10 healthcare jobs with the best job security in Australia

Australia’s unemployment rate has been gradually rising from 3.7 per cent in January 2023 to 4.2 per cent in July 2025, making job security a top concern for many workers. Recent research by Robert Half found that 39 per cent of Australian employees now prioritise job security over pay.

With factors such as layoffs, corporate downsizing, economic volatility and AI-driven job disruptions in play, it’s no surprise that job security is top of mind. While no job is ever 100 per cent secure, sectors such as healthcare continue to offer a strong sense of stability and demand. This makes the industry an attractive option for those looking to safeguard their careers in a climate of market uncertainty.

In this article, we’ll explore what job security means, what factors affect it and take a look at 10 healthcare careers that offer some of the best job security in Australia.

What is the meaning of job security?

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Job security is when there is a high probability that you’ll be able to keep your job with the unlikelihood that it will disappear or become obsolete, especially in the face of external pressures like economic downturns and internal changes such as organisational restructuring.

While it’s difficult for any job to have complete job security, there are some telling signs that your job is likely to be secure in the long run. These include working in a stable or growing industry, having specialised skills that are hard to replace and working for an organisation that is financially healthy with low employee turnover.

What factors affect job security?

Job security can be influenced by a whole host of factors; some within your control and others not. Below is an overview of some of the main factors that influence job security:

Economic trends

In today’s interconnected global economy, the tremors of a recession or globalisation in one part of the world can have a ripple effect across continents. A trend that’s particularly making waves at the moment is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to reshape or replace roles.

This technological revolution is expected to affect almost 40 per cent of jobs around the world, replacing some and augmenting others. According to a recent Jobs and Skills Australia report, clerical and administrative roles are among the most at risk of being replaced by automation, while allied healthcare roles, patient and client-facing healthcare roles or clinical roles have a lower chance of being automated by AI.

Organisational changes

Internal changes such as restructures, leadership shifts or mergers can also affect job security. While it doesn’t happen all the time, when organisational changes do occur, there may be a risk of jobs being removed and teams being reshuffled.

During this period of uncertainty, it’s natural to have a reduced sense of job security as you may feel uneasy about whether your job will remain or be made redundant.

Type of industry

Industries experiencing more job growth generally have higher job stability than those with limited or declining growth.

According to Jobs and Skills Australia’s employment outlook report, roles such as disabled and aged care carers, physiotherapists and registered nurses are expected to see some of the largest increases in employment, whereas occupations such as secretaries, retail supervisors and transcribers have lower projected growth.

Employee performance

How well you perform in your role can also have an impact on job security. If you’re performing well, adapting to change and contributing positively to the organisation, there’s a higher likelihood that you’ll be retained.

If you’re an employee who is not performing well, you may be subject to measures such as disciplinary action, being placed on a performance improvement plan, or in some cases, dismissal.

Skill relevance

If you’re constantly upskilling and keeping your skills relevant to your role, there may be a higher chance of your company utilising your new skills to assist with emerging technologies such as AI. Improving your skills shows the company that you’re proactive in staying up-to-date with industry developments and are able to adapt and respond to changing demands.

This is especially important in fields like healthcare, technology and education, where rapid innovation and evolving regulations make it essential to keep up with new systems, developments and best practices.

Type of employment

If you’re working a permanent or full-time role, you’ll likely have greater job stability as you have access to a steady income and entitlements like paid leave and redundancy payouts. On the other hand, while casual or contract positions have more flexibility, they typically have lower job stability due to irregular hours, less predictable income and limited or no access to benefits such as sick leave.

Why is having job security important?

Job security has benefits for both employees and organisations, these include:

For employees

Beyond financial stability and the reassurance of knowing you have a job, research shows job security also plays a significant role in mental health.

Imagine waking up every day feeling anxious and stressed about whether you’ll still be employed. Over time, those feelings can take a serious toll and have been linked to a higher likelihood of psychological distress and psychiatric morbidity. Having job security can help counter this by reducing stress and supporting overall wellbeing.

For organisations

When employees feel secure in their jobs, organisations benefit too. Workers with higher job security tend to be happier, more engaged and more productive. This often translates to reduced turnover, increased engagement and a more positive workplace culture.

