Specialist (261211)
• Analyst Programmer (261311)
• Developer Programmer (261312)
• Software Engineer (261313)
• Software and Applications Programmers nec (261399)
• ICT Security Specialist (262112)
• Social Worker (272511)
• Maintenance Planner (312911)
• Chef (351311)

 

The Top Occupations In Demand in Australia 2023

Nurses and Medical Staff

There are a lot of different factors that come into play and mean that Australia is a suitable destination for any registered nurse or other medical staff looking for somewhere to move to and work. Due to it being a growing industry coupled with the fact that there are quite a number of nurses and medical employees who will be reaching retirement age soon, there is an increased demand for nurses, giving high occupational ceilings for roles in this sector.

The healthcare industry overall has had the biggest increase and growth in 5 years, and this is expected to continue through 2023 and beyond. The occupations in this industry that are the most in demand are registered nurses, disabled and aged carers, personal care workers, receptionists and nursing support.

Software Programmer and IT

There is currently a growing and critical need within the tech industry for software developers of various abilities, such as those experienced in user experience, mobile and back-end design, front end and full stack developers. In fact, according to a report from last year,  9 of the most advertised jobs out of a list of 15 were for UI/UE designers, software engineers and developers.

Trades and Construction

Given that the construction industry always has a demand, especially for technicians and trade workers such as electricians, carpenters, joiners and plumbers, it’s not surprising that these rank so highly on the most in demand list of professions. There has also been a demand for non-skilled labourers too. So, if you are experienced in this kind of work, you will have an easier time finding work.

Teachers

Although in the past there was a huge demand for migrant primary school teachers in Australia, that has changed in recent years. There are still options for migrants looking to work in teaching though, particularly in secondary schools in more regional parts of the country. That is why it still ranks so highly in the occupational ceilings list.

It is even the case that many qualified teachers from Australia need to go out to the regional parts of the country for their first employer. Within this group, the least in demand is undoubtedly inner city female primary school teachers.

White Collar Management/Professionals

Just as is the case with software developers, there is a growing demand for various white-collar management and professional positions. Including the likes of those involved in marketing, advertising and accounting. Therefore, if you have experience and qualifications in these kinds of positions, you are likely to find it easier to land a job.

Migration has always favoured skilled workers in Australia, so if you have a management or professional role or skill involved in this area, you are in good standing for employment.

Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers

Motor mechanics are in demand all across Australia and if you are in a specialist area such as automotive electrician, automatic transmission mechanic, automotive air-conditioning mechanic or brake mechanic, even better.

This category also includes other trades such as metal machinists, sheet metal workers, panel beaters, welders, fitters and metal fabricators, although demand for particular specialisations varies across different Australian states.

Engineers

Although it may not feature as highly in the list of the industry and professions with the most demand for migrant workers, there is still a huge demand for skilled and qualified engineers of all kinds.

This includes mechanical, industrial, electronics, transport and electrical engineers.

Farmers

Whilst, like many Western countries, Australia has a demand for temporary farm labourers to help with mundane tasks such as crop picking, there are also many opportunities for more highly skilled agricultural workers.

No matter whether you’re a dairy or mixed crop farmer you’ll find farming on an unimaginable scale in Australia with good salaries to match.

However, this year the number of livestock farmers on the list has been cut from 5934 in 2019 to 0. It is in fact the only job category to be removed from the list so we are wondering whether it is an administrative error as farmers and agricultural workers are still needed in Australia.

Other occupations on the skilled migration list 2023

In total there are over 200 occupations listed on the Skilled Migration list, including some specialist jobs with low ceilings where you may still have a good chance of being accepted if you have the right specialist skills and there are fewer people applying.

Here is a list of some such occupations and their previous occupation ceiling:

Job Category	Occupation ID	Occupation Ceiling
Actuaries, Mathematicians and Statisticians	2241	1,000
Agricultural and Forestry Scientists	2341	1,000
Automotive Electricians	3211	1,000
Barristers	2711	1,000
Boat Builders and Shipwrights	3991	1,000
Cartographers and Surveyors	2322	1,000
Chemical and Materials Engineers	2331	1,000
Chemists, and Food and Wine Scientists	2342	1,000
Child Care Centre Managers	1341	1,000
Chiropractors and Osteopaths	2521	1,000
Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians	3122	1,000
Economists	2243	1,000
Electrical Distribution Trades Workers	3422	1,000
Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians	3123	1,000
Electronics Engineers	2334	1,000
Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists	2344	1,000
Glaziers	3331	1,000
Internal Medicine Specialists	2533	1,000
Land Economists and Valuers	2245	1,000
Life Scientists	2345	1,000
Mining Engineers	2336	1,000
Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers	2612	1,000
Music Professionals	2112	1,000
Optometrists and Orthoptists	2514	1,000
Other Engineering Professionals	2339	1,000
Other Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals	2519	1,000
Panelbeaters	3241	1,000
Podiatrists	2526	1,000
Precision Metal Trades Workers	3233	1,000
Psychiatrists	2534	1,000
Sheetmetal Trades Workers	3222	1,000
Speech Professionals and Audiologists	2527	1,000
Sportspersons	4524	1,000
Surgeons	2535	1,000
Telecommunications Engineering Professionals	2633	1,000
Telecommunications Technical Specialists	3132	1,000
Veterinarians	2347	1,000

Would you like information on jobs and visas if you’re moving to Australia? Click Here

How to get a visa if your occupation is not on the list

Before you submit your Expression of Interest form it is very important that you do your research and seek advice from experts. Our article on How to make a successful EOI application on Skillselect will help you get started. It also provides contact details for reliable registered MARA visa agents.

Don’t despair if your role is not on the most wanted list or if you don’t receive an invitation.

These occupation ceilings do not apply to State or Territory Nominated, Employer Sponsored or Business Innovation and Investment visa subclasses. So don’t panic if your job is not on the list – there may be other options available.

The best route to getting a visa is being sponsored by an employer. The Employer Nomination Scheme visa lets skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer, live and work in Australia permanently. If you have a job offer it greatly increases your chances of success.

Once you’ve got your job offer you can find out more about moving to Australia and shipping your belongings too.

But we, at PSS International Removals, are in touch with a number of employers and recruiters actively looking to find skilled workers in the UK looking to move to New Zealand, Canada or elsewhere in the world.

If you would like us to put you in touch, then complete this form on our website detailing your skills and requirements. We will then forward your details in confidence and we take no payment for this service.

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