Australia’s healthcare workforce is adapting to shifting demand, policy changes and technological innovation. As of early 2025, overall job advertisements for health and medical roles have softened, yet pockets of rapid growth signal where opportunities lie. This update draws on multiple insights from TIA Lawyers, Medical Jobs Australia and The Migration Blog to outline the occupations on the rise.
For job-seekers and employers alike, understanding which roles are expanding fastest—and what skills they require—is crucial for navigating this evolving landscape.
Key Summary
- The total number of online job ads for health and medical occupations in February 2025 fell to 28,160 (–18.7% quarter-on-quarter; –22.3% year-on-year) .
- Despite the overall decline, roles in allied health support and mental health have remained relatively stable.
- Community Mental Health Workers and Allied Health Assistants are among the fastest-growing roles, driven by rising demand and workforce shortages.
- Aged Care Workers continue to expand with a projected 16% industry growth.
- Specialised positions such as Music Therapists and NDIS Support Coordinators are emerging from small bases with very high growth rates.
Emerging and In-Demand Healthcare Jobs in 2025
Although overall vacancy volumes have dipped, several occupations are notably expanding. Below are the top roles to consider:
1. Community Mental Health Worker
With over 5,200+ job ads, Community Mental Health Workers are in high demand. Growth is driven by increased mental-health awareness, new funding initiatives and regional shortages. Key skills include counselling, case management and crisis intervention .
2. Allied Health Assistant
Allied Health Assistants support physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists. Advertisements exceeded 2,300+, reflecting the sector’s reliance on task delegation to meet rehabilitation needs.
3. Aged Care Worker
The aged-care sector is forecast to grow by 16% as Australia’s population ages. Roles range from personal-care assistants to enrolled nurses, with essential skills in dementia support, personal hygiene and palliative care. This growth underlines the ongoing need for compassionate, reliable staff .
4. Music Therapist
Music Therapists have seen a 400% surge in job ads between 2018 and 2022, as their role expands in mental-health settings and aged-care programmes. Core competencies include therapeutic techniques, patient engagement and creative intervention .
5. NDIS Support Coordinator
Employed numbers reached 1,260+ under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. NDIS Support Coordinators manage individual plans, liaise with service providers and guide participants through complex funding systems .
6. Registered Nurse (RN)
Although nursing vacancies fell broadly, RN positions remain essential across hospitals, community health and aged-care. RNs command versatile skills in patient assessment, medication administration and multidisciplinary collaboration – a foundation of Australia’s healthcare system .
7. General Practitioner (GP)
General Practitioners top many ‘best-job’ lists, offering salaries in a wide range from AUD 150,000 up to $300,000+. Demand is sustained by population growth, preventive-care initiatives and rural workforce incentives .
8. Medical Laboratory Scientist
As diagnostic testing expands, Medical Laboratory Scientists are crucial. Salaries typically range from AUD 60,000 to $80,000, with tasks including sample analysis, equipment calibration and quality control .
9. Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications, advise on drug interactions and administer vaccines. Steady demand underpins salaries of AUD 90,000 to $130,000+, particularly in retail and hospital settings .
10. Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues, with average earnings from $120,000 to $250,000+. The role’s growth is linked to increased focus on preventive dentistry and private-practice expansion .
11. Health Information Manager
Managing patient records and ensuring data security, Health Information Managers underpin digital-health advancements. Salaries average around AUD 75,000, reflecting the critical nature of accurate health data .
Conclusion
While overall health-sector vacancies have softened, 2025 offers strong opportunities in specific roles—from mental-health and allied-health support to core clinical positions like GPs and RNs. By focusing on these expanding occupations and developing the necessary skills, professionals can align with Australia’s most pressing workforce needs.
Speak to our teams today if you have any further questions on the career progression for your industry.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as a general overview of the topic and should not be construed as professional legal or medical advice.
Information Sources
- TIA Lawyers: Australia’s Fastest-Growing Healthcare Jobs in 2025
- Medical Jobs Australia: Health Workforce Update & Job Market Trends, April 2025
- The Migration: Top 10 Healthcare Jobs in Australia in 2025
