Australia Employment Grows More than Estimated

Employment in Australia jumped 48,900 to a fresh peak of 14.75 million in February 2026, accelerating from an upwardly revised 26,000 gain in the previous month, compared with market expectations of a 20,300 increase. The latest result indicated the third straight month of monthly growth, as part-time employment surged 79,400 to 4.63 million, but full-time employment declined 30,500 to 10.12 million. The employment-to-population ratio remained unchanged at 64.0%, and the participation rate increased to 66.9% from the prior 66.7%. On an annual basis, total employment rose by 264,700, or 1.8%.

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%.