Australia’s aged care sector is continuing to grow, driving strong demand for skilled healthcare professionals across the country. Driven by an ageing population, workforce shortages and increasing investment in residential and home care services, employers are actively seeking nurses, care workers, allied health professionals and facility leaders.
While opportunities exist nationwide, some cities stand out for their combination of vacancy numbers, salary potential, career progression and lifestyle benefits. If you’re considering your next move, understanding the best cities for aged care jobs can help you find the right balance between professional growth and quality of life.
What makes a city attractive for aged care professionals?
When evaluating job opportunities, salary is only one part of the picture. Many healthcare professionals also consider:
- Number of available vacancies
- Career progression opportunities
- Workforce demand and job security
- Cost of living
- Work-life balance
- Commute times
- Lifestyle and community amenities
Australia’s top cities for aged care careers in 2026
Australia’s aged care workforce demand varies across the country, but these cities consistently rank among the best cities for aged care jobs thanks to their strong hiring activity, career opportunities and lifestyle benefits.
| City | Demand | Best For |
| Melbourne | High | Nurses, personal care workers |
| Brisbane | Very high | Allied health, facility managers |
| Perth | Very high | Home care workers, contract nurses |
| Sydney | High | Clinical leaders, specialists |
| Adelaide | Moderate–High | Allied health, lifestyle-focused professionals |
Melbourne, Victoria
Melbourne remains one of Australia’s strongest healthcare employment markets. Victoria consistently attracts healthcare professionals thanks to its extensive provider network, strong funding environment and ongoing population growth.
Why Melbourne stands out:
- Large number of residential aged care facilities
- Strong demand for frontline workers
- Diverse career pathways
- Established healthcare infrastructure
- Consistent hiring throughout metropolitan growth corridors
For registered nurses and personal care workers seeking long-term career development, Melbourne continues to be one of the best cities for aged care jobs in Australia.
Brisbane, Queensland
Queensland’s growing retiree population is driving significant demand for aged care services, particularly across Brisbane and surrounding regions.
Many providers are competing for skilled professionals, resulting in:
- Competitive salary packages
- Sign-on incentives
- Flexible rostering arrangements
- Faster career progression opportunities
Brisbane is particularly attractive for physiotherapists, occupational therapists and experienced facility managers looking to advance their careers.
Perth, Western Australia
Perth offers a unique combination of career opportunities and lifestyle benefits.
Western Australia continues to face workforce shortages across aged care, creating favourable conditions for job seekers. Many providers are willing to offer premium rates to secure local staff rather than relying on temporary workforce solutions.
Benefits of working in Perth include:
- Strong demand across multiple roles
- Excellent work-life balance
- Competitive salaries
- Growing home care sector
- Access to outdoor lifestyle opportunities
Sydney, New South Wales
Sydney remains Australia’s largest aged care employment market.
As the headquarters location for many major providers, Sydney offers opportunities across every level of the sector, from entry-level care positions through to executive leadership roles.
Professionals commonly pursue Sydney-based opportunities in:
- Clinical leadership
- Dementia care programs
- Operations management
- Quality and compliance
- Executive aged care leadership
While salary potential is high, professionals should weigh this against Sydney’s higher living costs and commuting times.
Adelaide, South Australia
Adelaide offers a more relaxed alternative to Australia’s larger capitals.
The city’s ageing population continues to create steady demand for healthcare workers, while lower living costs can help professionals maximise their earnings.
Many workers choose Adelaide for:
- Affordable housing
- Short commute times
- Family-friendly lifestyle
- Strong community-focused healthcare services
- Growing allied health opportunities
The most in-demand aged care roles in 2026
While demand exists across many professions, several in-demand aged care roles continue to dominate recruitment activity nationwide.
Registered nurses
Registered nurses remain critical to delivering safe, high-quality aged care.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Clinical assessments
- Medication administration
- Care planning
- Team leadership
- Resident health monitoring
Personal care workers and home care workers
As more Australians choose to age at home, demand for community-based support continues to increase.
These professionals assist with:
- Personal care
- Daily living activities
- Mobility support
- Social engagement
- Household assistance
Allied health professionals
Physiotherapists and occupational therapists are increasingly embedded within aged care services to support mobility, independence and rehabilitation.
Demand is particularly strong in:
- Brisbane
- Adelaide
- Regional Queensland
- Regional Victoria
Travel and regional aged care professionals
Professionals willing to work in regional and remote communities that are experiencing higher vacancies can often access some of the highest earning opportunities in the sector.
Additional benefits may include:
- Accommodation support
- Travel allowances
- Relocation assistance
- Flexible contract arrangements
Discover where your aged care career can take you with Healthcare Australia
From Melbourne’s established healthcare network to Brisbane’s rapid growth and Perth’s lifestyle advantages, Australia’s aged care sector offers opportunities for professionals at every stage of their career.
Whether you’re looking for your first role in aged care or your next leadership opportunity, Healthcare Australia can help you find a position that matches your skills, goals and preferred location. Explore our current aged care jobs or learn more about becoming an aged care worker and take the next step in a rewarding healthcare career.
