Occupations in demand 2023 to 2026
The top 20 occupations in demand (based on the number of new workers expected) is diverse.
Ageing and disability carers, general clerks, and registered nurses are expected to account for the highest number of new workers expected over the next three years (Figure 2.4). This corresponds with the strong growth expected across the industries that need these occupations such as health care and social assistance, and that these occupations are currently the second to fourth largest occupations. Nine out of the 20 occupations in demand will require higher-order skills.
Some of these top 20 occupations in demand will be spread across multiple industries, such as software and application programmers, sales assistants (general), truck drivers, and storepersons.
As stated in the 2022 State of the Victorian Labour Market report, some occupations are critical for the functioning of some industries and regions but require small numbers of workers. Examples are saw technicians, metal casters, specialist engineers, software architects and harbour pilots. These critical occupations can affect the viability of some industries and jobs in local communities that rely on them.
Figure 2.4: Top 20 occupations in demand, new workers expected in Victoria (2023 to 2026)
| Occupation | Number of new workers expected |
| Ageing and disability carers | 17,600 |
| General clerks | 13,700 |
| Registered nurses | 10,200 |
| Sales assistants (general) | 7,000 |
| Software and applications programmers | 6,400 |
| University lecturers and tutors | 5,700 |
| Storepersons | 5,400 |
| Primary school teachers | 5,300 |
| Management and organisation analysts | 5,000 |
| Secondary school teachers | 4,900 |
| Human resource managers | 4,600 |
| Accountants | 4,600 |
| Delivery drivers | 4,500 |
| Commercial cleaners | 4,400 |
| Nursing support and personal care workers | 4,200 |
| Kitchenhands | 4,000 |
| Waiters | 4,000 |
| Advertising, public relations and sales managers | 4,000 |
| Truck drivers | 3,700 |
| Receptionists | 3,600 |
Source: Victorian Skills Authority
Updated