Jobs Shortages Persist in 279 Occupations

Jobs and Skills Australia found 279 occupations remained in national shortage in 2026, despite an easing overall labour market.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Employment

Jobs Shortages Persist in 279 Occupations

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Jobs and Skills Australia reported that 279 occupations remained in national shortage in 2026, representing 27 per cent of all occupations assessed. Shortages persist across health, teaching, trades and childcare even as the broader labour market eases.

Why it matters

Persistent shortages in essential sectors affect the delivery of health, education and childcare services across Australia. The findings are expected to help guide workforce planning and training priorities.

Shortages were assessed at 27 per cent of occupations in 2026, down from 29 per cent in 2025 and a peak of 36 per cent in 2023. More than 120 occupations have remained in shortage every year since 2021, with technicians and trades workers making up more than half of these persistent shortages.

The players

Jobs and Skills Australia

Jobs and Skills Australia is the federal government body that analyses labour market needs and workforce supply across the country.

The details

Almost half of all technician and trade occupations assessed were in shortage, and more than a third of professional occupations were also in shortage. Shortage classifications were based on reviewing training pipelines, applicant suitability and retention issues, with demand for health workers surging during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and long training pathways constraining supply.

2021: More than 120 occupations began remaining in shortage every year.
2023: Shortages peaked at 36 per cent of occupations assessed.
2025: Shortages stood at 29 per cent of occupations assessed.
2 November 2026: Shortages were recorded at 27 per cent, with 279 occupations in national shortage.

Macro View

The 2026 result continues a pattern in the federal Occupation Shortage List, where shortages peaked at 36 per cent in 2023 and have since declined to 27 per cent. Despite this easing, more than 120 occupations have stayed in shortage every year since 2021.

Households needing health, childcare or trades services may face longer waits where shortages persist. Workers in affected professions may see stronger demand for their skills as shortages continue.

The takeaway

Shortages remain concentrated in sectors central to everyday services, so people considering training or career changes in health, trades, teaching or childcare may find sustained demand. The report indicates shortages are easing overall but are not yet resolved in these areas.