Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has released new employment projections, showing how the current economy and labour market trends will shape Australia’s workforce over the next decade.
By May 2034, total employment in Australia is expected to grow by 13.7% or 2 million, reaching 16.3 million employed people. This growth is largely driven by three service-focused sectors: Health Care and Social Assistance; Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; and Education and Training. Together, these industries are projected to account for more than half of the employment growth in Australia over the next decade.
The data also highlights a shift towards higher-skilled roles, especially in fields like Health, Business, Human Resources, Marketing, ICT, and Engineering Professionals. This trend shows the need for more skilled professionals as Australia’s economy increasingly focuses on specialised services.
JSA has commissioned Victoria University (VU) to produce employment projections to May 2034, using the Victoria University Employment Forecasting (VUEF) model. Data is available by industry, occupation, and state/territory.
JSA’s projections offer a comprehensive look at how economic and labour market conditions are influencing Australia’s future workforce composition. By understanding these long-term trends, policymakers, educators, and business leaders can better align workforce development efforts with the areas of greatest demand, ensuring that Australia is well-prepared to meet its future labour and workforce needs.
For more information, download the report and explore the data.
