Sector snapshot: healthcare
Posted April 13, 2015, by Vivien Luu
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.
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?
According to Deloitte's Positioning for Prosperty report.
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 | Future job openings |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Care workers Registered nurses | > 12.1% | > 50,000 |
 | Doctors (GP) Psychologists Healthcare managers | > 12.1% | 10,001 - 25,000 |
| Occupational therapists Radiographers Nurse managers Midwives | > 12.1% | 5,001 - 10,000 |
| Podiatrists Anaesthetists Surgeons Psychiatrists Doctors (other) | > 12.1% | ? 5000 |
| Dental assistants Physiotherapists Paramedics Massage therapists Dentists | 8.5 - 12% | 10,000 - 25,000 |
| Dietitians Speech pathologists Nurse educators | 8.5 - 12% | ? 5000 |
| 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?
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?
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.
Vivien Luu
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.
