However, growth from September to October showed full-time wages remained flat (0%) month-on-month for the first time in over a year; something we will keep a very close eye on. Meanwhile, casual wages rose 4.3% year-on-year.
Employment Hero’s data on quarterly wage growth in Healthcare/Community Services at 3.0% is significantly higher than the ABS data on Healthcare and social assistance at 1.7%
Despite wage gains, reduced hours are complicating the outlook, particularly for casual and part-time roles dependent on shifts or overtime. Average hours worked fell 6.0% year-on-year nationwide, with South Australia experiencing a sharp 9.6% drop. For employees, this reduction means that while wages are increasing to stay competitive, fewer hours are cutting into actual take-home pay, especially in roles where stable hours are essential.
This balancing act reflects the broader complexities of Australia’s labour market, as SMEs face rising wage pressures, adjusting hours to adapt to the cost of operating.”
