Australia's job market softened in September. The Australian Bureau of Statistics said on 15 October that employment fell by 39,300 and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7 percent. The number of unemployed people rose by 8,900 to 732,000.
Key takeaways
- Unemployment rate: 4.7 percent seasonally adjusted, 4.6 percent in trend terms.
- Employment: down 39,300 to 14.78 million, but up 168,300 over the year.
- Participation rate: down 0.2 points to 66.8 percent.
- Youth unemployment rose 0.3 points to 11.1 percent.
- Next release: 19 November 2026.
Is the job market getting worse?
Slightly. The ABS says a higher share of people stayed unemployed than in recent years, and underemployment rose to 6.3 percent. But trend figures, which the ABS says are the best guide, were steady, and full-time hours worked rose 0.4 percent.
What does it mean if you want to work in Australia?
Competition is a bit tougher, especially for young and part-time workers. Skilled roles are still in demand. Our guides to visa-sponsored jobs abroad and good salaries by country can help you plan.
What is the background?
Australia's job market has been gradually loosening after a long period of very low unemployment. The 4.7 percent rate is the highest of the post-pandemic period in seasonally adjusted terms, ABC News reported. The ABS has also changed how part of its survey is collected, and says there may be some leftover effect in the September figures, which is why it recommends looking at the trend data, which held at 4.6 percent.
Who is affected?
Young people are the most exposed, with youth unemployment at 11.1 percent. Part-time workers also saw hours fall, as part-time hours worked dropped 1.5 percent in the month. On the other hand, full-time work is holding up: the federal government said full-time employment reached a record 10.23 million. People planning to work in Australia on a visa will find steady demand in skilled roles, but more competition for entry-level and casual jobs.
What should job seekers do?
- Target full-time roles in health care, education, construction and technology, where demand is steadier.
- If you are a young job seeker, consider traineeships or apprenticeships to get paid experience.
- If you are moving to Australia, check skilled occupation lists before you apply for a visa.
- Watch the October figures on 19 November 2026.
- See our guide to working abroad for planning tips.
What happens next?
The Reserve Bank of Australia watches these figures when it sets interest rates. ABC News reported that some economists still expect another rate rise this year. The October Labour Force figures are due on 19 November 2026.
For the September quarter as a whole, unemployment averaged 4.63 percent, ABC News noted, above the Reserve Bank's forecast of 4.5 percent for the December quarter.
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About the author
Lutaf Junijo
Career Content Editor, World Careers Hub
Lutaf Junijo is the Career Content Editor at World Careers Hub and Dev Global Jobs. He writes and edits our guides on jobs, CVs, visas, salaries and careers abroad, and he runs our official social media. Every fact is checked against official and trusted sources, named in the post, and errors are corrected as soon as readers report them.
