• Home
  • Courses by Subject
      • Accounting
      • Bookkeeping
      • Compliance and Risk
      • Finance
      • MYOB
      • Payroll
      • Xero
      • Animal Care
      • Animal Science
      • Pet Grooming
      • Veterinary Nursing
      • Arts
      • Fashion Design
      • Graphic Design
      • Interior Design
      • Photography
      • User Experience Design
      • Web Design
      • Building and Construction
      • Carpentry
      • Plumbing
      • Business
      • Business Administration
      • Business Development
      • Business Operations
      • Change Management
      • Entrepreneurship
      • Human Resources
      • Leadership and Management
      • Logistics
      • Management
      • PRINCE2
      • Product Management
      • Project Management
      • Quality Management
      • Supply Chain Operations
      • Aged Care
      • Alcohol and Other Drugs
      • Community Services
      • Disability
      • Individual Support
      • Youth Work
      • Child Care
      • Education
      • Education Support
      • Engineering
      • Manufacturing
      • Agriculture
      • Conservation and Land Management
      • Health Science
      • Horticulture
      • Sustainability
      • Beauty
      • Hairdressing
      • Makeup
      • Nail Technology
      • Allied Health
      • Counselling
      • Dental Assisting
      • Fitness
      • Health
      • Health Administration
      • Health Services Assistance
      • Massage
      • Mental Health
      • Naturopathy
      • Nursing
      • Nutrition
      • Personal Training
      • Pharmacy
      • Practice Management
      • Psychology
      • Event Management
      • Hospitality
      • Agile
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • AWS
      • Cisco
      • Cloud Computing
      • Coding
      • CompTIA
      • Cyber Security
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • IT
      • ITIL
      • Microsoft
      • Networking
      • Programming
      • Software
      • Systems Administration
      • Web Development
      • Legal
      • Work Health and Safety
      • Digital Marketing
      • Marketing
      • Social Media Marketing
    • Blended
    • In-class
    • Online
    • Virtual
    • ACT
    • New South Wales
    • Northern Territory
    • South Australia
    • Tasmania
    • Victoria
    • Western Australia
    • Queensland
    • Certificate II
    • Certificate III
    • Certificate IV
    • Short
    • Diploma
    • Advanced Diploma
    • Bachelor
    • Graduate Certificate
    • Graduate Diploma
    • Masters
    • Unaccredited
  • Resources
  • Workforce Training
  • Contact us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Affiliates
  • About us
Homepage 
ResourcesCareers in AustraliaEducation in AustraliaHow to StudyStudy in AustraliaTAFE in Australia
  1. Home
  2. Resources
  3. Career Advice
  4. The Changing Australian Job Market: New South Wales
Published 1 Jun 2018

The Changing Australian Job Market: New South Wales

Claudia Reiners

Browse All Courses

According to the Australian Government’s Department of Employment, New South Wales is the largest employing state, holding close to one third of all Australian workers.

The Australian Jobs Report is an annual publication that reflects the changes in the Australian Labour Market; providing some great information around industries, regions and career paths that are booming in Australia.

Sometimes it’s not about what you do, it’s about where you look, and this article can help you make the best decision for your future career if you live or are planning to live in New South Wales.

Type of Workforce

Workforce Qualification

New South Wales has experienced a very stable employment market in recent years, above the national average with 3,920,600 employed at November 2017, and a projected growth of 8.4% over the five years to May 2022.

The state is also the highest regional employer across the nation.

When it comes to education, 69% of workers in NSW have post-school qualifications, compared to the national average of 67%. This supports the notion of NSW holding the title for highest qualified workforce in Australia.

In New South Wales, most jobs can be found in:


  • Sydney
  • Illawarra
  • Capital Region
  • Newcastle
  • Macquarie Lake
  • Richmond
  • Hunter Valley

Largest Employing Industries in NSW

In New South Wales, the top five employing industries are:


Health Care & Social Assistance - 13%
Retail - 10%
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services - 9%
Construction - 9%
Education & Training - 8%

Health Care and Social Assistance is the largest employing industry with 518,500, followed by Construction (31.3% increase) and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (20.9% increase).

