Jobs by Location
Jobs by Location Jon Wundersitz Mon, 11/23/2020 - 13:44New South Wales is Australia’s largest employing state. One in four Victorians work in either Health Care or Social Assistance or Retail Trade. 34% of Queensland workers hold a certificate 3 or higher vocational qualification. More than 80% of employment in South Australia is concentrated in Adelaide. Nearly 50% of Mining jobs across Australia are in Western Australia. More than half of Tasmanian jobs are located in regional Tasmania. Northern Territory. Nearly two-thirds of jobs are located in Darwin. The Australian Capital Territory has the most highly educated workforce in Australia.
New South Wales
New South Wales Jon Wundersitz Tue, 11/03/2020 - 11:32Top employing industries in New South Wales
Industry |
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Health Care and Social Assistance |
Retail Trade |
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services |
Construction |
Education and Training |
Accommodation and Food Services |
Manufacturing |
Public Administration and Safety |
Financial and Insurance Services |
Transport, Postal and Warehousing |
Administrative and Support Services |
Other Services |
Wholesale Trade |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing |
Information Media and Telecommunications |
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services |
Arts and Recreation Services |
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services |
Mining |
Show all
New South Wales is the largest employing state in Australia. Most jobs are in Sydney, which accounts for around 70% of the state’s employment.
Around 70% of the state’s workforce has post-school qualifications and they are more likely to hold a bachelor degree or higher than workers nationally. Greater Sydney is the most highly educated workforce in the state, with 72% holding post-school qualifications (including 42% with a bachelor degree or higher).
There are multiple regions, however, where it is far more common for workers to have VET qualifications rather than those gained through a university (such as the Mid North Coast where 44% of the workforce has a Cert III or higher VET qualification). The age profile of this state is largely in line with the national average, although some regions have relatively large shares of workers aged 15 to 24 years. These include Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Murray.
Self-employment may also offer an opportunity for work, or a different career path. While it is less common in New South Wales than in some other areas, around 16% of workers are their own boss.
Employment by region, New South Wales
Employment Profile | Workforce Educational Profile | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part-time | Female | Aged 15 to 24 years | Aged 55 years or older | Bachelor degree or higher | Cert III or higher VET qualification | No post-school qualification | |
Region | % | % | % | % | % | % | % |
Greater Sydney | 28 | 46 | 14 | 17 | 42 | 25 | 28 |
Capital Region | 28 | 46 | 13 | 19 | 24 | 29 | 34 |
Central West | 33 | 47 | 16 | 25 | 25 | 29 | 35 |
Coffs Harbour - Grafton | 36 | 46 | 15 | 25 | 19 | 38 | 40 |
Far West and Orana | 29 | 48 | 12 | 24 | 18 | 35 | 39 |
Hunter Valley (excl. Newcastle) | 31 | 49 | 16 | 21 | 20 | 42 | 31 |
Illawarra | 35 | 46 | 16 | 19 | 26 | 37 | 38 |
Mid North Coast | 42 | 49 | 17 | 23 | 19 | 44 | 31 |
Murray | 34 | 48 | 19 | 21 | 22 | 32 | 38 |
New England and North West | 31 | 48 | 12 | 37 | 17 | 35 | 43 |
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie | 32 | 50 | 18 | 16 | 27 | 33 | 32 |
Richmond - Tweed | 41 | 50 | 15 | 29 | 14 | 42 | 30 |
Riverina | 28 | 48 | 15 | 27 | 17 | 41 | 38 |
Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven | 35 | 50 | 15 | 29 | 25 | 37 | 27 |
New South Wales | 30 | 47 | 14 | 19 | 36 | 28 | 30 |
Australia | 31 | 47 | 15 | 19 | 33 | 30 | 32 |
Sources: ABS, Labour Force (seasonally adjusted and annual averages of original data); ABS, Characteristics of Employment; ABS, Education and Work.