10 healthcare jobs with the best job security 

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Healthcare is a sector that has strong job security, thanks to steady growth and high demand. Drawing on job growth statistics from SEEK, here are some healthcare jobs that offer the best job security:

1. Audiologist – 34.7 per cent job growth

Why do audiologists have strong job security?

Rising rates of individuals with hearing issues

Hearing problems are on the rise worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that by 2050, 2.5 billion people will have some degree of hearing loss and more than 700 million people will need hearing rehabilitation. With factors like population growth, prolonged headphone use and noise exposure, demand for audiologists won’t be slowing down anytime soon.

Ageing population

In Australia, individuals aged 65 and older are the primary users of audiology services. As the ageing population continues to grow, so too does the need for audiologists to assist with age-related hearing loss. To support the needs of an ageing population, many franchised optometry and healthcare companies have broadened their scope in recent years to offer hearing test services, increasing further demand for qualified audiologists.

Insulated from economic shifts

Unlike some other industries, audiology is an area that continues to be stable regardless of what’s happening in the economy. In addition, government-subsidised programs like the Hearing Services Program and the National Disability Insurance Scheme also ensure that Australians have continued access to hearing services and devices no matter the economic climate.

Average audiologist salary: $108,000 per year

2. Podiatrist – 31.8 per cent job growth

Why do podiatrists have strong job security?

Increase in age-related foot issues

By 2066, older Australians are projected to make up between 21 and 23 per cent of the total population. Foot problems such as arthritis, bunions and calluses become more common with age, driving greater demand for podiatry care and increasing the need for qualified podiatrists.

Shortage of podiatrists

The Australian Podiatry Association reports that the growth rate of registered podiatrists has slowed significantly over the past decade, with Australia struggling to keep up with demand for podiatrists. With demand far outweighing supply, if you’re a podiatrist, your job is likely to remain secure in the long term.

Hard to replace with AI

Podiatry is a highly person-centred and hands-on profession. Podiatrists create an individualised care plan for each patient and conduct treatments such as manual therapies and minor surgical procedures. The technicalities of the role, along with the personalised approach podiatrists provide, aren’t something that AI can easily replicate.

Average podiatrist salary: $103,000 per year

3. Physiotherapist – 28.7 per cent job growth

Why do physiotherapists have strong job security?

Rising demand from growing populations

While physiotherapists work with a wide range of people, they often work with older adults and those with disabilities to improve their mobility, strength and quality of life. With both of these groups growing in the coming years, this will inadvertently result in an increase in demand for physiotherapists.

Growing awareness of preventative health

Physiotherapy is no longer seen as something you only turn to after an injury. In recent years, more Australians are recognising its role in reducing injuries, improving mobility and supporting long-term health. This shift has driven an increase in physiotherapy services in Australia, which has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 6.2 per cent between 2020 and 2025.

Specialised skills and training

Physiotherapists are movement specialists who undergo extensive training. To become a qualified physiotherapist, they must complete a Bachelor of Physiotherapy that includes mandatory clinical placements. In addition, many pursue further study, with 11 per cent of physiotherapists holding a graduate certificate or graduate diploma and 31 per cent completing a master’s degree.

Average physiotherapist salary: $93,000 per year

Looking to develop advanced competencies and skills in physiotherapy? Consider pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Exercise Rehabilitation for Sports Injuries at Australian Catholic University or a Master of Clinical Physiotherapy at Curtin University.

4. Art therapist – 27.9 per cent job growth

Why do art therapists have strong job security?

Prevalence of mental illness

Mental illness impacts a larger number of Australians, with one in five people aged 16 to 85 having experienced a mental health disorder. Adults aren’t the only ones affected. Research indicates that one in seven children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years has also experienced a mental illness. With mental illness on the rise, this has also led to an increased demand for mental health practitioners such as art therapists.

A unique approach to care

Art therapy is a specialised field that differs from traditional talk-based therapies. It uses creative processes such as painting and drawing to help individuals express themselves while supporting healing and growth. As it is particularly helpful for people who struggle to verbalise their feelings, it offers something that talk therapy cannot and fills a unique gap in mental health care.

