Top 10 In-Demand Jobs on the WA Skilled Occupation List [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Discover the most in-demand occupations on the WA Skilled Occupation List for 2025–2026. Learn how to apply for state nomination, understand the eligibility criteria, and boost your chances of moving to Western Australia.

Slug: wa-skilled-occupation-list-2025-guide

TL;DR: The WA Skilled Occupation List (WASOL) is a dynamic list of in-demand jobs that makes you eligible for state nomination, a critical step towards Australian permanent residency. The most sought-after roles for 2025–2026 are in healthcare, construction, IT, and engineering. According to the Department of Home Affairs, a state nomination adds 5 or 10 crucial points to your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI). To find out if your job is listed and calculate your exact points, use the free EOI Points Calculator.

What is the WA Skilled Occupation List (WASOL)?

The WA Skilled Occupation List is the official roster of professions that Western Australia needs to fill, making you eligible to apply for state nomination. Managed by the WA State Government, this list is your gateway to the skilled migration streams for Perth and regional Western Australia. It is updated regularly to reflect the state’s evolving economic and labour market needs. Being on this list doesn’t guarantee an invitation, but it is the essential first step.

• Two Key Streams: The list is divided for the Graduate Stream (for international graduates of WA universities) and the General Stream (for offshore and onshore applicants).
• Schedule 1 & 2: Occupations are categorised into Schedule 1 (higher priority) and Schedule 2, each with different eligibility requirements.
• Official Source: You must always check the list on the official Migration WA website for the most current version, as occupations can be added or removed.

How Do I Use the WA Skilled Occupation List to Get a Visa?

You use the WASOL to check if your profession is eligible before applying for WA state nomination, which then supports your visa application. The process is sequential: first, confirm your occupation is on the list, then secure state nomination, and finally, use that nomination to apply for a skilled visa. This pathway is designed to direct skilled workers to where they are most needed in WA.

• Step 1: Check the List: Find your ANZSCO code and occupation on the current WASOL.
• Step 2: Meet All Criteria: Ensure you meet the specific requirements for your stream, which often includes a job offer (for the General Stream) or work experience.
• Step 3: Submit an EOI: Lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, selecting Western Australia for nomination.
• Step 4: Apply for Nomination: If you meet the criteria, you can apply directly to Migration WA for state nomination.
• Step 5: Visa Application: Once nominated, you will receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa like the Subclass 190 (Permanent) or 491 (Provisional). For the full process, refer to the Department of Home Affairs Skilled Visa page.

What Are the Top 10 Most In-Demand Occupations in WA for 2025–2026?

The top in-demand occupations in WA are concentrated in healthcare, construction, technology, and engineering sectors, reflecting the state’s key industry projects. These professions consistently appear on Schedule 1 of the WASOL due to critical skill shortages. While the list is subject to change, the following roles have shown strong, sustained demand based on recent state invitation rounds and industry forecasts.

1. Registered Nurses (Aged Care, Critical Care, Mental Health): WA’s ageing population and expanding health services create an ongoing need.
2. General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers: Essential for community health in both metropolitan Perth and regional areas.
3. Civil Engineering Professionals: Crucial for WA’s massive infrastructure and resource project pipeline.
4. Software and Applications Programmers: Driving innovation in Perth’s growing tech hub (e.g., cybersecurity, fintech).
5. Construction Project Managers: Needed to manage residential, commercial, and public works construction booms.
6. Electricians (General): Fundamental to both construction and maintenance across all industries.
7. Secondary School Teachers (particularly in Maths and Science): Addressing shortages in key educational areas.
8. Motor Mechanics: Required to service the state’s vast transport and mining vehicle fleets.
9. Chefs: Supporting WA’s vibrant hospitality and tourism sector.
10. Social Workers: Providing critical community services and mental health support.

To assess your chances of receiving an invitation for one of these high-demand roles, tools like NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor analyse historical invitation data against your profile, giving you a data-driven advantage over manual guessing.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for WA State Nomination?

Eligibility for WA state nomination requires meeting specific criteria for your chosen stream, which always includes having an occupation on the WASOL. The requirements differ significantly between the Graduate and General Streams. According to Migration WA, all applicants must also commit to living and working in the state for at least two years.

• For the General Stream (WASOL):

  • Your occupation must be on the WASOL (Schedule 1 or 2).
  • You must have a full-time job offer in your nominated occupation in WA (for at least 12 months).
  • You need at least “Competent” English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
  • You must provide evidence of sufficient settlement funds.

• For the Graduate Stream:

  • You must have completed a Certificate III or higher in WA within the last 10 years.
  • Your occupation must be on the Graduate Stream WASOL.
  • You need at least “Competent” English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, or a higher level for some roles).
  • For most applicants, you need at least 6 months of Australian work experience in your nominated occupation (or 3 months if you have a job offer).

Understanding the precise English requirements for your occupation is vital. Our detailed English Level Guide breaks down the specific scores needed for different visas and occupations, helping you prepare accurately.

How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting a WA Nomination?

You can increase your chances by maximising your points score, securing a job offer, and ensuring your application is perfectly aligned with WA’s priorities. The state government selects candidates who demonstrate the highest likelihood of successfully settling and contributing to Western Australia. A proactive, well-prepared approach is key.

• Maximise Your Points: Achieve superior English test scores (Proficient or Superior), gain more years of skilled work experience, and obtain a positive skills assessment. Every point counts in competitive invitation rounds.
• Secure a Job Offer: For the General Stream, a job offer is mandatory. For Graduates, it significantly strengthens your application. Start networking on platforms like LinkedIn and seek out employers who sponsor skilled migrants.
• Demonstrate Commitment to WA: Research the state, tailor your nomination application to show how your skills meet WA’s needs, and articulate a clear plan for settling in Perth or a regional area.
• Submit a Flawless Application: Ensure all documents meet the exact specifications, and your claims are verifiable. A single error can lead to refusal.
• Use Intelligent Tools: Manually tracking changes and calculating points is error-prone. NovenAI’s platform continuously monitors the WASOL for updates and automatically recalculates your EOI points, ensuring you never miss an opportunity due to outdated information.

What is the Difference Between the 190 and 491 Visas for WA?

The Subclass 190 is a permanent visa for living and working anywhere in WA, while the Subclass 491 is a 5-year provisional visa requiring you to live and work in regional WA. Both require state nomination, but they cater to different circumstances and come with different points bonuses and conditions.

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190):

  • Permanent Residency from day one.
  • Requires nomination from a state like WA.
  • Grants you 5 extra points for your EOI.
  • You can live and work anywhere in Australia, but you sign a declaration to live in your nominating state (WA) for at least 2 years.

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491):

  • A 5-year provisional visa that can lead to Permanent Residency (via the Subclass 191 visa after 3 years).
  • Requires nomination by a state (like WA for regional areas) or sponsorship by an eligible family member.
  • Grants you 15 extra points for your EOI—a massive boost.
  • You must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas of WA (which includes everywhere except Perth).
  • You can find the official regional postcode list on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Navigating the WA Skilled Occupation List is the strategic first move in your Australian migration journey. By focusing on in-demand skills, meticulously preparing your application, and leveraging accurate, up-to-date tools, you transform a complex process into a clear pathway. Remember, success comes from aligning your unique profile with the state’s specific needs.

Ready to see if your occupation is on the list and calculate your exact pathway? Start your free assessment with NovenAI today and let our AI migration mentor guide you through every step, from the WASOL to your visa grant.