According to the Jobs and Skills Report 2024, there were 136 occupations in persistent shortage from 2021 to 2024 in Australia, spanning across various industries including business. This workforce shortage has created a high demand for specific roles, granting more career opportunities for those working in the business sector.
In this article, we explore the eight most in-demand jobs in Australia for business professionals and what factors you should consider when choosing a career.
The top 8 business jobs most in demand in 2025
The following business jobs are currently in high demand as they were reported to be in shortage in all or some states and territories from 2021. Discover what these roles entail as well as their job outlook and average salary according to SEEK.
1. Cyber security analyst
Cyber security plays a vital role in Australian businesses as more sectors undergo digital transformations. According to a 2023 report by AustCyber, the cyber security sector in Australia will need an additional 4,813 dedicated roles every year to meet industry demands for 2030.
Cyber security analysts are particularly in high demand in Australia, with a reported national shortage from 2021 to 2024.
A cyber security analyst safeguards an organisation’s information technology (IT) infrastructure from cyber breaches and attacks. They execute a variety of security measures to ensure their company’s network and information systems are protected. This may include monitoring networks for signs of unauthorised activity, taking swift actions to resolve cyber attacks and examining breaches to comprehend underlying causes.
The rising demand of cyber security analysts also brings forth a positive job outlook. This role is expected to grow by 38.9 per cent within the next five years.
The average annual salary for cyber security analysts in Australia ranges from $100,000 to $120,000.
If you’re interested in elevating your career or starting a new journey in cyber security, you can explore a wide range of cyber security postgraduate courses in Australia that can help you gain industry-relevant skills to thrive and make an impact in this field.
This six-month program aims to create specialists with a deep understanding of cyber security’s impact on every aspect of modern life and to empower cyber security leaders for a resilient, more productive digital future.
You'll undertake four advanced-level courses covering a range of key topics. You'll learn about the world's major cyber security challenges and a range of responses, including technical, policy, organisational, governance and geopolitical.
Master of Cyber Security, you will learn how to detect, analyse and confront cyber security challenges. You will focus on a range of studies and gain knowledge about system security and digital forensics, analytics, organisational security, and human aspects of cyber security.
2. Taxation accountant
Taxation accountants examine, report and offer professional advice to individuals or organisations on taxation matters such as reducing tax liabilities and ensuring their activities comply with the appropriate tax regulations. Other responsibilities may include preparing and filing tax returns, auditing financial reports to verify their accuracy, analysing an organisation’s expenditure and earnings as well as coordinating with financial institutions to set up funds management arrangements.
There has been a shortage of professionals in this role across all states and territories in Australia in 2023 and 2024, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. This aligns with the findings from the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)’s stakeholder survey in 2024, in which more than 80 per cent of its members reported that vacancy fill rates were below 67 per cent for specific finance occupations, including taxation accountants.
The job growth for this role is also positive, as SEEK reports that taxation accountant positions are projected to grow by 9.2 per cent in the next five-year period.
Taxation accountants receive an annual salary between $80,000 to $100,000 on average.
3. Hotel or motel manager
A manager of a hotel or motel oversees the daily operations of their hospitality establishment. They provide leadership to teams across different functions like housekeeping, food and beverage, event management and maintenance. Professionals in this role may also be responsible for various operational and administrative duties, such as managing hotel budgets, organising staff schedules and providing training to employees.
In Australia, this role was in shortage in Western Australia and the Northern Territory in 2023. The demand increased dramatically as this hospitality profession faced a nationwide shortage in the following year. This creates job opportunities as businesses actively seek to hire professionals in this role, which leads to a positive career outlook. According to a 2024 report by Service and Creative Skills Australia, hospitality sector jobs, including accommodation and hospitality managers, are predicted to grow within the next five and ten years.
With an average salary of $80,000 to $95,000 a year, now is a great time for those working in the hospitality field to explore leadership and management roles to help solve this shortage.
