Australia has always been a global magnet for skilled professionals, but in recent years, Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA) have become the true hotspots drawing international workers. More migrants, international graduates, and skilled professionals are choosing these two states not just for temporary employment, but as long-term destinations where they can build a stable future, benefit from booming industries, and access real pathways to permanent residency.
This article explores in detail why WA and SA are on the rise covering employment demand, migration policies, industries booming with opportunity, and what this means for anyone considering a move.
A Rise in Skilled Migration: The Numbers Behind the Trend
The migration landscape of Australia is shifting. Former hotspots like New South Wales and Victoria are now facing competition from states that once operated quietly in the background — namely Western Australia and South Australia.
Western Australia’s Skilled Visa Growth
Recent data shows that Western Australia granted 10,720 primary skilled visas in the 2024–25 period, a 16.2% increase from the previous year. This spike reflects real demand in occupations such as healthcare, engineering, hospitality, construction, and manufacturing.
You can find this detailed breakdown in WA’s Migration Report published by Australian Migration Lawyers, available at
WA Skilled Migration Report.
Another analysis from Australian Migration Agents also highlights high demand for chefs, resident medical officers, mechanics, and technical trades, confirming a strong upward trend.
Read more at
WA Skilled Migration Overview.
South Australia’s Surge in Skilled Visa Grants
South Australia is experiencing a similar boost. The state has recorded a sharp rise in skilled visa approvals, driven by labor shortages, strong industry expansion, and demographic needs. The state’s latest skilled migration performance can be found in the
SA Skilled Migration Report.
Another sector-specific update showing growth across healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and professional services is available via
South Australia Migration Update.
Economic Forces Making WA and SA Talent Magnets
Both states are capitalizing on economic growth, workforce shortages, and targeted government planning to attract skilled workers.
Western Australia’s Expanding and Diversifying Economy
For decades, Western Australia’s economy relied heavily on mining and resources. While these industries remain strong, the state is now expanding across:
- Construction
- Property development
- Healthcare & social services
- Tourism & hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Engineering & technical services
- Agriculture and food production
A comprehensive breakdown of WA’s economic structure can be found on
Western Australia – Economic Overview.
Government Actions Supporting Skilled Migration to WA
WA has adopted powerful initiatives to attract workers, including the WA Designated Area Migration Agreement (WA DAMA), which gives employers more flexible conditions for sponsoring skilled and semi-skilled migrants. Details of this policy can be read directly from the WA Government at
WA DAMA Program.
Additional migration support strategies are outlined in WA’s announcement on boosting skilled workers here:
Skilled Worker Boost Announcement.
South Australia’s Economic Transformation
South Australia, meanwhile, is becoming one of Australia’s fastest-growing innovation hubs. The state government is investing heavily in industries such as:
- Defense
- Advanced manufacturing
- Renewable energy
- Space technologies
- Automation and robotics
- Digital and tech industries
A full overview of SA’s workforce development and industry growth plans can be found through
SA Workforce and Migration.
Migration Policy Favoring Skilled Workers
South Australia’s skilled migration structure is designed to support the state’s growth, especially in health, hospitality, manufacturing, and high-tech fields. Information on SA’s migration pathways can be found at
Skilled Migrant Pathways – South Australia.
The state also published its migration needs assessment, highlighting labor shortages and population trends. Read the government submission here:
Government of South Australia – Migration Future.
Industries Driving Demand for Skilled Workers
Healthcare & Social Assistance
Both WA and SA are urgently expanding healthcare systems to support aging populations and rural/remote regions. There is high demand for:
- Nurses
- Doctors & medical officers
- Aged care workers
- Allied health professionals
Construction & Engineering
Infrastructure development, housing shortages, and regional growth have created large demand for:
- Construction managers
- Civil engineers
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Welders
- Carpenters
Hospitality & Tourism
Both states need:
- Chefs
- Cooks
- Hotel managers
- Restaurant supervisors
Tourism remains an economic pillar, especially in WA, with iconic destinations like Rottnest Island and Broome.
