Jobs and Skills Australia released its 2026 Occupation Shortage List in October 2026. It rates 279 of 1,021 occupations (27%) as in national shortage, down from 29% in 2025 and 36% in 2023. The list is a labour market report, not a visa list, so a change in shortage rating does not by itself add or remove an occupation from a visa list.
The Headline Numbers
| Measure | 2026 result |
|---|---|
| Occupations in national shortage | 279 of 1,021 (27%) |
| Share in shortage, earlier years | 29% in 2025, 36% in 2023 |
| Moved into shortage / out of shortage | 28 in / 42 out |
| In shortage every year from 2021 to 2026 | 127 occupations |
| Technicians and Trades Workers in shortage | 48%, the highest of any group |
| Professionals in shortage | 37% |
Where the Shortages Are
Trades are still the hardest jobs to fill. Of the 127 occupations that have been short every year since 2021, 90% are trades or professional jobs. About half of the occupations that came off the list this year are in health, engineering, science and ICT, which suggests employers in those areas are finding staff more easily than before.
Employers in shortage jobs had on average 3.3 suitable applicants per vacancy, compared with 6.3 for jobs not in shortage. Jobs and Skills Australia says the main causes are not enough people being trained, a lack of suitable applicants and difficulty keeping staff.
What It Means for Your Visa
- It is not a visa listSkilled visas use their own occupation lists, such as the Core Skills Occupation List for employer sponsored visas and the skilled lists for 189, 190 and 491. Those lists change only when the Government updates them.
- It still mattersThe Government and the states use shortage data when they review visa lists and set nomination priorities. A long-term shortage job is generally a stronger choice for a migration plan.
- Check your exact occupationJobs and Skills Australia now uses the new OSCA occupation codes, while Home Affairs still uses ANZSCO codes for most visas. Make sure you are reading the right code for your job.
- Choose study carefullyIf you are choosing a course for a future visa, compare it against both the shortage list and the visa lists. Our course guides show the visa lists for each field.
Not sure where your occupation stands? Our points calculator and a quick chat with our team can help.
Not sure how this affects you? Talk to our registered migration agent about your situation.
Book a consultationChecked against official sources on 27 October 2026. Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia: 2026 Occupation Shortage List Key Findings Report · Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation shortages continue to ease · Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation Shortage data · Home Affairs: Skilled occupation list
This update is general information, not legal advice. Migration law changes often, so check the official sources or speak to a registered migration agent before you make decisions.