NSW Industry Breakdown

Health Care & Social Assistance


Top 5 Occupations

  • Registered Nurses
  • Aged & Disability Carers
  • Child Carers
  • Receptionists
  • Nursing Support & Personal Care Workers

518,0
Employed

Browse Healthcare Courses

Retail Trade

Top 5 Occupations

  • General Sales Assistants
  • Retail Managers
  • Checkout Operators & Office Cashiers
  • Shelf Fillers
  • Pharmacy Sales Assistants

392,0
Employed
Browse Retail Courses

Professional, Scientific & Technical Services

Top 5 Occupations

  • Police
  • General Clerks
  • Security Officers & Guards
  • Contract, Program & Project Administrators
  • Inspectors & Regulatory Officers

371,0
Employed
Browse Technical Courses

Construction

Top 5 Occupations

  • Carpenters & Joiners
  • Electricians
  • Construction Managers
  • Plumbers
  • Painting Trades Workers

366,0
Employed
Browse Construction Courses

Education & Training

Top 5 Occupations

  • Primary School Teachers
  • Secondary School Teachers
  • Education Aides
  • University Lecturers & Tutors
  • Private Tutors & Teachers

325,000
Employed
Browse Education Courses

12,0

Circumstances surrounding youth employment in NSW have improved over the year, with the number of employed rising by 12,600 (or 2.2%).




10.0%

The state’s youth unemployment rate has also dropped, declining by 0.9% to 10.8%

Youth Employment Share

Overall, the short-term outlook for the New South Wales economy according to the Australian Jobs Report 2018 is reasonably positive. There is an expected 1.75% employment growth in 2018-19, while the unemployment rate is forecast to average 4.75% during this timeframe.

From these figures, it is clear that there is no sign of these top five industry areas slowing down. So, if your interests lie in any of the above, browse our courses today and explore your options.

Browse All Courses

Browse Results in New South Wales

Courses found:
Top Result

Certificate IV in Fitness SIS40221

This course is specifically designed to build on the knowledge and skills gained in a Certificate III in Fitness, and to equip you with a complete understanding of how to train and inspire your own clients to achieve optimum results. You will use a div...

National Health & Fitness Academy -  Course
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Adelaide South Australia +8
Job Outcomes Personal Trainer
National Health & Fitness Academy -  Course

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) (NSW Only) CHC33021

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) is a nationally recognised training qualification. This course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to gain employment as a personal support worker in a residential aged c...

Max Solutions Pty Ltd -  Course
Study Method Blended, Online
Location New South Wales
Job Outcomes Aged Care Worker +5
Max Solutions Pty Ltd -  Course

Diploma of Engineering (Technical) MEM50222

This qualification provides you with the practical skills and knowledge to draw and design the necessary specifications an engineering workshop needs to manufacture goods. This course develops on your existing knowledge in how to produce different engi...

Outsource Institute (AUS) -  Course
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location New South Wales +6
Job Outcomes Engineering project officer +6
Outsource Institute (AUS) -  Course

Certificate III in Engineering – Technical MEM30522

This qualification defines the skills and knowledge required of an Engineering Technician within metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries. The skills associated with this qualification are intended to apply to a wide range of enginee...

Outsource Institute (AUS) -  Course
Study Method Blended, Online
Location New South Wales +6
Job Outcomes Electrical Engineer
Outsource Institute (AUS) -  Course

Personal Trainer Course SIS30321,SIS40221

Join the fitness industry as a Personal Trainer and turn your love for fitness into a rewarding career by graduating in both the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness & SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Enjoy the flexibility of being your own boss...

Australian Fitness Academy -  Course
Study Method In-class, Online
Location New South Wales +6
Australian Fitness Academy -  Course

Online courses also available

Refine Results
Subject
Qualification Level
Provider
Looking For A Short Course?
With a huge range of short courses from Australia's leading online providers, you will be sure to find a course that's perfect for you.
Navigator Illustration
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!
gator tooltip icon
Our course navigator helps refine thousands of courses into a personalised list that suits you. Click to answer each question, so we can provide you with the best possible courses, tailored to your preferences.
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!

