Jobs on the Rise: Unemployment Rate Drops

Good news for job seekers: Australia’s labour market is showing strong resilience. According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), unemployment remains low, and hiring across key industries continues to climb.

If you’re thinking about changing careers, upskilling, or returning to the workforce, now is a smart time to act. Let’s unpack the latest trends—and where the opportunities are emerging in 2025.

Australia’s Unemployment Rate: Where We Stand Now

As of Q1 2025, Australia’s national unemployment rate is steady at around 4.1%–4.4%. This reflects a slight increase from the historic post-pandemic low of 3.5% in 2023, but it still signals a tight and healthy job market by international standards.

State-by-State Overview:

• Victoria & NSW: Unemployment is hovering around 4.2–4.5%, supported by growth in construction, healthcare, and education sectors.
• Queensland: While regional areas face some employment challenges, tourism, energy and logistics continue to support job creation.
• Western Australia & NT: Resource-rich regions are seeing renewed hiring in mining, energy, and skilled trades.
• ACT: Remains among the lowest in the country due to strong public sector employment.

Compared to other OECD countries, Australia’s labour market remains one of the strongest. In contrast, the OECD average unemployment rate remains around 5.7% as of 2024–2025.

Where Are the Jobs in 2025?

Australia’s hiring rebound is not uniform across all industries—but many sectors are growing rapidly, creating skill shortages and career opportunities for qualified candidates.

Top Sectors Driving Growth:

• Health care and social assistance – Continues to be Australia’s largest and fastest-growing sector. Explore roles in aged care, disability support, and nursing.
• Construction and infrastructure – Public and private investments are boosting demand for tradespeople, project managers, and site engineers.
• Education and training – Increased enrolments and teacher shortages have led to demand for qualified educators across early childhood, primary, and vocational sectors.
• Technology and IT – Cybersecurity, data analytics, and cloud computing remain areas of high demand. Explore IT courses to get started.
• Green energy and sustainability – The clean economy is creating new roles in renewable energy, ESG strategy, and environmental science.

Recruitment firms including Hays and SEEK have also highlighted emerging demand for commercial analysts, business development professionals, estimators, and specialist IT talent in both corporate and government sectors.

Are Skill Shortages Coming Back?

Yes—and they’re already here in many industries.

With borders reopening post-pandemic and migration stabilising, Australia is once again feeling the pressure of skill shortages, particularly in trades, health, and regional industries. Workforce participation is high, but not all job seekers have the training required for high-growth roles.

As a result, upskilling—especially through short, nationally recognised online courses—is becoming the key to unlocking new job opportunities.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re:

• New to the workforce
• Returning after a break
• Looking to pivot careers
• Seeking promotion or a pay rise

Now is the time to explore pathways that align with current market needs. Flexible online learning makes it easier than ever to qualify for new opportunities without stepping away from existing work or personal commitments.

Start with these popular options:

• Health & aged care courses
• Education & teaching pathways
• Business and finance qualifications
• Information technology training
• Project management certification

Final Takeaway

Despite global uncertainty, Australia’s job market is in a strong position. With demand in key sectors outpacing supply, workers with the right qualifications and mindset are well placed to grow their careers in 2025 and beyond.

Explore online courses that align with your goals, fill real-world skill gaps, and open doors in Australia’s evolving workforce.