The annual Occupation Shortage List (OSL) from Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) highlights areas of high demand in the national and regional workforce. For 2025, the OSL is published in both OSCA 2024 and ANZSCO 2022 formats.
Alongside the OSL, JSA has provided supporting insights through reports including:
- OSL Key Findings Report
- OSL Additional Insights Report
- OSL Stakeholder Survey Snapshot
Key Highlights
- National shortages have eased slightly: 29% of assessed occupations (293 out of 1,022) are in shortage, down from 33% in 2024 and 36% in 2023.
- Despite the easing, shortages remain focused in critical sectors.
- Technicians and Trades Workers: Nearly half still face shortages.
- Professionals: Two in five remain in shortage, particularly in health, education, engineering, science, and construction-related trades.
- Persistent shortages: 139 occupations have been in shortage every year since 2021.
Regional Impacts
Regional areas face greater pressure than cities, with 21 occupations in shortage only outside capital cities. This shows the need for targeted support to strengthen workforce supply in these regions.
Click here: Occupation Shortage List and Occupation Shortages Reports