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Looking for a job change? These are 2025's most in-demand jobs that have the highest salary.

With the workforce changing faster than you can say "artificial intelligence", and the cost of living hitting hard, there's never been a better time to look at the most in-demand and highest-paying jobs in Australia.

According to the Australian Government's Jobs and Skills Report, trends like tech innovation, climate action, and an ageing population are rewriting the rules of work.

The good news? Our options are growing.

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"Thirty-seven emerging roles have been identified in the Australian Labour Market, across four key themes that align broadly with the major forces shaping our economy — Health, Care and Medical, Data and Technologies, Net Zero, and Science and Engineering," reported Jobs and Skills Australia.

The report also showed that more than 90 per cent of future job growth will be in roles that need post-secondary qualifications.

So, what does that mean for us? Where should we up-skill? What should we focus on?

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We've done the resarch to find the most in-demand and highest paying jobs in Australia for 2025 and beyond. Here's what we found:

Which jobs are in demand in Australia for 2025?

A Seek Employment Report has shown that job demand has been shifting across industries this year, and the results are a bit of a mixed bag.

Consulting and Strategy had a solid comeback in November, with job ads jumping 6.7 per cent after a rough patch earlier in the year. Community Services and Development also saw a small lift, while IT jobs stayed steady (though still nowhere near pre-pandemic levels).

Meanwhile, Retail and Consumer Products and Hospitality and Tourism both took another hit, marking two straight months of declines. But it's not all bad — Hospitality and Tourism is still up eight per cent compared to last quarter.

Interestingly, some industries like Real Estate and Property, and Consulting and Strategy, have managed to grow compared to last year, even with the overall slowdown.

On the flip side, more people are throwing their hats in the ring, with applications per job ad rising in fields like Education and Training, Legal, and Healthcare and Medical.

So while some industries are cooling off, others are heating up — most notably the below.

Healthcare.

The healthcare industry is booming, growing by 5.4 per cent in 2024 alone, as per Jobs and Skills Australia. This is partly due to COVID, which highlighted indispensable role of healthcare workers — from doctors and nurses, to psychologists and physical therapists.

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What's more, Australia's ageing population — projected to double by 2057, according to The Sphere — is driving demand for services catering to older adults.

Construction.

The construction sector is also thriving, adding nearly 46,000 workers in 2024. With Australia's pressing need for housing and infrastructure upgrades, this demand isn't slowing down anytime soon, either. Jobs in bricklaying, plumbing, engineering, and surveying are plentiful, offering solid career paths with a blend of hands-on work and opportunities for innovation.

Technology and data.

Two tech-driven sectors stand out: app development and data analysis, reports the Victorian Government.

App and Software Development: With companies focusing on digital customer experiences, skills in programming languages like Java, Python, and PHP are goldmines. Roles such as software engineers and mobile app developers are increasingly sought after.

Data Analysis: Big data is everywhere, and companies need experts to interpret it. Data scientists, business analysts, and machine learning engineers are critical to staying competitive in a tech-driven world.

Cybersecurity.

As our lives become more digital, cybersecurity is a necessity. Experts who can safeguard sensitive information are in high demand, with the industry projected to grow by 12 per cent through 2027, according to Fortune Business Insights.

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If you're already in IT, upskilling in cybersecurity can lead to lucrative roles like network security engineer or cybersecurity consultant.

E-Commerce and marketing.

E-commerce is set to be a top field in 2025 as online shopping continues to thrive. In fact, the sector is expected to grow at 5.3 per cent annually through 2032, reports Expert Market Research.

The convenience and variety of online options keep consumer demand high, especially post pandemic. Innovations like AI and data analytics are also reshaping how businesses operate, making skills in digital marketing, UX design, and SEO highly valuable.

What is the highest-paying job in Australia?

Looking to land one of the highest-paying jobs in Australia? If you've got the skills (and stomach) for it, surgeons and anaesthetists are still at the top of the salary food chain, with annual earnings of more than $400,000, according to the latest data from Seek.

In the corporate world, CEOs and executives earn impressive salaries, especially when bonuses, stock options, and other perks are factored in. Top executives in large companies can bring in millions, making this one of the highest-paying career paths.

For those with a knack for finance, investment bankers and portfolio managers will remain amongst the top earners in 2025. These roles typically offer high base salaries along with substantial bonuses, making them a lucrative career choice.

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The tech industry also continues to thrive, with machine learning specialists and blockchain developers earning impressive salaries, often exceeding $200,000 a year.

How to achieve job security.

Ensuring job security in 2025 involves a combination of adaptability, continuous learning, and fostering strong relationships with your colleagues and employers, as per The Muse. Here are three tips:

Embrace change: Industries are constantly evolving due to technological advances and market shifts. By staying flexible and open to change, you show your employer that you're capable of adjusting to new roles or tasks, making you an invaluable asset in times of uncertainty​.

Develop soft skills: While technical skills remain important, soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are crucial. These skills help you manage workplace relationships and navigate challenges effectively, which employers increasingly value.​

Continuously learn and upskill: In a rapidly changing job market, staying up to date with new tools, technologies, and methods is essential. Becoming a lifelong learner — whether through formal education, workshops, or self-study — ensures that you can pivot into new areas if your current role becomes obsolete​.

Feature Image: Getty.

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