Which Australian state offers the strongest healthcare job market? Compare shortages, salaries, staffing levels and migration advantages for nurses, doctors and allied health professionals in 2025.
Introduction
Australia will need an extra 100,000+ healthcare workers by 2030 to keep pace with an ageing population and rising chronic disease. Shortages already drive high vacancy rates, generous salaries and fast-tracked visas for overseas professionals. Every state and territory feels the pressure, but some manage it far better than others. This state-by-state healthcare comparison reveals current workforce numbers, vacancy trends, pay levels and migration pathways so you can decide which location offers the best career and lifestyle fit in 2025.
Australia’s Healthcare Workforce at a Glance
More than 688,000 registered health professionals currently work across the country. Nurses make up 54 % of that total, followed by medical practitioners and allied health specialists. Employment in the sector grew 18 % since 2019, yet demand continues to outstrip supply. Registered nurse vacancies hover around 18–25 % nationally, while general practitioner (GP) positions in regional and remote areas can stay unfilled for months. Federal and state governments have responded with incentive payments, extra training places and priority visa processing under the Skills in Demand and former PMSOL lists. Even with these measures, distribution remains uneven — urban centres enjoy near-full staffing while rural and remote facilities struggle.
New South Wales – Scale, Reforms and Urban Opportunity
New South Wales employs the largest healthcare workforce in Australia, with over 150,000 professionals and almost 50,000 nurses. The state’s Safe Staffing Levels program, now active in more than 40 emergency departments, guarantees minimum nurse-to-patient ratios and has created over 2,500 new nursing positions since 2023. Sydney and Newcastle hospitals regularly achieve 60–65 % vacancy fill rates, significantly above the national average. Average salaries sit at the higher end: registered nurses earn $90,000–$110,000 and emergency or ICU specialists often exceed $140,000 once penalties and allowances are added. Rural loadings of up to 25 % apply outside the metro area. For migrants, NSW consistently sponsors the highest number of subclass 190 and 491 visas for healthcare roles.
Victoria – Innovation Leader Facing Nursing Strain
Victoria’s 120,000-strong workforce powers Melbourne’s world-class research hospitals and specialist centres. The state invested heavily in digital health and mental health services, creating thousands of new roles. However, public hospital nursing vacancies reached 25 % in late 2024 — the highest of any mainland state. GPs in outer Melbourne and regional cities can command $200,000–$300,000, and locum ICU nurses regularly earn $140+ per hour. Victoria nominates large numbers of healthcare workers each year for permanent residency, but competition for places is fierce and living costs in Melbourne remain elevated.
Queensland – Regional Focus and Lifestyle Appeal
Queensland prioritises rural and regional healthcare delivery. The state added almost 10,000 health positions in the last two years and offers generous relocation packages for remote roles. Nursing vacancies average 20 %, while GP shortages in Far North Queensland and the Darling Downs exceed 500 positions. Base salaries are slightly below NSW and Victoria, yet district allowances, rent assistance and fly-in-fly-out rosters push total packages well above $130,000 for many regional nurses and $250,000+ for doctors. Queensland’s 491 regional visa pathway processes quickly and requires only two years of regional work before permanent residency eligibility.
Western Australia – Highest Pay for Remote Commitment
Western Australia continues to offer the country’s most lucrative healthcare salaries. Registered nurses in the Pilbara or Kimberley routinely earn $105,000–$130,000 with remote allowances, while rural general practitioners can clear $300,000–$400,000 on contract or salary-plus-billing models. Perth metropolitan hospitals maintain reasonable staffing, but regional and remote fill rates still lag. The state aggressively recruits overseas doctors and nurses through dedicated health recruitment campaigns and streamlined 482 and 494 visa sponsorship.
South Australia, Tasmania and the Territories – Niche but Generous
South Australia maintains steady growth and lower living costs, with nurse salaries around $88,000–$108,000 and targeted recruitment bonuses for junior doctors. Tasmania struggles with 22 % nursing shortages yet offers quiet lifestyle advantages and growing aged-care demand. The Australian Capital Territory pays consultants some of the highest public-sector rates in the country ($245,000–$305,000). The Northern Territory provides the most extreme incentives — remote GPs can earn well over $400,000 — but turnover is high and conditions are challenging.
Which State Performs Best in 2025?
When balancing workforce size, vacancy fill rates, salary levels and rural equity, New South Wales currently leads. It combines the largest absolute number of positions, the strongest staffing reforms, competitive urban pay and reliable migration pathways. Western Australia takes the top spot for raw earning potential, especially in remote areas. Queensland excels for regional lifestyle and fast permanent residency via the 491 visa. Victoria suits specialists who value research and cutting-edge facilities despite tighter staffing.
Conclusion
No single state is perfect — the “best” depends on whether you prioritise salary, lifestyle, urban amenities or speed to permanent residency. With shortages projected to worsen over the next decade, every state and territory will continue rolling out incentives and visa concessions. Assess your qualifications against current state nomination lists and reach out to registered migration agents or health recruiters in the state that matches your goals.
