The Northern Territory offers diverse career opportunities across established industries that drive the NT's economy and emerging industries that are growing rapidly and creating new career opportunities.
With government and private investment driving growth, there is a high demand for skilled workers, and through strong industry support networks in the NT, connecting with mentors and finding job opportunities is easy.
The Northern Territory has a growing demand for healthcare professionals driven by an expanding population and government investment in hospital infrastructure and regional healthcare programs.
The NT offers unique opportunities for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and aged and disability care workers, particularly in Indigenous health and community care.
Major employers in the health and medical industry include NT Health, private hospitals and day surgeries, aged care facilities and Indigenous health organisations.
Supporting workforce development and healthcare service expansion are industry associations such as:
Mining has long been a cornerstone of the NT economy, and the Territory has some of Australia's largest mineral deposits, including uranium, zinc-lead, bauxite, and gold, attracting both national and international investment, along with the NT Government's support of exploration and new mining ventures.
The industry provides careers in engineering, geology, environmental management, and mine operations, to name a few.
Playing a crucial role in advocation for industry development and best practices are peak industry associations such as:
The agricultural sector in the Territory is diverse, including cattle farming, horticulture, fisheries, aquaculture, and agribusiness, to name a few, with important linkages to other sectors of the economy, such as retail and wholesale trade, manufacturing and transport.
Many opportunities exist in the industry, such as farm managers, agronomists, veterinarians, and supply chain workers. Providing essential support for businesses and workers in this field are industry associations such as:
The NT is a major player in the country's oil and gas sector, with major natural gas reserves driving economic growth. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports, along with emerging hydrogen and renewable energy projects, provide many opportunities for careers in the industry.
Advocating for sector development and workforce training are industry associations such as:
Tourism is one of the NT’s key industries, with iconic destinations such as Kakadu National Park, Uluru, and the Tiwi Islands drawing visitors from around the world. The hospitality sector plays a crucial role in supporting the industry, offering career opportunities in accommodation, events, food service, and tour operations. There is strong demand for chefs, hotel staff, tour guides, and operators.
Peak industry associations providing professional support and advocacy for the sector include:
With strong investment in infrastructure and urban development, the construction sector in the NT is thriving. Major projects include residential housing developments, commercial buildings, and large-scale government infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and school facilities. The industry offers a wide range of career opportunities for engineers, project managers, tradespeople, and skilled labourers.
Growth in the sector is supported by key industry bodies, including:
The Northern Territory Government is one of the largest employers in the region, offering diverse career opportunities across health, education, infrastructure, policy, and community services.
Local councils also play a key role in community development and service delivery.
The Local Government Association Northern Territory (LGANT) provides advocacy and support for councils and government employees, ensuring strong governance and development across the NT.
Emerging industries in the Territory
Digital, Tech and Innovation
The NT’s digital economy is rapidly expanding, with a growing need for IT professionals, cybersecurity experts, and digital innovators with careers in software development, data analytics, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain on the rise.
Industry bodies playing a key role in supporting this evolving industry include the Information Communication Technology Industry Association NT and Engineers Australia Northern Division.
Space and aerospace
The Northern Territory Government is committed to growing the Territory’s space industry, and is already home to globally significant space infrastructure, with more on the way.
This growing sector presents opportunities in aerospace engineering, robotics, satellite communications, and research.
You can find out more about industry opportunities and support for the Territory’s space sector here.
International education and training
The NT is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international students and vocational training.
Vocational training programs in areas such as healthcare, construction, and digital technology are helping to meet industry demands.
The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia works to strengthen the education sector, ensuring students receive high-quality training aligned with workforce needs.
Other industry associations and networks
These association cover broader business, trade, transport, and real estate sectors.
- Chamber of Commerce NT – Provides general business advocacy across all industries.
- NT Indigenous Business Network – Supports Indigenous entrepreneurship and business growth.
- Motor Trade Association – Represents the automotive industry.
- NT Road Transport Association – Focuses on freight, trucking, and road transport.
- Property Council NT – Covers commercial property and real estate development.
- Real Estate Institute NT – Represents real estate professionals and agencies.
Broaden your career options with further study
Charles Darwin University is the NT's leading provider of education and training, and offers various industry-based Technical and Further Education (TAFE) courses with flexible pathways and study. Explore courses in an industry that interests you.
There are plenty of other education providers here in the NT, look over our list and discover a provider that will suit your needs.
Free training courses
The NT and Australian government have funded some courses in the NT.
Read over the eligibility criteria.
Further information
More information about Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and the courses they offer can be found at myskills.gov.au.
For a checklist of what to consider when choosing a training provider, see the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) fact sheet Choosing a training or education provider.
For further information visit the Northern Territory Economy website.
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