Growing recognition of its importance

Art therapy is increasingly recognised as an important creative tool for healing and growth. As awareness grows, more hospitals, schools, aged care facilities and mental health services are adopting this service and in turn, hiring art therapists to support patients and clients.

Average art therapist salary: $95,000 per year

Mental health roles such as psychologists and counsellors are also seeing strong job growth across Australia. If you’re looking to enter the field, you might consider pursuing a postgraduate counselling course such as the Master of Counselling at the University of Canberra. Alternatively, you can begin your pathway to becoming a registered psychologist with the Graduate Certificate of Psychology at Edith Cowan University.

5. Dentist – 27.8 per cent job growth

Why do dentists have strong job security?

Dentist drought in rural Australia

There is currently a shortage of dentists across Australia, with the gap most severe in rural and remote areas. Referred to as the “dental drought”, the lack of dentists in these regions has left one in three of the seven million residents without access to care. This ongoing shortage will only continue to drive demand for dentists in Australia.

Increased need for dental care

As Australia’s population ages, the demand for dentists is expected to rise. Older adults generally experience more dental issues such as gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss, which requires the need for treatments such as fillings, dentures and implants.

Greater focus on oral health

Australians are becoming more proactive about their dental health, thanks to public health campaigns and easy access to information about the importance of oral hygiene. In addition, government programs like public dental services and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule have also made it easier for Australians to access care.

Average dentist salary: $215,000 per year

6. Paediatrician – 27 per cent job growth

Why do paediatricians have strong job security?

Increasing rates of chronic conditions in children

A recent study found that 45.6 per cent of children aged 11 to 13 live with a chronic disease or developmental condition such as diabetes, asthma or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and this number is expected to rise. Since paediatricians play a key role in diagnosing and managing these conditions, the demand for their expertise will only continue to grow.

Population growth

The number of children in Australia is expected to grow from 4.8 million in 2023 to 7.2 million in 2071. This growth will drive a higher demand for paediatricians due to their ability to provide care for infants, children and adolescents.

Increase in health concerns after the pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to a rise in health concerns among children, particularly with mental health and developmental vulnerabilities. With more parents seeking paediatric care, this has increased overall demand for paediatricians in Australia.

Average paediatrician salary: $205,000 per year

7. Cardiologist – 27 per cent job growth

Why do cardiologists have strong job security?

Growing demand for heart care

With the number of Australians aged 85 and over projected to double to more than one million by 2052, demand for specialist cardiology services is set to rise rapidly. Cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and heart failure become more common with age, requiring cardiologists to perform specialised tests, develop treatment plans and carry out procedures that help patients maintain heart health and prevent complications.

Obesity on the rise

Obesity rates continue to climb in Australia, with the proportion of overweight and obese adults rising from 61.1 per cent in 2007 to 2008 to 64.8 per cent of Australian adults in 2022 to 2023. Since obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, this increase necessitates more extensive cardiac care, screening and treatment.

Shortage in rural and remote areas

Cardiologists remain in high demand across Australia, particularly in rural and remote regions where access to specialist care is limited. In some cases, patients must be transferred over 2,500km for specialist cardiovascular care. Cardiovascular hospitalisation and mortality rates in rural areas of Australia are also 1.4 times higher than in major cities. This significant disparity in access and outcomes continues to drive demand for cardiologists.

Average cardiologist salary: $240,000 per year

8. Social worker – 23.2 per cent job growth

Why do social workers have strong job security?

High demand and workforce gaps

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there is currently a shortage of social workers in every state except New South Wales. Social workers are the vital link connecting vulnerable people to essential services like healthcare, housing and welfare support. As demand continues to exceed supply, social workers will continue to be highly sought after.

A role that cannot be automated

Social workers are strong communicators, empathetic and have excellent interpersonal skills. In this role, you’re connecting with people, listening to their concerns, helping them create a plan and making sure they’re getting the support they need. As social work revolves around human connection, emotional support and trust, it’s not something that can be easily replaced by AI or automated systems.

Growing demand for mental health and community services

In addition to workforce shortages, the need for social workers is also being fuelled by broader social changes. Rising rates of mental health concerns, the ongoing impacts post-pandemic and increased demand for community and disability support services all point to continued demand for social workers.

