Lexi Webster
Australia's fastest-growing industries are spread across various sectors, from healthcare to tourism. The Health Care and Social Assistance industry is Australia's largest and fastest-growing industry, with an expected growth of 15.8% in employment over five years. The construction industry has also witnessed a boom, with a 30% increase in employment over the last decade and expected growth of 6.8% by November 2025. Tourism is another growing sector, with Tourism Research Australia predicting that expenditure by international visitors will exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2024 and reach $48.8 billion by 2027. The mining industry has also seen growth, with a 7.3% increase in employment. Agriculture and renewable energy sectors are also expanding, with the latter expected to meet almost 90% of the country's demand by 2035.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fastest-growing industry | Health Care and Social Assistance |
| Clean energy | |
| Tourism | |
| Construction | |
| Mining | |
| Hydro energy | |
| Organic crop farming | |
| Horticulture and fruit growing | |
| Property and business services | |
| Fastest growth in Sales and service income | South Australia (5.1%, $12.9 billion) |
| New South Wales ($66.7 billion, 4.4%) | |
| Largest growth in wages and salaries | New South Wales (6.3%, $16.9 billion) |
| Largest growth in employment | New South Wales (94,000 people, 2.2%) |
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Healthcare and social assistance
There is a significant demand for trained health professionals in Australia. The sector promises robust job security and the opportunity to fill critical roles that make a difference in people's lives. Jobs and Skills Australia has commissioned Victoria University to produce employment projections up to 2033, which predict a 25% growth in the industry over a 10-year period, compared to an average Australian industry growth rate of 14.2%.
The Australian government's continued investment in public health, the constant demand generated by the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and the increasing ageing population in Australia all support the growth of the healthcare industry. The government spent a record $106 billion on healthcare for 2022 and 2023 and has increased spending to $137.6 billion from 2023 to 2024 to improve healthcare services across the country.
Educational qualifications are important for people wanting to enter the healthcare and social assistance industry. Jobs such as nurses and doctors require a university degree, while childcare and aged care workers need vocational education and training (VET) qualifications. Part-time or shift work is common in this industry, and many workers are female.
Businesses in the healthcare and social assistance industry need to comply with Australia's national workplace laws and regulations specific to the industry. These include the Australian Privacy Principles, aged care legislation and policies, the National Quality Framework, and Disability Standards and Guidelines.
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Clean energy
The growth in large-scale renewable energy has been stimulated by government initiatives to reduce Australia's greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy security. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) was established in 2012 to improve the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies and encourage innovation. Since its establishment, ARENA has supported 566 projects with A$1.63 billion in grant funding. In 2012, the government also implemented a carbon price to encourage investment in cleaner energy sources, which led to a drop in carbon emissions by the electricity sector.
In addition to solar and wind power, other forms of renewable energy are being explored, such as green hydrogen, wave power, and geothermal energy. South Australia has been described as "Australia's hot rock haven", with geothermal energy expected to provide 6.8% of the country's base load power by 2030.
The shift towards clean energy is also being driven by state-level initiatives. For example, Victoria is leading the way in electrifying homes, with a decision to phase out gas in new homes from 2024, and Queensland has announced a $62 billion Energy and Jobs Plan to invest in clean energy. The Western Australian Government has also committed to closing all state-owned coal-fired power stations by 2030.
The Australian government has recognized the importance of clean energy jobs by introducing the New Energy Apprentice Support Payment, offering up to $10,000 to encourage students to gain skills in the sector. With continued investment and support, the clean energy industry in Australia is expected to continue growing, creating thousands of new jobs and helping to reduce the country's carbon emissions.
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Construction
The construction industry is a vital pillar of Australia's economy, contributing significantly to employment, infrastructure development, and economic growth. It is influenced by several factors, including economic cycles, government policies, technological advancements, and societal demands.
The construction industry in Australia is projected to grow from USD 180.90 billion in 2025 to USD 230.89 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5%. This growth is driven by substantial investments, technological innovations, and a rising demand for prefabricated buildings.