Victoria
Victoria Jon Wundersitz Tue, 11/03/2020 - 13:42Top employing industries in Victoria
Industry |
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Health Care and Social Assistance |
Retail Trade |
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services |
Construction |
Education and Training |
Manufacturing |
Transport, Postal and Warehousing |
Public Administration and Safety |
Accommodation and Food Services |
Financial and Insurance Services |
Wholesale Trade |
Other Services |
Administrative and Support Services |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing |
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services |
Information Media and Telecommunications |
Arts and Recreation Services |
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services |
Show all
Victoria is the second largest employing state, with the majority of jobs located in Melbourne. While Victorians are employed across all industries, around one in four work in either Health Care and Social Assistance or Retail Trade.
Around 70% of Victorian workers have post-school qualifications, with a relatively large share holding a bachelor degree or higher. Workers in Melbourne are more likely to hold a bachelor degree or higher qualification than those in regional Victoria, where a certificate III or higher VET qualification is more common.
Part-time work is relatively common, accounting for around a third of total employment. Workers in both Geelong and Shepparton are the most likely to be employed in this manner (38% and 37%). A full breakdown of part-time work across the state is available in the table below.
Despite the general downturn, the size and diversity of the Victorian labour market means employment opportunities will continue to exist across all industries. Employers need workers who are resilient, proactive and capable and, if you are able to demonstrate these attributes, you will stand out from the crowd. Digital skills are also important, with continued enhancements in technology affecting jobs and society more broadly. For more information on skills in the future, please see Skills for the future.
Employment by region, Victoria
Employment Profile | Workforce Educational Profile | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part-time | Female | Aged 15 to 24 years | Aged 55 years or older | Bachelor degree or higher | Cert III or higher VET qual | No post-school qual | |
Region | % | % | % | % | % | % | % |
Greater Melbourne | 31 | 47 | 14 | 17 | 42 | 26 | 28 |
Ballarat | 35 | 47 | 14 | 19 | 18 | 40 | 29 |
Bendigo | 35 | 47 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 37 | 34 |
Geelong | 38 | 49 | 17 | 16 | 28 | 34 | 33 |
Hume | 36 | 49 | 9 | 30 | 22 | 36 | 33 |
Latrobe - Gippsland | 33 | 47 | 13 | 32 | 15 | 39 | 42 |
North West | 33 | 45 | 13 | 26 | 15 | 36 | 44 |
Shepparton | 37 | 50 | 17 | 28 | 18 | 31 | 44 |
Warrnambool and South West | 34 | 47 | 17 | 31 | 8 | 32 | 46 |
Victoria | 32 | 47 | 14 | 19 | 37 | 28 | 30 |
Australia | 31 | 47 | 15 | 19 | 33 | 30 | 32 |
Sources: ABS, Labour Force (seasonally adjusted and annual averages of original data); ABS, Characteristics of Employment; ABS, Education and Work.
Queensland
Queensland Jon Wundersitz Tue, 11/03/2020 - 13:45Top employing industries in Queensland
Industry |
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Health Care and Social Assistance |
Retail Trade |
Construction |
Education and Training |
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services |
Public Administration and Safety |
Manufacturing |
Accommodation and Food Services |
Transport, Postal and Warehousing |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing |
Other Services |
Wholesale Trade |
Financial and Insurance Services |
Administrative and Support Services |
Mining |
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services |
Arts and Recreation Services |
Information Media and Telecommunications |
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services |
Show all
Queensland is the third largest employing state in Australia, with around half the jobs located in Brisbane and a further 13% in the Gold Coast area.
Given the size and diversity of the Queensland economy, employment opportunities exist across all industries. Health Care and Social Assistance is the largest employing industry in Queensland, with 15% of the state’s employment. There are many roles within this industry that do not require medical qualifications or extensive prior experience. Some of these include Receptionists, General Clerks, Kitchenhands and Commercial Cleaners.
Construction is another large employer, representing around 10% of total employment.
Workers in Queensland are less likely to hold a bachelor degree or higher than the national average, but are more likely to have a certificate III or higher vocational qualification. There is a higher proportion of females employed in this state than the national average and around one in three Queensland workers are employed part-time.
It is worth noting that Queenslanders are more likely to be self-employed than workers in the rest of Australia, with around one in five employed Queenslanders working as their own boss. If you are Australia’s next top young entrepreneur, please see self-employment and entrepreneurship on the government programs which may help you reach your self-employment ambitions.
