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Sector Snapshot: Healthcare

As Australia’s largest employing industry, healthcare offers a tonne of jobs and is a smart career move. But what’s the best job for you? From wage comparisons to job openings, we’ve compiled an overview of the healthcare sector to give you all the facts.

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Vivien Luu

Apr 13,2015

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Thinking of joining the healthcare industry but not sure where to start? Or perhaps you’re working out your next move and want to see what areas are on the up. We’ve put together a comprehensive overview of the sector so that you can weigh up your options, compare salaries and make an informed decision about your future – so don’t wait any longer!

 

1. What does the industry look like? 

 
 

Data from Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency 2013 industry reports. 

 
Sector snapshot: healthcare

The health sector has a strong outlook for growth and great employment prospects.

According to the Department of Employment, the industry can expect to grow by 16.3% between 2013 and 2018, which equates to an additional 229,400 jobs. 

This growth can be attributed to: 

  • Australia’s ageing population
  • The National Disability Insurance Scheme
 

2. Which areas in healthcare will boom?

 
Sector snapshot: healthcare

According to Deloitte’s Positioning for Prosperty report.

 
Sector snapshot: healthcare

According to the Deloitte’s Positioning for Prosperity report.

 

3. Will it be easy to find a job?

 

Healthcare workers can expect good employment prospects, however job opportunities vary between different professions and specialties.

 

Rating            

Occupations

Future employment 
(from 2013 – 18)

Future job openings
(from 2013 – 18)

StarStarStarStarStar Care workers  
Registered nurses
> 12.1% > 50,000 
StarStarStarStarStar Doctors (GP)
Psychologists 
Healthcare managers
> 12.1% 10,001 – 25,000
StarStarStarStar Occupational therapists
Radiographers
Nurse managers 
Midwives
> 12.1% 5,001 –
10,000
StarStarStarStar Podiatrists
Anaesthetists
Surgeons
Psychiatrists
Doctors (other)
> 12.1% ? 5000
StarStarStar Dental assistants
Physiotherapists
Paramedics
Massage therapists
Dentists 
8.5 – 12% 10,000 – 25,000
StarStarStar Dietitians
Speech pathologists
Nurse educators
8.5 – 12% ? 5000
StarStar Enrolled nurses
Medical technician
Pharmacists
Optometrists
Dental hygienists
Complementary health therapists
 
5.1 – 8.4% 10,001 – 25,000
 

Data from the 2014 Australian Jobs report.

 

4. What about qualifications and training?

 
Sector snapshot: healthcare

The health industry is one of the most highly skilled sectors with many health occupations demanding a tertiary qualification. Moving into the future, this trend will continue.

In 2011, 76% of health professionals held a bachelor degree or higher.

According to projections from the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency, by 2025 between 79% and 85% of health workers will have a university education.

 

5. What’s the pay like? 

 
Sector snapshot: healthcare

Data from the 2014 Australian Jobs report.

 

7. What does my competition look like? 

 

 

Occupations

Part-time %

Female %

Median age

Ambulance officers and paramedics 14 33 40
Anaesthetists 25 25 39
Care workers, nursing support and personal 58 81 43
Care workers, special 37 68 40
Carers, aged and disabled 64 82 48
Complementary health therapists 51 69 48
Dental assistants 47 98 31
Dental hygenists, technicians and therapists 42 64 44
Dental practitioners 40 32 42
Dietitians 54 95 32
Managers, health and welfare services 14 72 49
Message therapists 61 70 37
Medical imaging professionals 23 62 35
Medical practitioner, general 20 43 43
Medical practitioner, other 17 54 44
Medical technicians 42 77 41
Midwives 53 100 47
Nurse educators and researchers 26 91 50
Nurse managers 20 88 49
Nurses, enrolled 52 91 45
Nurses, registered 48 90 43
Nursing support and personal care workers 58 81 43
Occupational therapists 37 89 31
Optometrists and orthoptists 23 56 31
Pharmacists 27 64 35
Physiotherapists 35 60 35
Podiatrists 22 49 31
Psychiatrists 25 37 45
Psychologists 32 81 41
Speech pathologists and audiologists 40 93 34
Surgeons 13 18 45

Data from the 2014 Australian Jobs report.

Interested in a career in healthcare? Get qualified to work in this growing industry with one of our online healthcare courses.

 

About the author

Viv is a writer who enjoys researching and writing about creativity, how the human mind works, and neuro processes. She values creativity above all else and admires people who pursue their career dreams, no matter the sacrifice. In her spare time, she binges on HBO shows and epic fantasy novels.

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