Australia Employment Growth Slows But Hits New High

Employment in Australia increased 17,800 to a new peak of 14.70 million in January 2026, following an upwardly revised 68,500 jump in the previous month, compared with market expectations of a 20,000 increase. The latest result indicated the second straight month of monthly growth, as full-time employment added 50,500 to 10.16 million, but part-time employment fell 32,700 to 4.55 million. The employment-to-population ratio edged lower to 63.9% from December's 64.0%, and the participation rate held steady at 66.7%. On an annual basis, total employment rose by 150,200, or 1.0%.

Employment in Australia jumped 65,200 to a record peak of 14.68 million in December 2025, shifting from a revised 28,700 decline in the previous month and easily exceeding market expectations of a 30,000 increase. The latest result indicated the fastest monthly rise since April, as full-time employment climbed 54,800, swinging from a revised 65,300 drop in November. Meanwhile, part-time employment increased by 10,400, easing from an upwardly revised 36,600 gain previously. The employment-to-population ratio went up to 64.0% from November's 63.8%, and the participation rate edged up to 66.7% from the prior 66.6%. On an annual basis, total employment rose by 165,400, or 1.1%.

Employment in Australia dropped by 21,300 to 14.66 million in November 2025, swinging from a downwardly revised 41,200 gain in the previous month and missing market expectations of a 20,000 increase. The latest result marked the steepest drop in nine months, as full-time employment declined by 56,500 to 10.08 million, reversing a downwardly revised 53,500 rise in October. Meanwhile, part-time employment increased by 35,200 after a downwardly revised 12,500 rise previously. The employment-to-population ratio fell to 63.8% from October's 64.0% and the participation rate eased to 66.7% from the prior 66.9%. On an annual basis, total employment rose by 182,400, or 1.3%.