Average social worker salary: $98,000 per year

Interested in becoming a social worker? A Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course is suitable for individuals who have a recognised bachelor’s degree in a related field and are looking to pursue a career in social work.

9. Nurse unit manager – 23 per cent job growth

Why do nurse unit managers have strong job security?

Specialised skills

Becoming a nurse unit manager requires years of study and hands-on experience, making it a highly specialised role that cannot be easily replaced. On top of completing a Bachelor of Nursing and requiring at least three to five years of clinical practice, 38 per cent of nurse unit managers also hold a postgraduate qualification. As the role goes beyond technical proficiency and also requires strong leadership, critical decision-making skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities, it’s not a role that AI can easily replicate.

Increased demand for nursing leaders

As Australia’s population continues to grow, so too does the demand for high-quality, patient-centred care. This creates a growing need for skilled nursing leaders who can manage nursing teams while also overseeing the quality of patient care.

Multifaceted nature of the role

Nurse unit managers operate at the intersection of patient care and organisational management. They’re responsible for providing clinical leadership but also overseeing staffing, budgets, compliance and workflow. This blend of frontline and behind-the-scenes responsibilities makes them crucial to healthcare organisations.

Average nurse unit manager salary: $135,000 per year

If you’re a registered nurse who’s interested in becoming a nurse leader, you can consider honing your leadership skills by completing a Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Clinical Leadership) at Western Sydney University or a Master of Nursing (Majoring in Leadership and Management) at James Cook University.

10. Nuclear medicine technologist – 20.7 per cent job growth

Why do nuclear medicine technologists have strong job security?

Rising cancer diagnoses driving demand

Nuclear medicine technologists use radioactive compounds to both diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases, most notably cancer. As cancer rates continue to rise, with research indicating that 2 in 5 people will be diagnosed by the age of 85, the need for skilled professionals in this field will continue to grow.

Rapid technological advancements

Nuclear medicine is a fast-evolving field with new technologies shaping the way diseases are detected and monitored. Nuclear medicine technologists who are willing to upskill and stay at the forefront of these new technologies will be well-positioned in this evolving field.

Highly specialised expertise

Nuclear medicine technologists are trained to handle radioactive materials safely, administer precise doses, operate complex imaging equipment and monitor patients for side effects. This role requires a combination of scientific knowledge, technical skill and meticulous attention to detail, traits that cannot be easily substituted or replicated.

Average nuclear medicine technologist salary: $93,000 per year

Ways to boost your job security

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Here are some practical strategies you can adopt to increase your confidence and value in your current role:

Keep learning and expanding your skills

One of the most effective ways to future-proof your career is by sharpening your skills. In a sector as dynamic as healthcare, continuous learning helps ensure that you remain indispensable to an organisation amidst change.

Ways to expand your skills include staying across industry trends through videos or articles, completing your CPD, joining professional associations or undertaking postgraduate study. For example, if you’re a midwife looking to expand your expertise, you could pursue a Master of Advanced Nursing (Advanced Midwifery) at Monash University to build advanced, evidence-based care skills for women and newborns.

On the other hand, if you’re keen on building strong leadership capabilities, you can consider completing the Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership at Southern Cross University. The course can be completed in eight months part-time and will equip you with the skills required to lead teams of health professionals.

Volunteer for projects

If you’ve got the capacity, taking the initiative to lead or contribute to projects is a great way to build your profile at work. Doing so can build cross-functional relationships, showcase leadership potential and open doors to new opportunities.

For example, if you’re a nurse who’s interested in mentorship, you might put your hand up to become a preceptor for new graduates or students. Little things like this can go a long way in strengthening your visibility and job security.

Be present and engaged at work

While external factors may influence job security, your day-to-day performance is something you can control. Employees who consistently show initiative, curiosity and reliability position themselves as valuable assets to the organisation. Make it a habit to be engaged during meetings, seek feedback and follow through on your commitments.

