Jobs and Skills Australia released its 2026 Occupation Shortages List, naming 279 occupations where employer demand exceeds the available workforce, representing 27% of the more than 1,000 roles examined.

The proportion of occupations in shortage has fallen from a peak of 36% in 2023 to 27% in 2026, continuing a downward trend observed in 2025.

Technicians and Trades Workers together with Professionals account for 90% of the listed shortages, with concentrations in construction, engineering, health, early childhood education and related trades.

The annual assessment that produced the list examines labour‑market conditions to pinpoint occupations where employers struggle to recruit suitable workers.

Alongside the list, Jobs and Skills Australia published an Occupation Shortage Drivers analysis, identifying education and training gaps and suitability gaps as the two most common primary causes of the shortages.

Retention gaps also feature, particularly among Technicians and Trades Workers in sectors such as food and hospitality, automotive and construction, where low pay and poor working conditions contribute to turnover.

The OSL and OSD reports provide detailed methodology, data sources and the full list of occupations, offering a comprehensive overview of Australia’s workforce needs for 2026.