Try our navigator tool and find the right course.

Start Here
Navigator Illustration
Loading...
Claudia Reiners
Claudia Reiners

Navigator Illustration
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!
gator tooltip icon
Our course navigator helps refine thousands of courses into a personalised list that suits you. Click to answer each question, so we can provide you with the best possible courses, tailored to your preferences.
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!

Try our navigator tool and find the right course.

Start Here
Navigator Illustration

Latest Articles


20 Jobs You Don’t Need Experience For: Learn While You Earn

It may seem every job posting out there asks for some type of university degree or several years of...

Avatar photo
Kristen Michaelides
Dec 18, 2025
Read More

35 Profitable (and Fun) Home Business Ideas You Can Start Today

There are business opportunities are all around — whether you’re looking for a full-time or pa...

Avatar photo
Kristen Michaelides
Dec 17, 2025
Read More

Top In-Demand Skills You Need to Stay Employable in 2026

As we approach 2026, the global workforce is being reshaped by accelerating technology, demographic...

Avatar photo
Kristen Michaelides
Dec 5, 2025
Read More

Want to Read More?


What to Expect When You’re Expecting at Work

Being pregnant at work can be a nerve-wracking experience, with pregnant workers having to deal with...

Avatar photo
Candlefox
Feb 4, 2020
Read More

The Changing Face of the Australian Job Market: Queensland

According to the Australian Government’s Department of Employment, Queensland is the third lar...

Claudia Reiners
Jun 5, 2018
Read More

Where do Nutritionists and Dietitians Work?

Nutrition, health and wellness are the centre of our goals, to-do lists and New Year’s resolutions,...

Avatar photo
Candlefox
Jun 20, 2020
Read More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.

By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
  • chevron-left
  • Popular Subjects
  • Study Locations
  • Qualification Type
  • Popular Blogs
  • chevron-right
  • Community Services
  • Accounting
  • Animal Care
  • Aged Care
  • Child Care
  • Counselling
  • IT
  • Business Admin
  • Business
  • Disability
  • Education
  • Project Management
  • Marketing
  • Allied Health
  • Building and Construction
  • Fitness
  • View More
  • New South Wales
  • Northern Territory
  • Queensland
  • South Australia
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia
  • View More
  • Advanced Diploma
  • Bachelor
  • Certificate III
  • Certificate IV
  • Diploma
  • Masters
  • Short
  • Graduate Certificate
  • View More
  • 5 Low-Stress Jobs to a Create Perfect Work-Life Balance
  • 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia Without a Degree
  • 12+ Best Side Hustles in Australia: Money Makers
  • What Are The Most Enjoyable Careers? Top 12 Fun Jobs
  • 20 Jobs You Don't Need Experience For: Learn While You Earn
  • TAFE, VET and AQF – Acronyms in Australian Learning
  • Changing Careers Over 50: The Best Decision You’ll Ever Make
  • Government Funded Courses and Subsidised Training
  • Never Too Late: Studying at TAFE as a Mature Age Student
  • Study at TAFE | Guide to TAFE Courses in Australia
  • 35 Profitable (and Fun) Home Business Ideas You Can Start Today
  • The Top Careers That Earn Over $100K Without a Degree
  • Top 10 High Income Skills of 2026 (Based on Real Data)
  • What is TAFE (Technical and Further Education)
  • View More

Newsletter sign up

We'll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.
Courses
  • All subjects
  • Online courses
About Us
  • About tafecourses.com.au
Contact us
  • Contact
  • Advertise your course
  • Become an affiliate
Resources
  • Our blog
  • Workforce training
Privacy Policy Terms of Use
Certified B Corporation
Tafecourses Facebook Tafecourses Instagram
Certified B Corporation
Australian Aboriginal flag Torres Strait Islander flag
In the spirit of reconciliation, tafecourses.com.au acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Copyright © 2026 Tafecourses.com.au
All Rights Reserved.

Newsletter Sign Up

We’ll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.

By downloading this template I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
Back to Top