Australia’s full-time employment change moderated in January 2026, with the number of full-time jobs increasing by 50.5K, down from a revised 54.8K gain recorded in December 2025. The latest figures, updated on 19 February 2026, indicate that while the pace of full-time job creation has slowed slightly, it remains robust by recent standards.
The easing from December’s level suggests a modest cooling in momentum, but the continued expansion in full-time positions points to an underlying labour market that is still generating substantial employment opportunities. Investors and policymakers are likely to watch upcoming releases closely to see whether January’s softer reading marks the beginning of a gradual normalization or merely a pause after a strong end to 2025.
