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%.