Discover Australian state rankings 2025 for in-demand jobs, cost of living, and skilled migration. Find the best Australian state to relocate 2025 with expert insights on job market Australia 2025 and top occupations by Australian state.
Introduction
Australia’s job market in 2025 buzzes with opportunity, yet picking the right state can make or break your move. With over 900 occupations flagged for shortages nationwide, skilled workers face a pivotal choice: chase high salaries in bustling cities or secure easier nominations in growing regions? This guide ranks Australian states based on employment opportunities, Australian regions’ migration ease, and living costs. Drawing from Jobs and Skills Australia’s 2025 Occupation Shortage List, we spotlight where top occupations thrive and which states lead in skilled migration Australia 2025. Whether you’re a nurse eyeing healthcare hubs or a tech pro seeking innovation, uncover the best places to move Australia jobs and build your future Down Under.
In-Demand Jobs Australia 2025 – National Trends and Shortages
Australia’s economy demands skilled talent across sectors, with the 2025 Occupation Shortage List highlighting 456 roles in national or regional need. Healthcare leads, projecting 283,000 new jobs by 2030, driven by an aging population and post-pandemic recovery. Registered nurses top the charts, offering salaries from $65,000 to $120,000 AUD, with pathways like Subclass 189 and 190 visas for permanent residency.
Technology follows closely, as software engineers and ICT analysts command $104,000–$153,000 AUD amid digital transformation. Construction and trades, including electricians ($90,000–$130,000 AUD), surge due to infrastructure booms, while education roles like teachers fill gaps in vocational training. These top occupations by Australian state vary regionally—Western Australia craves mining engineers, while Victoria prioritizes advanced manufacturing.
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), updated in 2025, streamlines visas like Subclass 482 for employer sponsorship. Points-tested migration favors those with skills assessments from bodies like AHPRA or ACS. Yet, national unemployment hovers at 4.3%, with underutilization at 10%—a call for targeted moves. As migration quotas tighten, aligning your expertise with these shortages boosts your odds. Next, we rank states where these jobs cluster most.
Australian State Rankings 2025 – Job Markets and Migration Pathways
Ranking states blends employment growth, shortage occupations, and nomination ease for skilled migration Australia 2025. Western Australia tops the list with 298 shortage occupations, fueled by mining and construction booms—unemployment at 4.1%, the nation’s lowest. Its WASMOL prioritizes engineers and health pros, offering 5–15 extra points via Subclass 190/491 nominations. Perth’s median salary hits $95,000 AUD, though housing costs $600,000+ for entry-level homes.
South Australia ranks second, with 289 shortages and a resilient 3.8% unemployment rate—30% below decade averages. SASOL targets defense, health, and trades; Adelaide’s affordability (homes ~$550,000 AUD) and graduate streams make it ideal for newcomers. Queensland follows, boasting 280 shortages in agriculture and tourism, with Brisbane’s tech surge and $10,000 apprentice incentives. Unemployment at 4.2%, but regional 491 visas ease entry.
New South Wales secures fourth, leading visa grants (17,430 in 2025) in finance and IT, yet Sydney’s 4.3% unemployment and $1.2 million homes deter some. Victoria, fifth, excels in healthcare and education (277 shortages), with Melbourne’s cultural vibe, but 4.7% unemployment signals competition.
Tasmania and Northern Territory tie for growth potential—Tasmania’s easy PR pathways suit hospitality and ICT, while NT’s 277 shortages focus on population boosts. ACT rounds out with public sector stability and 9.2% projected growth. These rankings reflect job market Australia 2025 dynamics—prioritize based on your skills.
Living in Australia States Comparison – Cost, Lifestyle, and Family Fit
Beyond jobs, living in Australia states comparison hinges on affordability, climate, and community. New South Wales dazzles with Sydney’s beaches and $95,000 AUD median income, but rents average $650 weekly—best for high-earners in employment opportunities Australian regions like Wollongong. Victoria’s Melbourne ranks tops for livability (global #4), blending arts, sports, and $90,000 AUD salaries; cooler weather suits families, though traffic bites.
Queensland shines for sun-seekers—Brisbane’s $85,000 AUD wages and tropical vibe draw migrants, with lower $500 weekly rents and strong healthcare access. Western Australia’s Perth offers isolation perks: vast beaches, $92,000 AUD mining pay, and multicultural hubs, but remoteness challenges families. South Australia’s Adelaide excels in value—$80,000 AUD salaries, $450 rents, and wine regions foster relaxed living, ideal for skilled migration Australia 2025 newcomers.
Tasmania’s Hobart provides serene affordability ($400 rents) and biodiversity, perfect for eco-lovers, while ACT’s Canberra boasts top HDI (0.988) and stable public jobs. Northern Territory’s Darwin suits adventurers with coastal access, but heat and 5.2% unemployment demand resilience. Weigh climate—Queensland’s warmth vs. Tasmania’s cool—and Medicare access nationwide. Families prioritize schools; ACT and Victoria lead rankings.
Best Australian State to Relocate 2025 – Tailored Recommendations
The best Australian state to relocate 2025 depends on your profile. For healthcare pros, Western Australia or South Australia—nurses gain fast nominations via regional streams. Tech specialists thrive in New South Wales or Queensland, where Sydney and Brisbane hubs project 5.3% growth and cyber roles dominate.
Tradespeople eye Tasmania or Northern Territory for easier PR—Tasmania’s low competition yields 65-point thresholds, ideal for electricians. Families favor Adelaide’s balance: top schools, parks, and migration incentives without Sydney’s squeeze. Graduates leverage South Australia’s streams, while executives target ACT’s 0.988 HDI and policy jobs.
Migration to Australia states tips: Secure skills assessments early, target state lists like QSOL for Queensland, and apply onshore for 491 visas. With 961,000 jobs projected nationwide by 2030, act now—consult agents for EOIs. Align your move with these insights for seamless integration.
Challenges and Strategies for Successful Relocation
Relocating demands preparation amid 2025’s tightened quotas. High competition in New South Wales (17,430 visas) contrasts Tasmania’s leniency, where onshore applicants snag nominations swiftly. Common hurdles include points shortfalls—boost yours via English tests or partner skills—and housing crunches in Perth or Sydney.
Strategies: Research state-specific lists; Western Australia’s General Stream requires six-month job contracts. Network on LinkedIn for sponsorships, and budget $5,000–$10,000 AUD for initial setup. Regional perks like 491’s 15 points offset metro allure. Post-arrival, tap community groups for support. With unemployment dipping to 4.3%, persistence pays—many secure PR within three years.
Conclusion
Australia’s states offer tailored paths in 2025, from Western Australia’s resource-driven booms to Tasmania’s accessible PR routes. Prioritize alignments in job market Australia 2025 and living costs to thrive. Start by assessing your skills against state lists and submitting an EOI today—your ideal relocation awaits.
