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Electrical Engineering Jobs in Australia Grew 28.7% in 3 Years

ByRashmi Tharuka

Electrical engineering jobs in Australia have grown 28.7% in just the past 3 years. That’s faster recent growth than almost any other engineering occupation in the country, according to the Australian Jobs Report 2026, published by the Australian Government in June 2026.

And the forecast going forward is still strong.

The Numbers Behind Electrical Engineering Jobs in Australia

  • Electronics Engineers: projected to grow 12.2% by 2030, top-tier earnings in the highest pay bracket in the report
  • Electrical Engineers: projected to grow 12% by 2030
  • Electricians: the largest occupation in this category at 195,900 people, projected to grow 6.7%, with strong job security and high earnings
  • Electronic Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians: grew 49.6% in the past 3 years alone, the fastest recent growth in the entire category

Both Electronics Engineers and Electrical Engineers also have below-average unemployment, which means competition for roles is lower than the national average.

Why This Combination Matters

Strong recent growth, a strong 5-year forecast, low unemployment, and high earnings rarely line up together in one occupation group. Electrical engineering jobs in Australia currently hit all four at once, which is part of why the sector is worth a serious look if your background is anywhere near it.

The draftsperson and technician growth is worth noting too. It’s often an easier entry point than a full engineering role, and the data shows it’s currently the fastest-growing path into the category.

How to Position Yourself for Electrical Engineering Jobs in Australia

A few practical steps:

  • Get a skills assessment through Engineers Australia if you’re using your occupation for a points-tested visa
  • Check whether your qualification maps more closely to Electronics or Electrical Engineering, since assessment pathways differ slightly
  • If you’re closer to a technician or draftsperson background, that route into the industry is currently growing faster than most engineering roles
  • Keep your CV specific to the exact occupation you’re targeting, rather than a generic “engineering” listing

If you want a list of free and low-cost ways to build relevant certifications, DreamShift has put together upskilling resources for migrants in Australia, organized by industry. If you’re weighing an employer-sponsored route into engineering, our guide to the Skills in Demand visa covers how that pathway now works. 

Where the Demand Is Concentrated

Mining and resources states like Western Australia and Queensland carry a large share of electrical engineering demand, driven by site maintenance, automation, and renewable energy projects. Defence-related manufacturing in South Australia is another growing pocket, tied to programs like AUKUS. If you’re flexible on location, checking these states alongside the bigger capitals can widen your options considerably.

It’s also worth watching how these roles connect. Draftspersons and technicians often move into full engineering roles after a few years of on-the-job experience combined with further study, so the fast growth in that entry tier is a good early signal for where the broader pipeline is heading.

FAQ on Electrical Engineering Jobs in Australia

Which electrical engineering role has the best long-term outlook?
Electronics Engineers currently show the strongest combination of projected growth and earnings tier, but Electricians offer the largest number of positions and the most consistent demand.

Do I need Engineers Australia assessment even if I’m not applying for a visa?
Not necessarily for every employer, but many Australian companies and recruiters use it as a benchmark for overseas qualifications, so it can strengthen your application either way.

Source: Australian Jobs Report 2026, Jobs and Skills Australia

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