Employment by region, Queensland
Employment Profile | Workforce Educational Profile | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part-time | Female | Aged 15 to 24 years | Aged 55 years or older | Bachelor degree or higher | Cert III or higher VET qual | No post-school qual | |
Region | % | % | % | % | % | % | % |
Greater Brisbane | 30 | 48 | 15 | 17 | 34 | 31 | 31 |
Cairns | 31 | 49 | 14 | 21 | 28 | 33 | 38 |
Darling Downs - Maranoa | 27 | 46 | 14 | 25 | 18 | 39 | 42 |
Fitzroy | 26 | 47 | 16 | 22 | 21 | 40 | 35 |
Gold Coast | 34 | 49 | 16 | 18 | 23 | 38 | 36 |
Mackay - Isaac - Whitsunday | 27 | 45 | 14 | 18 | 14 | 36 | 46 |
Queensland - Outback | 25 | 43 | 18 | 31 | 24 | 26 | 47 |
Sunshine Coast | 40 | 50 | 15 | 26 | 26 | 39 | 31 |
Toowoomba | 32 | 49 | 11 | 20 | 23 | 30 | 37 |
Townsville | 32 | 48 | 16 | 21 | 16 | 41 | 38 |
Wide Bay | 37 | 50 | 15 | 28 | 14 | 39 | 39 |
Queensland | 31 | 48 | 15 | 19 | 28 | 34 | 34 |
Australia | 31 | 47 | 15 | 19 | 33 | 30 | 32 |
Sources: ABS, Labour Force (seasonally adjusted and annual averages of original data); ABS, Characteristics of Employment; ABS, Education and Work.
South Australia
South Australia Jon Wundersitz Tue, 11/03/2020 - 13:46Top employing industries in South Australia
Industry |
---|
Health Care and Social Assistance |
Retail Trade |
Manufacturing |
Education and Training |
Construction |
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services |
Public Administration and Safety |
Accommodation and Food Services |
Transport, Postal and Warehousing |
Administrative and Support Services |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing |
Other Services |
Wholesale Trade |
Financial and Insurance Services |
Mining |
Arts and Recreation Services |
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services |
Information Media and Telecommunications |
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services |
Show all
South Australia has a relatively small workforce, with around 7% of national employment. Employment is concentrated in Adelaide, which accounts for 78% of state employment.
While there are employment opportunities available across all industries, more than one in three workers are employed in Health Care and Social Assistance, Retail Trade or Manufacturing.
Construction and Education and Training each represent 8% of the state’s employment, with a further 6% employed in each of Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Public Administration and Safety, and Accommodation and Food Services. Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services is South Australia’s smallest industry, accounting for 1% of employment.
Part-time employment is relatively common in this state, accounting for around 36% of employment (compared with the national average of 31%). The Barossa–Yorke–Mid North area (encompassing Clare, Peterborough, Port Pirie, Tanunda and Wallaroo) has the largest proportion of part-time employment in the state.
South Australian workers are less likely to hold post-school qualifications than workers nationally. Reversing the Australian trend, a higher share of workers in this state hold a certificate III or higher vocational qualification (31%) than those who have a bachelor degree or higher (26%).
Employment by region, South Australia
Employment Profile | Workforce Educational Profile | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part-time | Female | Aged 15 to 24 years | Aged 55 years or older | Bachelor degree or higher | Cert III or higher VET qual | No post-school qual | |
Region | % | % | % | % | % | % | % |
Greater Adelaide | 35 | 48 | 15 | 20 | 30 | 30 | 35 |
Barossa - Yorke - Mid North | 41 | 50 | 12 | 32 | 15 | 36 | 42 |
South Australia - Outback | 34 | 47 | 18 | 20 | 7 | 36 | 54 |
South Australia - South East | 37 | 47 | 15 | 27 | 12 | 42 | 42 |
South Australia | 36 | 48 | 15 | 21 | 26 | 31 | 37 |
Australia | 31 | 47 | 15 | 19 | 33 | 30 | 32 |
Sources: ABS, Labour Force (seasonally adjusted and annual averages of original data); ABS, Characteristics of Employment; ABS, Education and Work.