4. Financial investment adviser
The Australian Government listed financial investment advisers as one of the key jobs in demand in the Core Skills Occupations List released in 2024. The list outlines the skills needed in Australia to attract skilled migrants who can fill in-demand roles. In 2023 and 2024, the country faced a shortage of professionals in this finance role in every state and territory except Victoria.
Financial investment advisers provide financial planning guidance to clients in various areas, such as choosing investments, insurance, mortgages and pensions. They usually examine their client's financial goals and circumstances as well as their risk appetite before creating personalised financial plans and investment strategies. These advisers may also help clients purchase and sell stocks, suggest and arrange insurance covers and update investment plans according to market changes.
Financial adviser roles, which include investment advisers, are projected to grow by 10.7 per cent by 2030.
The annual income of a financial adviser sits between $110,000 to $130,000 on average, making it a lucrative career choice for many finance professionals.
Various universities in Australia offer finance courses that have a strong focus on investment management. If you’re keen about building a career in this exciting field, obtaining a postgraduate qualification can help you advance your financial expertise to set you up for success.
The Graduate Certificate in Finance and Investment Management is designed for graduates looking to pursue careers in the finance sector.
Obtain a deep understanding of financial modelling, portfolio management, derivatives, fixed income, public sector financing, equities, venture capital, real estate and infrastructure while becoming acquainted with recent technological advancements shaping the financial industry. This knowledge will prepare you to navigate complex data across industries and make informed decisions that involve calculated risks supported by financial knowledge, data analysis and research.
The Master of Applied Finance (Investing) is for students interested in acquiring an advanced understanding of investment and portfolio management.
During the degree, you will study the theory and practice of financial management and gain an understanding of the global financial system. Additionally, competing approaches to corporate governance and business ethics will be developed.
Students are also provided with realistic stock market simulations and are introduced to modern portfolio theory and practice with a focus on optimal investment decision-making. You will experience the pressure of live markets and learn how to manage portfolios through a portfolio simulation that allows you to trade shares, options, bonds, managed funds and international stocks with realistic stock market simulations.
The Master of Finance (Global Investment and Trade) will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the interconnections between institutions and global financial markets, as well as the implications of changing regulation and policy.
Using state-of-the-art market simulation programs in the Iress Trading Room on campus, you will gain hands-on experience and further understand the intricacies behind international investment. You can also choose to enhance your business consulting skills and experience through a professional placement in Australia or overseas.
You will graduate career-ready with the skills and financial expertise to manage real-world challenges in a global environment.
5. Internal auditor
An internal auditor analyses an organisation’s financial and operational procedures. They can determine the financial situation of an organisation and examine the risks and cost effectiveness of business activities. This role may also require professionals to prepare audit reports and financial statements for management, board members and legal entities.
Australia is in great need of finance professionals in this role. Internal auditors were in national shortage from 2021 to 2023. In 2024, the shortage persisted in most states and territories across Australia. According to the same CA ANZ survey mentioned above, most of the CA ANZ members expect the labour demand for internal auditors to increase over the next five years. This finding is in line with SEEK’s data which reports a job growth of 11.1 per cent within the same period.
Internal auditors can expect an annual salary between $80,000 and $100,000 a year.
6. Actuary
Australia faced a shortage of actuaries in all parts of the country except South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory in 2023 and 2024. This gap offers a great opportunity for aspiring actuaries to enter this field as this role is also expected to continue growing.
Actuaries utilise their mathematical and statistical expertise to evaluate potential risks and their financial consequences in various business matters. They’re usually employed in finance-related industries such as insurance, fund management, investments and health financing. These professionals can assist in examining and resolving financial and business issues related to areas such as insurance premiums, superannuation funds, dividends and pensions.
You can enjoy a financially rewarding career as an actuary as the average annual salary for this position ranges from $125,000 to $145,000.