Grow your professional network

Decisions about layoffs or restructures aren’t made in a vacuum and having a strong reputation and people who can vouch for your work can contribute to job security. Make an effort to network in healthcare by connecting with colleagues across departments and volunteering for cross-functional projects. You can also build your professional network by attending professional development events, joining industry associations or participating in mentorship programs.

Explore new possibilities with these postgraduate healthcare courses

Feeling insecure in your current healthcare role and considering a career change? Upskill with these postgraduate healthcare courses that are offered across a range of disciplines. In addition to having a variety of course types and delivery modes to suit your needs, these courses also have accessible entry requirements, accepting applicants with an undergraduate healthcare degree in any discipline.

For those looking to switch to a nursing career

If you’re looking to become a registered nurse in Australia and hold an undergraduate degree in a non-nursing discipline, these Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) courses will equip you with the skills and knowledge to transition into the nursing profession:

• Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-Registration) at Charles Darwin University
• Master of Nursing Practice at Curtin University
• Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) at Edith Cowan University
• Master of Nursing Practice at Monash University
• Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) at Southern Cross University
• Master of Nursing Practice at the University of Canberra
• Master of Nursing Science at The University of Melbourne
• Master of Nursing Practice (Preregistration) at the University of New England
• Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) at the University of Queensland
• Master of Nursing (Pre-Registration) at the University of Wollongong
• Master of Nursing Practice (Preregistration) at Western Sydney University

For those looking to pursue a career in psychology

If you’re looking to become a registered psychologist, begin your pathway with these graduate certificate or graduate diploma courses. These courses will help build your psychological literacy and provide a strong foundation in the field. Some courses to consider include:

• Graduate Certificate of Psychology at Edith Cowan University
• Graduate Certificate of Psychology at James Cook University
• Graduate Certificate of Psychology at Swinburne University of Technology
• Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Bridging) at Bond University
• Graduate Diploma in Psychology at The University of Melbourne
• Graduate Diploma in Psychology at Australian Catholic University
• Graduate Diploma in Psychology at the University of Technology Sydney

View the full list of graduate certificate and graduate diploma psychology courses here.

For those looking to work in mental health

If you’re interested in developing the knowledge and skills to support mental health outcomes across a variety of settings, these courses are a great place to start.

Graduate certificates lay the groundwork, graduate diplomas expand your knowledge and master’s degrees are comprehensive and provide advanced expertise in the field.

• Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice at the University of Western Australia
• Graduate Certificate of Mental Wellbeing at Edith Cowan University
• Graduate Certificate in Mental Health at Victoria University
• Graduate Certificate in Mental Health at Southern Cross University
• Graduate Diploma in Mental Health at the University of South Australia
• Graduate Diploma of Mental Health at Southern Cross University
• Master of Mental Health at Edith Cowan University
• Master of Mental Health at the University of Queensland
• Master of Mental Health Practice at Griffith University

View the full list of postgraduate mental health courses here.

For those interested in working in public health

If you’re considering a career in public health, there is a wide range of courses to choose from. A graduate certificate can usually be completed part-time in around eight months, a graduate diploma in 16 months and a master’s degree typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete.

• Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion at Victoria University
• Graduate Diploma in Public Health at the University of Technology Sydney
• Master of Public Health the at the University of Canberra
• Master of Public Health the at the University of Melbourne

View the full list of public health courses here.

If you’d like to begin a career in counselling

Build your counselling skills with a postgraduate counselling degree. Pursue a graduate certificate to gain foundational knowledge, expand your counselling skills with a graduate diploma or gain comprehensive skills and apply your learning through extensive placements in a master’s course.

• Graduate Certificate of Counselling at Edith Cowan University
• Graduate Certificate in Counselling at the University of Canberra
• Graduate Diploma in Counselling at the University of Canberra
• Master of Counselling at Edith Cowan University
• Master of Counselling at Deakin University

View the full list of counselling courses here.

Remain relevant in uncertain times

While job security is a concern for most, the healthcare industry continues to offer job growth, stability and a level of insulation from the volatility seen in other sectors.

Explore the wide range of postgraduate courses available through GlobalHealth Education. Whether you’re interested in counselling, nursing, mental health, psychology, public health, leadership and management or social work, you’ll find flexible delivery modes and course types designed to suit your needs.