Western Australia
Western Australia Jon Wundersitz Tue, 11/03/2020 - 13:49Top employing industries in Western Australia
Industry |
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Health Care and Social Assistance |
Construction |
Mining |
Retail Trade |
Public Administration and Safety |
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services |
Education and Training |
Accommodation and Food Services |
Manufacturing |
Other Services |
Transport, Postal and Warehousing |
Administrative and Support Services |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing |
Wholesale Trade |
Financial and Insurance Services |
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services |
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services |
Arts and Recreation Services |
Information Media and Telecommunications |
Show all
Western Australia is the fourth largest employing state, with employment mostly located in Perth.
The largest employing industry in Western Australia is Health Care and Social Assistance. Demand for work in this industry is only going to increase given Australia’s ageing population. It is worth noting that not everyone employed in this industry is a doctor or a nurse.
Some of the top employing occupations in Health Care and Social Assistance include Receptionists, General Clerks, Kitchenhands and Commercial Cleaners. These are all occupations that can be perfect entry level positions and generally require minimal qualifications or prior experience.
Unlike the rest of Australia, a large proportion of Western Australians are employed in the Mining industry (around one in 10 workers). Reflecting this, nearly half of total Mining employment is located in Western Australia.
While many jobs across Australia have been adversely affected by COVID-19, some areas of the economy have seen an increase in demand. This includes some areas of Mining and mining services.
Employment by region, Western Australia
Employment Profile | Workforce Educational Profile | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part-time | Female | Aged 15 to 24 years | Aged 55 years or older | Bachelor degree or higher | Cert III or higher VET qual | No post-school qual | |
Region | % | % | % | % | % | % | % |
Greater Perth | 33 | 46 | 14 | 19 | 32 | 32 | 31 |
Bunbury | 32 | 46 | 15 | 20 | 14 | 39 | 38 |
Western Australia - Outback | 26 | 43 | 11 | 23 | 19 | 34 | 36 |
Western Australia - Wheat Belt | 33 | 45 | 12 | 33 | 12 | 40 | 40 |
Western Australia | 32 | 46 | 14 | 20 | 29 | 33 | 32 |
Australia | 31 | 47 | 15 | 19 | 33 | 30 | 32 |
Sources: ABS, Labour Force (seasonally adjusted and annual averages of original data); ABS, Characteristics of Employment; ABS, Education and Work; National Skills Commission, A snapshot in time: The Australian labour market and COVID-19.
Tasmania
Tasmania Jon Wundersitz Tue, 11/03/2020 - 13:51Top employing industries in Tasmania
Industry |
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Health Care and Social Assistance |
Retail Trade |
Education and Training |
Accommodation and Food Services |
Construction |
Public Administration and Safety |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing |
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services |
Manufacturing |
Transport, Postal and Warehousing |
Other Services |
Administrative and Support Services |
Wholesale Trade |
Financial and Insurance Services |
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services |
Arts and Recreation Services |
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services |
Information Media and Telecommunications |
Mining |
Show all
While Tasmania is the smallest employing state, there are employment opportunities available across all industries.
Health Care and Social Assistance is the largest employing industry (14%), closely followed by Retail Trade and Education and Training.
Tasmania has the oldest workforce of any state or territory, with 46% aged 45 years or older. Part-time work is also relatively common (39% of state employment, the largest share in Australia). Workers in this state are less likely to have a bachelor degree or higher than the national average, although they are more likely to have completed a certificate III or higher vocational qualification.
Tasmania has the most regionally diverse workforce in Australia, with just over half of all workers employed outside of Hobart.
