Sector snapshot: healthcare

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  (from 2013 – 18)	Future job openings (from 2013 – 18)
	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? 

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.