Embarking on this career path requires specialised knowledge which you can gain from a postgraduate actuarial course. Advancing your studies can equip you with the expertise to excel as an actuary. Below are some university programs in Australia that can help you dive into this rewarding and dynamic field.
The Graduate Certificate of Finance and Actuarial Statistics provides comprehensive training in financial actuarial and statistical principles enhancing analytical and management skills.
Melbourne Business School's Master of Commerce (Actuarial Science) is for students who hold an actuarial degree and wish to pursue their actuarial training further. With a broad grounding in quantitative techniques in insurance and financial risk modelling, graduates of this program will be well positioned to pursue a professional career in the actuarial domain and related fields.
It focuses on actuarial theory and practice, specialising in quantitative techniques for insurance, superannuation and financial risk modelling. The program has a ‘practice’ pathway, which focuses on advanced professional training, and a ‘research’ pathway, which prepares students for the PhD in Actuarial Studies.
7. Construction project manager
The construction industry plays a major role in shaping Australia’s infrastructure and future. According to the Federal 2024-25 Budget, the government is investing $90.6 million to grow the construction workforce. This thriving industry requires skilled project managers who can complete large-scale projects.
Construction project managers are in high demand across Australia, having experienced a national shortage from 2021 to 2023. In 2024, states and territories including New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory were still facing a shortage.
A construction project manager oversees the process of planning, implementing and managing construction projects. They typically work with engineering professionals, trade workers, architects and contractors. Their responsibilities may include procuring construction equipment and materials, developing project tenders and contract bids, monitoring the progress of subcontractors’ work, organising labour resources and ensuring construction projects abide by safety and quality standards and regulations.
With a projected job growth of over 10 per cent in the following five years, project management professionals should consider working in this fast-growing sector to enjoy a rewarding career.
The annual income for this role ranges between $125,000 and $145,000 on average.
If your professional aspirations lie within the project management field, you can enhance your expertise and qualifications by studying a postgraduate project management course. Many project management skills are transferable, allowing you to find work across various industries. Below are some programs you can explore.
This online program equips students with essential competencies in risk management, control, planning, implementation, evaluation, collaboration, and systems analysis. Whether you're new to the field or looking to refresh your skills, this program offers practical experience and confidence-building opportunities.
As a stepping stone to a Graduate Diploma or Master's in Project Management, the certificate provides a solid foundation for career advancement. Moreover, the acquired skills are versatile and applicable across various roles and industries, making it a valuable asset for any professional.
The Graduate Diploma of Project Management can be completed in just over one year and provides advanced knowledge of project management best practice. It will enable you to upskill and deepen your understanding of project management to launch or advance your career in this dynamic area. Stay ahead of the latest developments in the field and keep your skills, knowledge and insights sharp.
You’ll complete eight units, with the course structured in two parts – Project Management Essentials Knowledge and Project Management Advanced Theory and Practice. You will develop specialist expertise in managing and delivering complex projects and gain skills to critically analyse multifaceted problems and identify adaptive, innovative approaches for projects across multiple industries.
This course will introduce you to project management studies at an advanced graduate level and is perfect if your previous qualification is not in a related field and you want to consolidate your practical experience into a formal qualification. In addition, you’ll be studying master’s level units, which will count towards a master’s level qualification should you want to expand your knowledge further in the future. The program's online delivery means you can also fit study around your busy work and family commitments.
The Master of Global Project management develops your expertise in leading complex projects on an international scale. Master all aspects including planning, budgeting and execution. Connect with the university's extensive network of industry partners and learn through real briefs and real clients.
Each subject in this course has a particular emphasis on projects with a global aspect including learning how to effectively manage projects with international stakeholders. The skills you will learn in this project management master’s degree are in demand in a wide variety of fields including IT, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, natural resources, education, commerce, and research and development. You can enter or exit with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of Global Project Management.
