8 of Australia's in-demand jobs for the future
In our fast-paced world, we’re constantly being introduced to new trends, technologies, and changes in the economy. This means it’s more important than ever to future-proof your career and stay ahead of what is happening in your industry.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the most in-demand jobs and skills in Australia, empowering you to make the best choices for your career. Learn about the likelihood of these industries being replaced by artificial intelligence (AI), and find out how to get your foot in the door of your dream job.
Cybersecurity
The emergence of advanced technologies has created opportunities for cybercriminals to target their victims in new ways. For instance, Australia experienced a 13% increase in cybercrime reports in the 2021-2022 financial year.
You might be wondering if cybersecurity jobs will be replaced by AI, but this is unlikely. While AI has many benefits in cybersecurity (such as detecting threats), humans will remain crucial in responding to new technologies and making ethical decisions.
Cybersecurity is a varied field with many in-demand jobs for the future, including:
- ICT Programmer
- Cyber Security Lead
- ICT Security Specialist
- Network Analyst
Although it’s not always necessary to have a degree if you want to work in Cybersecurity, it can be advantageous. QUT Online’s Master of IT (Cyber Security and Networks) is an in-depth program that’s accredited by the ACS, the professional association for Australia’s technology sector. Alternatively, the Graduate Diploma in IT (Cyber Security and Networks) and the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security and Networks are better suited to those looking for shorter-term study options.
Predicted job growth & average salary
Cybersecurity falls under the Database & Systems Administrators & ICT Security occupation group, however, predicted job growth and average salary will vary across roles, as these figures show:
Aged Care
There will always be demand for health professionals, but specialist skills are required when attending to the unique needs of older people. Australia also faces an ageing population – by 2066, 21% to 23% of the total population is projected to be aged 65 and over, meaning that aged care and gerontology will be skills in demand.
Another benefit of a career in aged care is that new technology isn’t expected to impact job security. While automation will continue to assist with practical tasks such as tracking patient health conditions, these jobs will always require the empathy and compassion of humans.
Some of the best jobs for the future in aged care include:
- Home aged care worker
- Residential support worker
- Facility manager
- Policy analyst
- Program coordinator
There are multiple pathways for healthcare workers to expand their knowledge and skills in aged care. QUT Online’s Graduate Certificate in Care of the Aged is a six-month course designed for students to develop the specialist skills needed for practical work. The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Master of Gerontology are suited to those wanting to gain knowledge for managerial and policy-related roles in the field.
Predicted job growth & average salary
The figures below refer to personal care workers who assist aged and disabled persons in their homes. Predicted job growth and average salary will vary across roles in aged care.
Education
There are currently workforce shortages in schools across Australia, creating opportunities for those considering a career in education. Current teachers can also develop skills that are in demand to increase their employability, including learning how to integrate technology into the classroom and provide inclusive education to students with special needs.
Another advantage of pursuing a career in education is that AI is unlikely to impact job security. While it may make lesson planning and marking assignments easier, it won’t be able to replicate the empathy and ability to support each student with their specific needs.
There are many career paths to explore other than being a primary or high school teacher, including:
- Special needs teacher
- Learning designer
- Curriculum designer
- Career counsellor
- Teaching assistant
There are several pathways for those looking to change to a career in education. If you already have a recognised bachelor’s degree (in any discipline), you can complete a Graduate Certificate in Education, followed by a Master of Education.
QUT Online also has courses for current teachers looking to expand their knowledge in the areas of career development and counselling, autism, Indigenous education, and innovative learning design.
Predicted job growth & average salary
The figures below refer to the Education and Training industry as a whole, however, predicted job growth and average salary will vary across specific roles.
Software Development and Computer Science
Software and Applications Programmers were ranked second in Australia’s top 20 jobs in demand, with high employment growth expected between 2022 and 2027. As we continue to rely on technology in our day-to-day lives, there will be a need for professionals with advanced computer knowledge.
While AI is already supporting computer science fields by automating tasks, it’s unlikely that technology will soon replace the need for human problem-solving and creativity.
