Updated for 2025

Top Healthcare Jobs in Australia

Best Careers, Salaries, Skills & How to Get Started

Why Choose a Career in Healthcare?

Healthcare is one of Australia's most secure and in-demand industries, offering meaningful work, excellent salaries, and countless job opportunities across the nation. With a rapidly growing population and ongoing workforce shortages, healthcare roles provide exceptional long-term career security.

Healthcare jobs are available across:

  • Public hospitals
  • Private hospitals
  • Aged care facilities
  • NDIS & disability services
  • Emergency response services
  • Mental health & community care

Key benefits of working in healthcare:

  • Strong job stability and security
  • National skills shortages mean fast hiring
  • Visa sponsorship opportunities for international workers
  • Multiple education pathways for all backgrounds
  • Flexible casual, part-time, and full-time options
  • Competitive salaries with penalty rates and allowances

There has never been a better time to work in Australian healthcare.

Top Healthcare Jobs in 2025

Here are the most in-demand and high-reward healthcare roles in Australia right now:

1 Registered Nurse (RN)
Salary Range
$80,000 – $115,000+
Qualifications
Bachelor of Nursing + AHPRA Registration
Where You'll Work
Hospitals, aged care, community care
Why it's in demand: Registered Nurses face the largest shortage in the entire healthcare system, with thousands of vacancies across Australia.
✓ Visa Sponsorship Available
2 Aged Care Support Worker (AIN/PCA)
Salary Range
$55,000 – $80,000 (with penalties)
Qualifications
Certificate III in Individual Support
Where You'll Work
Aged care homes & community care
Why it's in demand: Australia's ageing population creates continuous demand for aged care workers. This is the fastest job entry pathway into healthcare.
3 Disability Support Worker (NDIS)
Salary Range
$60,000 – $85,000
Qualifications
Certificate III or IV in Disability
Where You'll Work
Home care, SIL providers, day programs
Why it's in demand: The NDIS is Australia's largest social program, supporting over 650,000 participants and employing hundreds of thousands of workers.
4 Mental Health Clinician / Peer Support Worker
Salary Range
$60,000 – $135,000
Qualifications
Varies by role (Cert IV to Masters)
Where You'll Work
Hospitals, outreach, crisis services
Why it's in demand: Major expansion in youth mental health services and public mental health programs across Australia.
✓ Visa Sponsorship Available (Psychologists)
5 Paramedic (State Ambulance Services)
Salary Range
$90,000 – $150,000+
Qualifications
Bachelor of Paramedic Science + AHPRA
Where You'll Work
Metro, regional, rescue response
Why it's in demand: Life-saving career with quick promotion opportunities and excellent job security across all states.
✓ Visa Sponsorship Available
6 Physiotherapist / Occupational Therapist
Salary Range
$85,000 – $130,000+
Qualifications
Bachelor or Masters + AHPRA
Where You'll Work
Hospitals, rehab, NDIS, paediatrics
Why it's in demand: Huge shortage in NDIS and aged care sectors, with strong demand across all specialties.
✓ Visa Sponsorship Available
7 Enrolled Nurse (EN)
Salary Range
$65,000 – $95,000
Qualifications
Diploma of Nursing (TAFE) + AHPRA
Where You'll Work
Hospitals & aged care facilities
Why it's in demand: Fast entry pathway into nursing with strong pay growth and excellent career progression opportunities.
8 Radiographer / Sonographer
Salary Range
$100,000 – $200,000+
Qualifications
Degree + Postgraduate training
Where You'll Work
Imaging departments & private clinics
Why it's in demand: Critical workforce shortage nationwide with some of the highest salaries in healthcare.
9 Hospital Administration / Medical Reception
Salary Range
$55,000 – $75,000
Qualifications
Office skills + on-the-job training
Where You'll Work
Hospitals, clinics, specialist practices
Why it's in demand: No healthcare experience required – perfect entry point for administrative professionals.
10 Personal Care Assistant → Nursing Pathway

The ultimate career growth pathway:

  • Start as PCA/AIN (Personal Care Assistant / Assistant in Nursing)
  • Study to become an Enrolled Nurse (EN) while working
  • Progress to Registered Nurse (RN) with employer-supported training
  • Specialise in your area of interest (ICU, Emergency, Mental Health, etc.)
Why this pathway works: Many employers offer study support and flexible hours, allowing you to earn while you learn. This is the best long-term pathway for career growth in healthcare.

Visa Sponsorship Healthcare Jobs

Australia urgently recruits healthcare professionals internationally to address critical workforce shortages. Many healthcare occupations qualify for skilled migration and employer sponsorship.

High-demand roles for international applicants:

  • Registered Nurses (all specialties)
  • Paramedics
  • Psychologists & Mental Health Clinicians
  • Allied Health Professionals (Physio, OT, Speech Pathology)

Common visa types for healthcare workers:

  • 482 Temporary Skilled Visa (employer sponsorship)
  • 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (permanent residency)
  • 491 Regional Skilled Visa (regional areas)

Where Are the Best Job Opportunities?

Healthcare jobs are available across Australia, with particularly strong demand in:

🏙️ Metro Hospitals – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
🌆 Growing Suburbs – Western Sydney, South East Melbourne
🌾 Regional Areas – Highest incentives and bonuses
🏜️ Remote Communities – WA, NT & QLD (fast hiring + higher pay)

Regional and remote opportunities offer:

  • Priority selection for applicants
  • Relocation bonuses and housing subsidies
  • Higher base salaries and allowances
  • Faster career progression
  • Priority visa pathways for international workers

Entry Pathways for Beginners

No degree? No problem. Many healthcare roles are accessible with short certificate courses or on-the-job training.

Fast-track entry roles include:

Aged Care Support Worker
Disability Support Worker
Healthcare Assistant
Patient Transport Officer
Dental Assistant
Ward Support Worker

Get qualified quickly: Complete a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability) in as little as 6-12 months and start working immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which healthcare job pays the most?
A: Medical specialists and sonographers earn the highest salaries, but Registered Nurses in specialty areas and Allied Health professionals also earn excellent salaries ($100K-$150K+).
Q: Can I start with no experience?
A: Yes. Aged care and disability support roles are beginner-friendly and provide excellent entry points into the healthcare industry.
Q: Do healthcare jobs offer visa sponsorship?
A: Yes. Nursing, allied health, paramedicine, and mental health roles frequently qualify for visa sponsorship due to critical shortages.
Q: Can I work while studying?
A: Absolutely. Many healthcare employers offer part-time and casual positions that allow you to work while completing your studies.

Start Your Healthcare Career Today

Ready to explore one of Australia's most secure and impactful career paths? Browse thousands of healthcare jobs across all specialties and locations.

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Summary

Healthcare careers in Australia are meaningful, secure, and well-paid, with pathways available for every background and education level. Whether you're just starting out or seeking a specialised role, you'll find abundant opportunities across the country.

From entry-level support work requiring only a certificate qualification to advanced clinical roles requiring university degrees, the Australian healthcare system offers diverse career options with excellent earning potential and job security. With ongoing workforce shortages and an ageing population, demand for healthcare workers will continue to grow for decades to come.

Take the first step toward a rewarding healthcare career today.