8. Sales and marketing manager
Sales and marketing managers supervise the sales and marketing functions of organisations. They develop advertising strategies and marketing campaigns that can help reach organisational goals and revenue targets. Some of their duties may involve examining market trends, consumer behaviour and competitors, providing leadership to sales and marketing departments, managing budgets, analysing the performance of marketing efforts and reporting sales and marketing results to the senior leadership team.
Jobs and Skills Australia reported that sales and marketing managers are among the skilled professional occupations in shortage, with a nationwide demand in 2023. In the following year, the role was in overall shortage in New South Wales, the Northern Territory and the Australian Northern Territory and regional shortage in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.
Sales and marketing professionals can also benefit from greater opportunities to step into more senior positions within their industries. SEEK reports a job growth of 5.4 per cent for sales managers and 4.4 per cent for marketing managers in the coming five years.
Sales and marketing managers can expect an average salary from $85,000 to $105,000 a year.
If you’re interested in a management role in this field, you can boost your skills by studying a postgraduate course. This qualification can elevate your job prospects and open doors to more exciting career opportunities. Kickstart your journey and discover postgraduate marketing courses available in Australia, such as the following.
The Graduate Certificate of Marketing includes foundation units across design thinking, data analysis, consumer behaviour and digital marketing. Upon graduation, you can seek work in the industry or pathway to a master's degree.
Choose this program to gain contemporary insights into market analysis and strategic development, informed by our faculty's research expertise. Its distinctiveness lies in the focus on adapting to the evolving marketing environment, covering topics such as marketing communications, brand management, social impact, customer behaviour, strategy, data analytics, and ethical considerations.
Students acquire the ability to identify and resolve marketing management challenges, and develop strategies applicable both in Australia and globally. The learning experience is flexible, offering a choice of subjects, study pace, and session timing to suit their needs.
Gain the hands-on skills required to develop demand-side strategies that drive long-term success.
Through deepening your expertise in the latest concepts and practical tools, you will become a highly valued asset with your ability to analyse, plan and execute within today’s complex business landscape.
The Master of Marketing program consists of core general management, specialised marketing and marketing-related elective subjects. The subjects cover all aspects of marketing including the areas you need to plan, cost, pitch and deliver marketing campaigns.
Is it important to consider jobs in demand when choosing a career?
When you consider your career options, it’s important to examine jobs in demand in Australia as they may provide greater job growth, security and stability. You may find more career opportunities when many companies are hiring for the specific role you are interested in. Employers who are looking for candidates to fill these in-demand positions may also offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract skilled talent.
However, this shouldn’t be your only deciding factor as industry trends are constantly changing. It’s crucial for you to consider other factors when choosing a career, such as:
- Personal interests and strength: Working in a role that aligns with your qualifications, passions, interests and skills can help you stay motivated, which can also lead to greater work satisfaction. For example, if you have an aptitude for numbers, you can consider careers in finance, data analysis and actuarial science.
- Long-term goals: When you outline a career path and set long-term objectives, you can have a clearer sense of direction when it comes to what roles you should work in and what skills you need to reach your professional goals in five to ten years.
- Salary: Find a job that matches your salary expectations and can help you achieve financial stability. Researching the average salary for roles you’re considering can help narrow down your career choices. You should also keep in mind that your salary growth is influenced by time, career growth and additional qualifications.
- Work-life balance: Some careers may offer better perks that promote work-life balance, such as flexible hours, remote work opportunities and health-focused employee benefits.
- Career advancement: Seek roles that can give you professional development to go further within your field. This can help you stay engaged and motivated as well as give you the experience needed to take on more senior and higher-paying roles.
By taking these factors into consideration, you’ll be one step closer to entering a rewarding career path that gives you both professional success and personal fulfilment.
Level up your career with a postgraduate business degree
Business professionals who are looking to advance their careers can explore a wide range of career opportunities that are in high demand. You can improve your job prospects by pursuing postgraduate studies to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to take on these roles. Discover various postgraduate business courses in Australia to get started.