Australia’s working-age population is at a crossroads in 2025, shaped by migration trends, demographic shifts, and policy updates. For everyday Australians, these changes aren’t just statistics—they have a real impact on job prospects, wage growth, and retirement planning.
The 2025 Snapshot: Who Counts as Working-Age?
In Australia, the working-age population is generally defined as those aged 15 to 64. According to the latest ABS projections, this group now comprises just under 65% of the total population, a figure that’s been gradually shrinking as the nation ages. The 2025 Federal Budget and recent Intergenerational Report both highlight this trend, projecting that by 2060, just 60% of Australians will be of working age.
- Population growth: Driven largely by net overseas migration, which is expected to remain strong but moderate from the post-pandemic surge.
- Ageing workforce: The number of Australians aged 65+ is growing faster than any other group, putting pressure on the health system and public finances.
- Regional differences: Capital cities, especially Sydney and Melbourne, are seeing larger inflows of working-age migrants compared to regional areas.
Policy Shifts: Migration, Workforce Participation & Superannuation
The government’s 2025 skilled migration program is prioritising sectors with acute worker shortages—health, construction, and technology. This is designed to offset the declining natural increase in the working-age population. Meanwhile, there’s a renewed push to lift participation rates among older Australians and women, with incentives such as:
- Expanded paid parental leave
- Higher income thresholds for aged pension work bonuses
- Greater flexibility in superannuation contribution rules for those aged 60+
These measures aim to keep more people in the workforce for longer and broaden the tax base as dependency ratios rise.
Economic Impacts: Wages, Job Competition, and Future Challenges
The shifting working-age population has big implications for both workers and employers:
- Wage Growth: Sectors facing skills shortages (such as nursing, engineering, and IT) are seeing above-average wage growth. However, increased migration is tempering wage pressures in lower-skilled roles.
- Job Competition: Young Australians (15–24) face stiffer competition for entry-level jobs, especially as more mature workers delay retirement or re-enter the workforce.
- Superannuation & Retirement: A larger proportion of the population approaching retirement means more pressure on super balances and the Age Pension system, prompting calls for further policy reform.
For households, these trends mean planning for a longer working life, considering upskilling, and keeping an eye on policy changes that affect superannuation and benefits.
What Should Australians Do?
- Upskill: With a tight labour market in some sectors, investing in education or training can boost job security and wage prospects.
- Review Super: Take advantage of new contribution rules and consider financial advice for retirement planning.
- Stay Informed: Monitor government announcements—especially those around migration, workforce incentives, and pensions—as these can affect your household budget and financial goals.