Residential housing construction remains a key driver of the industry. Australia's growing population, low-interest rates, and government incentives have fueled demand for new residential dwellings. Commercial and industrial construction also contribute significantly to the industry's economic output, with projects encompassing office buildings, retail centres, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities.
The construction industry's employment levels are closely tied to economic conditions. During economic growth and increased construction activity, employment rises, while economic downturns can lead to project delays or cancellations and decreased employment opportunities. Government infrastructure investment significantly impacts employment in the sector, with initiatives like the National Infrastructure Plan stimulating job creation.
The Australian government's commitment to large-scale infrastructure development is evident through projects like the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme and the Sydney Opera House. The industry also benefits from investments in transport infrastructure and healthcare infrastructure, with the Tasmanian government planning to invest AUD 12.1 billion until 2027 in the latter.
Overall, the construction industry in Australia is on a growth trajectory, propelled by strategic investments, technological advancements, and societal factors.
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Tourism
The Australian government has recognised the potential of the tourism industry, releasing the 2020 Tourism Industry Potential report in 2010. The report estimated the industry to be worth up to A$140 billion in overnight expenditure, with emerging markets like China expected to be the largest economic contributor by 2020. Indeed, China surpassed New Zealand as the top source of visitors to Australia in 2017, and in 2019, Chinese visitors reached a peak of over 1.4 million, contributing around A$12 billion to the economy.
Other key markets for Australian tourism include New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom. In 2019, international visitor numbers from these countries grew, with holiday and education travel leading the increase. Holiday visitors rose by 4% to almost 4 million, while education visitors increased by 5% to 586,000. Spending also increased in both segments, with holidaymakers spending 6% more (A$16.9 billion) and education travellers spending 8% more (A$12.7 billion).
The domestic tourism market in Australia is also significant, estimated at A$63 billion. Australians are avid domestic travellers, exploring the country's diverse attractions, including coastal cities like Sydney and Melbourne, surfing beaches, mountain retreats, national parks, wine-growing regions, and more. The unique Australian wildlife is another significant drawcard for both domestic and international tourists.
With the reopening of borders worldwide, the Australian tourism industry is experiencing a boom. Tourism Research Australia predicts that expenditure by international visitors will exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2024 and reach A$48.8 billion by 2027. The government's long-term strategy, THRIVE 2030, aims to achieve pre-pandemic visitor spending of A$166 billion by 2024 and grow it to A$230 billion by 2030. This indicates a bright future for the industry, with inbound tour operators expected to see substantial revenue growth.
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Mining
Mineral resources in Australia range from coal, oil, and gas to metals like iron ore, gold, copper, and rare earth elements. The industry's expertise in mining technologies and practices has allowed it to maintain a dominant position in the global export market. Miners compete based on resource quality and production costs, with higher-grade ores often attracting price premiums.
In recent years, the push toward net-zero targets has created a necessity for an annual 11% reduction in global coal production, aiming for a complete phase-out by 2040. This has resulted in a 9.8% decrease in the Export Price Index for Mining between 2022-23 and 2023-24. Despite this, mining companies are critical to meeting the increasing demand for resources worldwide, and the industry is expected to remain a key player.
Looking ahead, the mining industry in Australia is expected to continue evolving and adapting to sustainability and net-zero goals. The demand for metals and minerals is projected to increase, with annual demands exceeding 700 million tonnes by 2050. This includes significant demands for lithium, silicon, copper, and nickel, which are essential for energy storage, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and batteries.
Overall, the mining industry in Australia is a significant contributor to the country's economy and employment, with a rich history and a potential future shaped by sustainability and net-zero goals.
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Frequently asked questions
Here is a list of some of the fastest-growing industries in Australia:
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Cybersecurity
- Tourism
- Construction
- Renewable Energy
The healthcare industry is growing due to an ageing population, continued investment in public health, and the increasing demand for skilled physical therapists due to sedentary lifestyles.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, job ads for psychiatrists in February 2025 were nearly 90% higher than the 2019 monthly average.
The beef industry has seen growth over the past five years due to rising global beef consumption and increasing disposable incomes in developing countries.
Jobs requiring tech skills associated with AI and advanced data analytics will dominate, with demand for data science and machine learning growing at a forecast yearly rate of 36-37%.
