Sector Snapshot: Healthcare

Thinking about starting a career in healthcare? Or looking to switch roles within the sector? You’re not alone—and you’re right on time. As one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries, healthcare is bursting with job opportunities across clinical, administrative and community-based roles.

In this snapshot, we break down the latest trends, growth areas, qualifications and job outlooks so you can make an informed move toward a rewarding and future-proof career.

1. What Does the Healthcare Industry Look Like in 2025?

The Australian healthcare sector continues to experience strong, long-term growth. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, healthcare and social assistance is the country’s largest employing industry—projected to create over 300,000 new jobs by 2026.

Key drivers of this growth include:

• Australia’s ageing population
• Increased investment in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
• Ongoing mental health support demand
• Expansion of regional and telehealth services

Whether you’re interested in hands-on patient care, mental health, administration or allied health, there’s no shortage of opportunity.

2. Which Healthcare Roles Are in High Demand?

Several professions are seeing strong job growth, especially those supporting ageing, mental health and disability services. According to the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, these are among the most in-demand roles in 2025:

• Registered and Enrolled Nurses
• Aged and Disability Carers
• Psychologists and Mental Health Support Workers
• Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech Pathologists
• Community Services and Case Managers

Also in high demand: medical imaging professionals, dental assistants, and healthcare administrators.

3. Will It Be Easy to Find a Job?

Healthcare offers strong employment prospects overall, but demand varies by profession, location and qualification level. Regional and remote areas continue to face workforce shortages, particularly in aged care, nursing and mental health services.

If you’re flexible about location or open to retraining, your job prospects are even better. Many healthcare providers now offer traineeships and graduate pathways for early career entrants.

Tip: Upskilling with a nationally recognised healthcare course can significantly boost your employability and open doors across multiple specialisations.

4. What Qualifications Do You Need?

The healthcare industry is one of the most highly qualified sectors. As of 2025, over 80% of healthcare professionals hold a Certificate III or higher, with many roles requiring a bachelor degree or postgraduate training.

Examples of entry pathways include:

• Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care)
• Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
• Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
• Certificate IV in Mental Health
• Diploma of Community Services

For higher-level roles like psychologists, registered nurses, physiotherapists and doctors, university qualifications and registration with a professional board are required.

5. What’s the Pay Like?

Salaries in healthcare vary based on role, qualifications and location. Here are some indicative averages for 2025:

• Registered Nurse (RN): $75,000–$110,000
• Aged Care Worker: $55,000–$72,000
• Allied Health Assistant: $60,000–$85,000
• Psychologist: $90,000–$120,000
• GP / Medical Practitioner: $150,000+

Many roles also offer additional benefits such as shift loadings, salary packaging (especially in not-for-profits), and flexible working arrangements.

6. Who Will You Be Competing With?

Healthcare is a female-dominated sector, with women making up over 75% of the workforce. Many roles are part-time or flexible, making them attractive for career changers or parents re-entering the workforce.

Median age varies by profession, with aged care workers and nurse managers tending to be older, while allied health professionals like physiotherapists and dietitians skew younger. There is strong demand for younger professionals to replace a large portion of the workforce nearing retirement.

Workforce diversity and inclusion are improving, and the sector is actively encouraging more male workers and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to enter the field.

Thinking About a Career in Healthcare?

From community health to critical care, allied health to aged care—there’s a path in this sector for nearly every interest and personality type. If you’re passionate about helping others and want stable, meaningful work, healthcare could be your perfect fit.

Browse our full range of healthcare and community services courses to start your journey today.