Some of the best computer science jobs for the future include:
- Software developer/engineer
- Web designer
- Computer scientist
- Systems engineer
- Network analyst
Although not strictly necessary for all computer science jobs, a degree will increase your chances of succeeding in this field. QUT Online’s Master of Information Technology (Computer Science) is accredited by the ACS, the professional association for Australia’s technology sector. For shorter courses, the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Computer Science) is an ideal pathway for those coming from a background other than IT, while the Graduate Certificate in Computer Science is suited to those with existing IT experience who are looking to upskill.
Predicted job growth & average salary
The figures below refer to Software and Applications Programmers:
Nursing and Healthcare
Registered nurses are ranked third in Australia’s top 20 jobs in demand, with several other healthcare professions also expected to grow in demand between 2022 and 2027. The emergence of new diseases, new technologies, and an ageing population are just some of the reasons healthcare jobs are in demand.
Despite growing concerns for rapid advancements in technology, it’s unlikely to hurt job security in healthcare. Instead, it will assist with time-consuming tasks and help to shift hospital-based care to home-based care with remote monitoring.
Here’s a list of healthcare careers you could consider:
- Registered nurse
- Aged and disabled carers
- Occupational therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Health services manager
The pathway to starting a healthcare career will depend on the specific field you want to pursue. You can explore a variety of undergraduate health degrees available at QUT.
If you’re a current healthcare professional looking to expand into a leadership role, QUT Online has a number of Health Management courses. For a shorter course, the Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management runs for six months. In-depth courses are also available, including, the Graduate Diploma in Health Management and the Master of Health Management.
Predicted job growth & average salary
The figures below refer to the Health Care and Social Assistance industry as a whole:
Data Analytics
Seek predicts a substantial 27.7% growth in employment opportunities for data analysts in Australia over the next five years. As the amount of data we can access grows and technology progresses, data analysis will continue to be a skill that’s in demand.
With its speed and accuracy, AI will automate many aspects of the field. However, it is unlikely to replace all data analysis jobs, as they require human judgement and contextual understanding of specific businesses and industries.
Data analysts can work across a range of industries in roles including:
- Data analyst
- Sales analyst
- Website analyst
- Technical business analyst
- Data engineer
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline), you can enrol in a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics or a Data Analytics Bootcamp. These courses at QUT Online provide a foundation for a career in data analytics and can be completed in as little as six months.
Predicted job growth & average salary
The figures below refer to Actuaries, Mathematicians and Statisticians as a whole:
Web development
Whether we are online shopping or checking our bank accounts, most of us have become accustomed to doing business online. Web development plays a key role in the design and build of websites and is an in-demand job in Australia.
Additionally, AI isn’t expected to replace web developers anytime soon. Although it can automate tasks such as generating and testing code, human web developers are needed for their skills in user experience, creativity, and problem-solving.
A few web development jobs you could find yourself in include:
- Web developer
- Applications developer
- UX designer
- Software developer
You don’t need any prior knowledge of web development tools to enrol in a Web Development Bootcamp at QUT Online. You can gain the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to be job-ready in just six months.
Predicted job growth & average salary
The figures below refer to the Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers occupation group as a whole:
Digital Communication
Professionals in digital communication use various media forms to effectively communicate messages. As new forms of media continue to be created, effective digital communication is likely to become a skill that is in demand across many industries.
What’s more, AI is unlikely to completely replace digital communication roles, as they require creativity, a contextual understanding of brands, and human judgement on privacy and security issues.
Some digital communication roles you could explore include:
- Digital strategist
- Digital marketing specialist
- Digital marketing specialist
- Social media specialist
- Digital content producer
Although a degree isn’t always necessary for digital communication jobs, it can provide a foundation of knowledge and help you stand out when applying for jobs. QUT Online offers several postgraduate courses, including a Graduate Certificate in Digital Communication, a Graduate Diploma in Digital Communication, and a Master of Digital Communication.
The figures below refer to the Advertising and Marketing Professionals overall:
If you are interested in seeing where you could upskill yourself in relation to these jobs, call us on 1300 104 196. Once of our course consultants or student advisors will be available to assist you in your decision making process.
