Australia has long been one of the most attractive destinations for skilled workers, and 2025 is no exception. With its booming economy, diverse industries, and strong demand for skilled talent, the Australia Skilled Occupation List 2025 now features 456 in-demand professions across multiple sectors, including healthcare, technology, engineering, construction, and agriculture.
This list serves as a roadmap for foreign professionals looking to migrate and settle in Australia, offering various visa pathways based on qualifications, skills, and experience. Let’s look into the details and understand how you can benefit from this opportunity.
Overview
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is essential for applicants seeking permanent residency or work visas in Australia. It identifies jobs where there’s a shortage of local workers and where foreign professionals are welcomed.
Authority | Australian Government |
---|---|
Article On | Australia Skilled Occupation List 2025 |
Country | Australia |
Year | 2025 |
Eligibility | Skills, age, English test |
Salary | Up to AUD 135,000+ depending on role |
Category | Australia Finance |
Website | servicesaustralia.gov.au |
Pathways
The Skilled Occupation List 2025 is divided into three main pathways depending on the profession and salary brackets.
- Essential Skills Pathway – For critical roles in essential services and trades with annual salaries below AUD 70,000. Examples: carpenters, electricians, aged care workers.
- Core Skills Pathway – For experienced professionals earning between AUD 70,000 – 135,000. Examples: project managers, civil engineers, healthcare workers.
- Specialist Skills Pathway – For advanced professions in sectors like AI, cybersecurity, and digital tech with salaries above AUD 135,000.
This tiered approach helps Australia address both immediate shortages and long-term industry needs.
Lists
Apart from the three primary pathways, Australia also organizes its occupations under detailed sub-lists to match visa programs:
- Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) – Covers all 456 occupations including IT, healthcare, engineers, and trades.
- Medium & Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) – 212 professions critical to the long-term economy. Eligible for visas Subclass 189, 190, and 491.
- Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) – 215 professions for urgent short-term demand but with limited PR options.
- Regional Occupation List (ROL) – 77 additional roles designed to fill skill gaps in regional Australia.
This structured system ensures flexibility in meeting both urban and regional workforce requirements.
Demand
Certain sectors dominate the Skilled Occupation List in 2025, reflecting global trends and Australia’s workforce priorities.
Healthcare
- Registered Nurses – AUD 70,000 – 200,000+
- Aged Care Workers – AUD 70,000 – 200,000+
- Medical Specialists – AUD 150,000 – 250,000+
Technology
- Software Engineers – AUD 85,000 – 180,000
- AI Specialists – AUD 85,000 – 180,000
- Cybersecurity Analysts – AUD 85,000 – 180,000
Engineering
- Civil Engineers – AUD 75,000 – 150,000
- Project Managers – AUD 75,000 – 150,000
- Licensed Electricians – AUD 70,000 – 120,000
With these competitive salaries and strong demand, skilled workers in these areas are in a prime position to migrate.
Visa
To apply for migration, you need to verify your profession against the relevant occupation list, pass English proficiency tests, and gather supporting documentation. Australia offers several visa options tailored to skilled workers:
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa: Direct permanent residency without needing state nomination.
- Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa: Permanent residency with nomination from an Australian state or territory.
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa: A provisional visa for regional work, leading to permanent residency after meeting requirements.
Each pathway has its own eligibility rules, so it’s important to review details on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Significant
The Australia Skilled Occupation List 2025 provides opportunities for 456 professions, making it one of the most comprehensive immigration programs globally. Whether you are a nurse, IT specialist, engineer, or tradesperson, there’s a pathway that matches your skills and offers a chance to build a stable future in Australia.
By addressing shortages across essential, core, and specialist skill categories, the Australian government ensures that both industries and migrants benefit. For those dreaming of working and living in Australia, now is the time to prepare.
FAQs
How many jobs are on the 2025 list?
There are 456 in-demand occupations listed.
What are the main salary pathways?
Essential below AUD 70k, Core AUD 70k–135k, Specialist 135k+.
Which professions are in high demand?
Nurses, engineers, IT experts, electricians, and aged care workers.
What visa options are available?
Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas are offered.
Do occupation lists change often?
Yes, the government updates them quarterly.