What are the future in-demand jobs in Australia?

As Australia’s job market evolves, roles that offer both meaning and money are in high demand. If you're thinking about your future, consider qualifications that lead to growth industries like Health Care and Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Education and Training, and Engineering for the fast-growing Net Zero Economy.

From salary expectations to in-demand skills, here’s your guide to the high-growth careers shaping the next decade – and how UNSW can help you get there.

Rising industries and future career opportunities

The workforce is undergoing rapid change and the future of jobs is top of mind for many Australians. According to CSIRO, long-term “megatrends” are reshaping our economy and society. These include the escalating demand for healthcare services and the urgent need to adapt to climate change.

In response, new career paths are emerging across key industries. Over the next decade, total employment in Australia is projected to grow by nearly 2 million people, a 13.3% increase, reaching 16.6 million employed Australians by 2035. Many of the fastest-growing roles will require a post-secondary qualification.

That means now is the time to invest in your education and build the skills that will set you up for a secure, future-proof career.

Green jobs in engineering for the Net Zero economy

Australia’s transition to a net-zero carbon economy is creating new career opportunities for aspiring engineers. Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) have identified the clean energy sector as one of the biggest drivers of future employment. From renewable energy systems and green construction to electric transport and sustainable water management, the demand for specialised skills is accelerating.

Meeting our climate targets will require a major boost in qualified civil engineers, electrical engineers and mechanical engineers to design and deliver the infrastructure needed to reach Net Zero. According to Engineers Australia, over the next five years, the workforce will need more than 50,000 new engineers.

Here are some of the top in-demand engineering and green jobs driving Australia’s clean energy transition, along with the UNSW engineering degrees that can help you step into these roles.

Professional, scientific and technical services sector?

This industry delivers specialised services and knowledge, often requiring a high level of expertise and qualifications such as a bachelor’s degree or Vocational Education and Training (VET) credential. As a key enabler of innovation and business performance, the Professional, Scientific and Technical industry has a median earning of $2,000, notably well above the national average.

As digital transformation accelerates across every part of society, from business operations to daily life, the demand for specialised services in this sector continues to grow. The Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry is projected to expand its share of total employment from 9.2% in 2025 to 9.6% by 2035. That’s an increase of 136,600 new jobs by 2030 and 250,100 by 2035 – a growth rate of 18.5%.

From software programmers to marketers, this broad industry offers diverse, high-impact career paths. Explore some of the most in-demand roles in Australia and the UNSW postgraduate programs that can help you pursue them.

Education and training sector

Driven by population growth and the need for lifelong learning, the Education and Training sector delivers vital services to learners of all ages.

Careers in this sector typically require a bachelor’s degree, a postgraduate qualification or a VET credential. This reflects the high level of expertise needed to educate and upskill others. 

While the Education and Training industry’s share of total employment is expected to hold steady at around 8.6% through to 2035, the number of teaching roles is still projected to grow, with 72,000 new jobs by 2030 and 157,700 by 2035, an overall increase of 12.4%.

From early childhood education to adult learning and skills development, this sector offers meaningful, future-focused career paths. Explore some of the most in-demand roles below and discover the UNSW education programs and short courses that can help you take the next step to becoming a teacher.