Manufacturing & Trades
Industrial manufacturing and advanced sectors are booming, especially in SA.
Technology & Defense
South Australia’s naval shipbuilding program and growing aerospace sector are creating opportunities in:
- ICT
- Mechanical engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Robotics
- Defense technology
Why Skilled Workers Are Choosing Western Australia
High Salaries and Strong Employer Demand
Western Australia consistently offers some of the highest wages in Australia, especially in trades, engineering, mining-related jobs, and construction.
WA employers continue to report shortages across dozens of skilled occupations. For more details on workforce demand, see
Build the WA Workforce.
Clear Migration Pathways
Western Australia offers the State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP), which gives skilled applicants access to additional points toward permanent residency.
Learn more here:
WA State Nomination.
Opportunities in Regional Areas
Regional WA offers competitive wages, strong employer sponsorship opportunities, and faster pathways to permanent residency. Although lifestyle adjustments may be required, the career benefits are substantial.
Why Skilled Workers Are Choosing South Australia
Balanced, Family-Friendly Lifestyle
South Australia has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most livable destinations, known for its affordability, safety, culture, and relaxed pace.
The state highlights its lifestyle advantages at
Why Choose South Australia.
Growing Job Markets in Innovation Sectors
With major investments in renewable energy and defense, SA is one of the most future-ready job markets in Australia.
Strong Pathways to Residency
South Australia’s Skilled Migration Program has streamlined routes to permanent residency. Find them here:
South Australia Skilled Migration.
What Migrants Should Consider Before Moving
Meeting Visa Requirements
While opportunities are abundant, applicants must still meet:
- Skills assessment requirements
- English language thresholds
- State nomination conditions
- Experience or job offer requirements (depending on occupation)
Competition for Popular Occupations
Fields like hospitality, nursing, and technical trades attract many applicants. Strong documentation, experience, and job readiness are key.
Regional vs Metropolitan Living
Regional areas offer more opportunities and faster pathways but require lifestyle adjustments. Prospective migrants should consider:
- Community size
- Access to services
- Climate
- Distance from major cities
Economic Fluctuations
States like WA are still partly influenced by resource markets. SA is heavily investing in new industries, but transitions can be gradual.
What This Means for International Migrants Especially Africans, Asians, and Middle Eastern Professionals
For many international skilled workers, these two states are becoming the best entry points into Australia. Why?
- They have labor shortages
- They offer faster nomination/visa pathways
- They accept a broader range of occupations
- The cost of living is more manageable compared to Sydney/Melbourne
- Employers actively sponsor foreign workers
- There is strong demand in both professional and trade sectors
If you’re a skilled worker in nursing, engineering, construction, IT, hospitality, or manufacturing, your chances of securing work and a visa in WA or SA are significantly higher.
The Bigger Picture: Why Australia Needs Skilled Workers in WA and SA
Australia’s overall economic strategy depends heavily on skilled migration. WA and SA have:
- Aging populations
- Expanding industries
- Infrastructure and housing needs
- Regional workforce shortages
- Ambitious innovation plans
Both states are using migration as a tool for:
- Long-term economic growth
- Population stability
- Industry innovation
- Filling critical workforce gaps
Skilled workers are not just employees they are essential contributors to Australia’s future economy.
Conclusion: WA and SA Are Australia’s New Migration Hotspots and the Time to Move Is Now
Western Australia and South Australia are no longer quiet contributors to the Australian economy: they are evolving into major centers of economic opportunity, driven by strong demand for skilled labor, supportive migration pathways, and booming industries.
For skilled migrants, this shift creates a perfect window of opportunity. Whether your background is in healthcare, trades, hospitality, engineering, manufacturing, or tech, these states offer:
- Consistent job demand
- Competitive salaries
- Simple and transparent migration pathways
- Long-term residency opportunities
- A stable and balanced lifestyle
If you’re considering migrating to Australia, WA and SA are two of the most promising destinations right now, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.