Employment by region, Tasmania
Employment Profile | Workforce Educational Profile | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part-time | Female | Aged 15 to 24 years | Aged 55 years or older | Bachelor degree or higher | Cert III or higher VET qual | No post-school qual | |
Region | % | % | % | % | % | % | % |
Hobart | 40 | 47 | 15 | 21 | 36 | 28 | 29 |
Launceston and North East | 36 | 48 | 15 | 26 | 25 | 35 | 36 |
South East | 46 | 47 | 12 | 30 | 20 | 44 | 33 |
West and North West | 35 | 48 | 14 | 27 | 19 | 38 | 36 |
Tasmania | 39 | 48 | 15 | 24 | 28 | 33 | 32 |
Australia | 31 | 47 | 15 | 19 | 33 | 30 | 32 |
Sources: ABS, Labour Force (seasonally adjusted and annual averages of original data); ABS, Characteristics of Employment; ABS, Education and Work.
Northern Territory
Northern Territory Jon Wundersitz Tue, 11/03/2020 - 13:52Occupation |
---|
Public Administration and Safety |
Health Care and Social Assistance |
Education and Training |
Retail Trade |
Construction |
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services |
Accommodation and Food Services |
Transport, Postal and Warehousing |
Other Services |
Administrative and Support Services |
Manufacturing |
Mining |
Arts and Recreation Services |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing |
Information Media and Telecommunications |
Wholesale Trade |
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services |
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services |
Financial and Insurance Services |
Show all
The Northern Territory is the smallest labour market in Australia, with almost two thirds of employment located in Darwin. Public Administration and Safety is the largest employing industry (20%), followed by Health Care and Social Assistance (18%).
Given the small size of the Territory’s workforce (compared with the rest of Australia), it is important to make the most of your relationships with friends, family and other local contacts as they may be aware of job opportunities.
Vacancies that might be formally advertised in other parts of Australia are often advertised through more informal ways (for example, word of mouth, sign in a shop window or on social media). Knowing that, people looking for work might find more opportunities by using every available method. For information on what employers are looking for, please see what employers are generally seeking.
Employment by region, Northern Territory
Employment Profile | Workforce Educational Profile | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part-time | Female | Aged 15 to 24 years | Aged 55 years or older | Bachelor degree or higher | Cert III or higher VET qual | No post-school qual | |
Region | % | % | % | % | % | % | % |
Darwin | 22 | 47 | 13 | 18 | 36 | 28 | 33 |
NT - Outback | 25 | 49 | 11 | 20 | 28 | 30 | 30 |
Northern Territory | 23 | 48 | 12 | 19 | 34 | 30 | 32 |
Australia | 31 | 47 | 15 | 19 | 33 | 30 | 32 |
Sources: ABS, Labour Force (seasonally adjusted and annual averages of original data); ABS, Characteristics of Employment; ABS, Education and Work.
Australian Capital Territory
Australian Capital Territory Jon Wundersitz Tue, 11/03/2020 - 13:54Occupation |
---|
Public Administration and Safety |
Health Care and Social Assistance |
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services |
Education and Training |
Construction |
Accommodation and Food Services |
Retail Trade |
Other Services |
Transport, Postal and Warehousing |
Administrative and Support Services |
Arts and Recreation Services |
Manufacturing |
Financial and Insurance Services |
Information Media and Telecommunications |
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services |
Wholesale Trade |
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing |
Mining |
Show all
Unlike other states and territories, employment in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is mainly in one industry - Public Administration and Safety. Around one in three Canberran workers are employed in this industry, and most work in public service roles for either the federal or territory government.
However, not all roles within Public Administration and Safety are desk jobs. This industry employs workers across a broad range of areas including graphic design, event management and communication (increasingly through social media).
With many workers returning to their offices following working from home arrangements, there may also be entry level job openings in cafés and restaurants as demand for these services increases. It is important to note, however, that these jobs are typically advertised by word of mouth. More information on how employers find workers.
Employment by region, Australian Capital Territory
Employment Profile | Workforce Educational Profile | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part-time | Female | Aged 15 to 24 years | Aged 55 years or older | Bachelor degree or higher | Cert III or higher VET qual | No post-school qual | |
Region | % | % | % | % | % | % | % |
ACT | 27 | 49 | 16 | 15 | 45 | 23 | 28 |
Australia | 31 | 47 | 15 | 19 | 33 | 30 | 32 |
Sources: ABS, Labour Force (seasonally adjusted and annual averages of original data); ABS, Characteristics of Employment; ABS, Education and Work.